Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Movie
Review: In 1776, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a hero of the Fort Wilderness campaign, now a widower living in South Carolina with seven children to raise on his own, is once again confronted with war in "The Patriot," directed by Roland Emmerich. Benjamin believes in the cause, but has had enough of war and killing in his life, and is troubled by the prospect of leaving his children orphans if he must fight again; circumstances dictate otherwise, however, and Benjamin soon realizes that he has no choice other than to join in the conflict. Gibson gives a commanding, Oscar-worthy performance here as Benjamin, deftly capturing the inner conflict of a man torn between principle and necessity. He imbues him with the stoicism needed to shoulder responsibility, but also with the human touch required of fatherhood. Most importantly, Gibson makes it all credible; his Benjamin is real. Jason Isaacs is also outstanding as Colonel Tavington; there's a depth to his performance that truly brings out the bitterness and evil that dwells at the core of the man. Also notable is Leon Rippy, as John Billings, a member of the militia; there is a nuance he brings to the character that makes him memorable. The supporting cast includes Heath Ledger (Gabriel), Joely Richardson (Charlotte), Chris Cooper (Colonel Burwell), Tcheky Karyo (Jean) and Tom Wilkinson (Cornwallis). Emmerich has crafted an emotional, well-paced film that brings to life a time of which most of us know mainly through history lessons and books. Historically, whether or not "The Patriot" is accurate in detail is not really important. It is, after all, one man's story, a dramatization set against the backdrop of this particular conflict. That it conveys a sense of time, place and importance is what matters, and that it does. What is also important to remember, is that when a movie is as well made as this one, it not only entertains, but can educate as well; there is inspiration here that may well become the impetus that leads one to other sources for factual accounts of the Revolutionary War. This is the importance of movies, and it's all a part of the magic of the cinema. This is an emotionally charged, action packed, memorable film that is at once both intimate and of epic proportions. It is artistically rendered, beautifully photographed, and well acted; I just don't think there's a whole lot more you can ask of a movie. This is absolutely one that should not be missed.
Rating: 
Summary: Historically Hysterical, But The Cavalry Save The Day!
Review: As a historian who has worked on the papers of British (mainly Scots) officers in the Southern Campaigns of the American War, and visited one of the locations during filming last year, I can say this film is historically hysterical. The script is trite, every plot 'twist' more or less signposted in neon lights, and the white-washing (I use that word deliberately) of slavery and the attribution of WW2 SS atrocities to the British Legion despicable and morally irresponsible. The geography is a little odd and the chronology is off-beam (the British occupying Charleston in 1778 instead of 1780? The battle of Cowpens in October 1780, instead of Jan. '81? ). There's the usual confusion of referring to 'England' and 'the English' when 'Britain' and 'British' are meant, which really annoys the rest of us over here! Even the uniforms of the Legion (a Loyal American unit) have been changed from green to red with green facings so US audiences will know which side they're on! - exactly as happened in Alan Alda's comedy 'Sweet Liberty'! 'The Patriot' is a flag-waving farrago (literally - there's a lot of homing-in on flags and crosses, and a flag gets used in what I'd've thought the US would consider a most disrespectful way versus a hapless SFX horse!). It's deeply offensive to those of us whose families suffered at the hands of the real-life equivalent of the film's 'heroes'. It has also annoyed the fellow-citizens and family of the former Liverpool MP on whom the anti-hero is clearly meant to be based, who was by no means as bad as Rebel propaganda and the film portrayed... However, it gets 3 stars from me for the following: a) The cinematography is beautiful, as are the women's costumes (though Charlotte (Joely Richardson) doesn't dress like a widow!). b) It does have some thrilling cavalry charges. There's a lot of boring jingoistic schmaltz to wade through between the bits where the Dragoons turn up, but they make it worthwhile... Just listen for the hoof-beats! c) There's a cracking swashbuckler of a scene in a small-scale skirmish, with the young Dragoon Colonel Will Tavington (Jason Isaacs) getting stuck into the Rebs with sabre in one hand, pistol in the other. In the '1066 & All That' phrase, "extremely dashing in all directions", and looking very, erm... Byronic (hair down, shirt open)! (Why I went to see it *twice*!) 'The Patriot' will improve on being watched in a double-bill with Alan Alda's 'Sweet Liberty', which I know the crew were watching on video while they were making it! That film was truly prophetic!
