The Patriot

Rated R for strong war violence
157 minutes running time
Columbia Pictures
Directed by Ronald Emmerich
Starring: Mel Gibson and Ledger Heath
Rating:

Once in awhile a movie comes along that reaches out and shakes you up a bit. The Patriot is such a movie. This emotionally charged story hits all the marks, fully drawing the audience in. It's far more complex than a chronicle of the Revolutionary War. The Patriot is the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a South Carolina farmer, widower, father of seven and former war hero. He's haunted by the atrocities he committed during the French and Indian War and fears to have their price delivered back upon his family, thus setting his reluctance to become involved in the fight against General Cornwallis. His oldest son Gabriel (Ledger Heath), not understanding his father's counsel, sees things in a different light and hurries to enlist. Benjamin's stance of noninvolvement is shattered when a battle encroaches on his farm and his son Gabriel is captured by the English and ordered to be hanged. The long put away soldier in Benjamin resurrects in an attempt to save his family.

As the Martins are drawn further and further into the war, Benjamin seems to come more and more alive and Gabriel begins to lose some of his idealism and gaze reality in the face. The other family members and characters reflect the high toll war has on a group, a family, as well as the individual and cause and effect on each. Undercurrents of politics and advancement whisper through the film, but thankfully don't get lost in the imposing battle scenes. If you like battles, you're sure to enjoy this movie and see plenty of action and bloodshed among the canon and musket fire and dragoon action. You'll hate these arrogant English even more than you did in "The Last of the Mohicans".

The Patriot was written by Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan) and pays plenty of attention to the war and its primaries. Sixty-three principal actors, 95 stuntmen, 400 extras and 400 re-enactors helped give the production it's authentic feel. The costumes were very well done with close attention to detail. The characters continued to evolve and reveal more of themselves through out the film. There wasn't a flat face on the screen. If you peel this story apart there are several layers all interesting in themselves. History enthusiasts will recognize who the principal roles are modeled on. (In Benjamin Martin's case it is a composite of true life models rather than one actual person.)

If you don't go to any other movie this year, go to this one. It's a must see. It's been a long time since I've come out of a movie and heard so many enthusiastic comments from the exiting audience. The Patriot sends a lot of messages, awakens American pride and begs us to ask questions of ourselves.