Rating:
Summary: Good Movie
Review: Although I do agree about Gibson's childrens' age not changing after eight years (1776-1784), it was a good movie. Despite popular rumors, this movie is based on a true story. The man's name: Francis Marion AKA "Swamp Fox" to the British. Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin AKA "The Ghost" to the British in this movie. The murderous British generals name was Banastre Tarleton. He was a very brutal general, as depicted in the movie. All in all, his movie was a very good one at that. I thought Mel Gibson played an excellent part, as he does in all of his movies.
Rating: 
Summary: Bombastic noise
Review: 'The Patriot' is little more than a rank-in-file revenge tale that just happens to take place during the American war for Independence. And with its over the top villification of the English (their actions resemble the anti-partisan behavior of the Nazis) and the obnoxious politically correct civics lesson on race ("Gee, we're not slaves, we work this plantation of our own free will" -- Yeah, right!!), it's not even a good one at that. Oh sure, [director] Roland Emmerich has made sure to pull heart strings with the formula 'dying son in fathers arms' routine, but it comes no where near the tragic grandeur of 'Braveheart'. Emmerich needs to stick to big lizards and UFO's and leave American history alone.
Rating:
Summary: I love this movie!
Review: I think "The Patriot" is an excellent movie! It tells about a family in South Carolina during the Revolutionary war. Ben Martin's sons want to join the army, but he refuses. However, when the war is being fought in their yard, literally, they get mixed up in the war anyway. This was a very emotional movie, and it's one of my very favorites. It's rated 'R' for violence, but the violence is necessary, I believe, for a good war movie that captures the audience. I'm now more interested in the Revolutionary war, and even if this isn't always historically accurate, it's still a wonderful movie. I think a lot of people would really enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: I loved this movie...very raw and emotional. I was born in Charleston, SC so the whole thing kinda hit close to home. I haven't been back in a few years but when I do because of this movie I will look at the city in a totally different way. Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger's performances gave the Revolutionary war a reality that no history book ever has. It's not a feel good, happy ever after movie but it made me think and appreciate all the freedoms that most american citizens take for granted.
Rating:
Summary: Patriotic Tripe
Review: Perhaps I've become jaded after seeing Saving Private Ryan four times in the theater and owning the video, but The Patriot is screen writing at its worst. Although the battle scenes were impressive with no expense spared to stage them, I was frankly shocked at the brutality of the English as depicted in the movie. Everyone thinking person knows war is hell, but this film was perverse in dealing with the subject. I would find it hard to believe the British would burn down a church containing dozens of old men, women and children under any circumstances. The film has absolutely no historical bearing on what really took place during the Revolutionary War. While Mel Gibson is an engaging actor, the fight scenes he was compelled to portray were beyond realism. Consider when he was attempting to rescue his eldest son who was being taken to be hanged. Mr. Gibson and his two young sons brought down 20 British soldiers - some of the latter with Mr. Gibson's tommyhawk. Pure balderdash. The part of the extremely wicked Col. Talington was certainly overdone. Any army officer operating in such a way under the nose of General Cornwallis is totally unbelievable. Save your money. There are other films more worthy of your attention.
Rating:
Summary: What Is Really Going On in This Film
Review: First, Benjamin Martin did not join the rebels to "protect his son's back." Rather, he joined the fighting to teach his son that, if he was indeed going to fight, at least he should do it right. Also, being a true warrior, Martin loved a good fight. Even in the assembly scene in Charles Town, he stuck to his principles, even though he claimed not to have them, and at this point, the viewer hears the first strains of the heroic theme by John Williams. Second, this film, on its deepest level, is about forgiveness. Over and over again, throughout the film, Benjamin has to listen to jibes and wisecracks about "the hero of Fort Wilderness." And we know that Benjamin has not forgiven himself because he asks daily for forgiveness. The unmistakable appearances of the cross throughout the film indicate Benjamin is indeed forgiven, even if he cannot forgive himself. He stoically absorbs all the jibes, fearing all the time retribution for what he has done, and it comes to him, classically, as in Job's, "that which I feared has come upon me," or Oedipus trying vainly to avoid his fate. Not only must Benjamin forgive himself, but also Jean, the Frenchman, must come to forgiveness, which he does by the end of the story. We see him stand, amazed, after bidding Benjamin farewell, that he could, indeed, forgive the man who committed those terrible acts upon his countrymen. "The Patriot" also has classical overtones. For one thing, it is truly an epic, in that it is episodic. Secondly, and more important, this is a story of a quest or odyssey: Benjamin Martin's journey through, and to the end of, his fear. The most important scene in the film occurs when Ben pulls the American flag out of his dead son's saddlebag and reflects for a moment or two. At that moment, Benjamin Martin is having an Epiphany. Everything is coming together for him: Why his sons sacrificed their lives; what the flag meant to them and what it means to Ben in that moment; and, most important, that he now has nothing to fear since his worst fears have been realized. He can forgive himself and accept himself now for what he is--a ruthless fighter--because he finally realizes that God has long ago forgiven him. Once his mind is cleared of guilt, he is free to fight for the right reasons and in honor of his sons' memory, not to "get" Tavington. At this moment he becomes The Patriot, and can fulfill his duty in battle, abandoning on the field the opportunity to face Tavington in order to rally the faltering militia for something far nobler than personal revenge. When Martin drops his obsessive preoccupation with his guilt and rises above his small world, he becomes a hero. He forgets Tavington, and a few moments later, Tavington comes to him, unsought. Thus, he is able to observe the victorious joy of his fellows on the field without participating. He has achieved his own victory, and the realization and acceptance of what he has won bring him thoughts that lie too deep for tears...or even joy.
Rating:
Summary: A father, A family
Review: Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger put in an outstanding performance in The Patriot. It was about a father keeping his family from war and a son fighting for the war. His home is peacful until the war ends up on his doorstep threatning to hang his son and burn his home. I thought it was a great movie describing how desperate a war can get. When a colonel has been at the front lines to long he begins to kill all who stand against the king including the wives and childeren of those who are rebels. I can believe that there are men like that in warfare who are absolutly desperate. Yes, it does have some original scenes in it like good guy thinks bad guys dead, bad guy kills good guy. Even so there are many scenes where you don't know what's going to happen. I thought it the best war movie since Gettysburg. The movie rates itself. I liked it so much I've seen it twice. if you like Mel Gibson you'll love the Patriot. So what are you still sitting there for, go see it!
Rating: 
Summary: An fine movie, which sadly isn't all it could have been !
Review: Not being a fan of Mel Gibson in particular, but finding that most of the films in which he has participated have been very much to my liking, I went and saw 'The Patriot' not really knowing what to expect. All I had seen was a couple of trailers, that, in actuality, really didn't give me a wholesome impression of how good the film was going to be. When it started though, the first thing I noticed was the music, and thought to myself how much the music often means, when you afterwards reflect upon movies you have seen. Made by John Williams, I sort of knew that I probably was going to in for a treat. The music corresponds almost perfectly with the movie, and supplies a wonderfully atmospheric beckground. That's what I think, anyway. I considered not writing this review, since I'm not really that knowledgeable about the war between the English and the colonialists, but decided then that even though I might not be able to tell you whether the movie was historically liaible or not, I would nonetheless hopefully be able to tell you how well I thought it was made. Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, a widowed former soldier with seven children, who, against his will, is thrown into a bloody war, because he, as a father, must see to the safety of his eldest son. That son wants to go to war against the English redcoats, and nothing his father can say will make it otherwise. So his father goes along, and being an ex-soldier, does a very fine job. Mel tries, with his splendid acting, to leave the audience awestruck, and it works extremely well. His character is apparently more or less based on a real person who lived back then, and that makes for an even better film. It's not 'Braveheart' and never will be, nor is it supposed to compare with it. A good film in it's own right, it could, however, have been much better if director Roland Emmerich had not settled for a good and humorous film, where he should have gone for the BIG one. The movie holds a tad too many silly scenes, that, however amusing they may be, somehow makes you wonder if they had not been better applied in another film. Sometimes you don't know whether expect a laugh or a cry. One touching and beautiful scene is followed immediately by a funny one. That simply doesn't work, in my mind. Mainstream audiences will probably love this film, since that is where Emmerich seems to have aimed it. The quality of actors in this film go from sublime to appaling, and it feels rather odd when such two actors meet. One full of heartfelt emotion, and the other acts like one would expect of a rotting vegetable, apparently dying or lifeless. Ok, strange analogy, but watch the film and experience the gap that exists between the abilities of the actors of this movie. The head villain is great, though, and his verbal and physical skirmishes with Benjamin Martin are of almost epic proportions. This films oozes of would-be/could-be epic status, but due to mainstream elements, it sadly fails to attain such a status. This movies will appeal to a VERY wide audience, but will not impress anyone as much as it could have. Judge for yourself, and DO go see this film, you won't want your money back, that's almost guaranteed.
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