Rating: 
Summary: A right perspective
Review: As a dad trying to raise two boys into wise, strong men, I found this move just right. When they're old enough, it'll be one we watch together. Gibson plays a man who has seen the horrors of war and understands that the right path is to be slow to anger, to avoid war when possible. But there are times when the cause is right and just, and war must be waged. If you must war, then it's not a halfway thing - you wage it with a fury that would overwhelm hell, win the battle that must be won, and then return to peace. A good fictional story to add to their curriculum of real-life historical heroes.
Rating:
Summary: I thought this movie was great...
Review: I loved this movie. Its about family, loss, and patriotism, as well as lots of action! Its infortunate that so many people compare this to Mel's other movie, "Braveheart" which in itself is a masterpiece. Perhaps if it was released a year later (after the events of 9/11/01), the theme of patriotism and loss would have gotten a better reception. Nonetheless, I reccomend this movie to everybody.
Rating: 
Summary: VERY PREDICTABLE STORY WITH SOME EXCITING BATTLES
Review: Having just watched The Patriot and looked over a few of the previous reviews, let's get one thing out of the way---there are those who criticize this movie for not being a realistic vision of the American Revolution (artistic license, please) so they praise the story of a man and his family caught in war's whirlwind but really, this story is weak and extremely predictable right down to the showdown on the battlefield between Gibson and his sons' murderer. There were so many moments when I laughed and said "enough, already." Are we to believe that a father would stand by while his firstborn son is led away to be hung while his secondborn son is shot and killed right in front of the whole family? The smartest character here is little Susie who refuses to talk! She's probably thinking "I may be young but I WASN'T BORN LAST NIGHT!" And the scene at the aunt's house where everyone is hiding in the basement from the mean Brits --- COME ON, travel all that distance and not search the basement? There are just too many unbelievable scenes here that, one on top of the other, make this an embarrassment. Who wrote this crap? On the other hand, no movie yet has captured this revolution with even a smidgen of historical accuracy so I give it 3 stars for trying. Many people may think it stupid for opposing armies to face each other in open field and fire their weapons all at once but this was the way they often fought with the idea that whoever could reload faster might hold the field. And Cornwallis' interview with Martin concerning "gentleman's" fighting tactics neatly summarizes 18th century warfare unbelievable as it may seem to modern eyes. The hackneyed story and cliche-ridden details throw this effort off the track very early in the movie and by the end (and it doesn't come soon enough) you're left wondering what a picture with Tom Hanks instead of Aussie Mel Gibson would've looked like. I will say this in it's defense---the sound of muskets and cannon are a refreshing change from all other war movies!
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie w/ some educational value!
Review: WE are watching this movie in our 8th grade history class. It even has some educational value. It teaches about the the Revolution and how it affected family. Mel Gibson fights against his once allies when the lobsterbacks shoot and kill one of his sons. The movies is basically Gibson getting revenge on Britain while his oldest son (Heath Ledger) helps him. When Ledger gets taken away by British soldiers and his little brother gets shot in the heart, Gibson and his other 2 sons whipe out a whole army! Most kids in my class liked the part where 1 guy gets his head blown off by a cannon ball. This movie is rated R for violence. But its not that bad. No fowl language, and no sexual content. All around good movie! I loved it!
Rating: 
Summary: Historical fluff.
Review: This is a popcorn movie. Make no mistake about it. The historical inaccuracies abound. But let's face it, you came in to Mel Gibson in full "Braveheart" mode fighting for the good ol' USA. Did you really expect the creators of "Independence Day" and the overblown remake of "Godzilla" were going to produce a documentary? Gibson is Gibson as the head of a family, relocated from England to the New World. When the revolution breaks out, his military expertise is called upon to help win the day. He relucantly joins the fight alongside Heath Ledger as his eldest son. The rest you can pretty well guess. Some good performances and well choreographed battle scenes make this a decent movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: What can one say about The Patriot that hasn't already been said? Sure it has some "history" problems and the timing isn't necessarily right througout the movie but it is a great diversion for a couple of hours and well worth the watch! The story is engrossing, realistic and believable. The cinematography is excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Mel Gibson does it again
Review: satisfaction is guaranteed when seeing the patriot. Mel Gibson plays a farmer in south Carolina during the revolution thrust into the war he was hoping not to participate in.Gibson is absolutely awe inspiring on the battlefield in this 2000 summer hit movie.His personal opponent during the war in the south Colonel William Tavington (Jason Isaacs) is easily dislikable. The final showdown between Benjamin Martin(Mel Gibson) and Tavington is masterfully choreographed. Tavington played by Isaacs is partly based on a true Btitish officer during the revolution in the south "the Butcher" Colonel Tarlton.
Rating:
Summary: Ok for the action and killing, But...
Review: I enjoy watching Gibson kill and smash the bad guys so I enjoyed this film. It really falls short when it comes to the actual story, so don't expect it to be anything like a great historical war movie like "Glory". It is a shame that the producers were willing to put up so much money to make a period film but weren't willing to demand excellence. And I know that Gibson is capable of delivering it. Someone must have felt that since Braveheart was such a success all they had to do was repeat the general theme in a different time and place and they'd have a wonderful movie. Wrong. But as for the action and death and blood and adventure this movie was fun and I even watched it with my teenagers as it is minus sex or nudity, just gore. It is entertaining so I give it a recommendation to those that like adventure and action. Not to those looking for a really good period story. Not a movie I am anxious to see again either, unlike Braveheart which I could easily watch every couple of years.
Rating:
Summary: The critics are wrong
Review: This is one of the best movies ever made. Of course critics will criticize, since that is their job, so pay little attention. The overwrought term "manipulative" misses the point that movies are supposed to manipulate, emotionally, their viewers, and The Patriot does this perfectly. There really is nothing that can be said negatively about this epic tale, except that the gore is a little too heavy, especially in the "axe scene", but with that aside, all the details of this lavish film work. The acting is believable and appropriate for each character. The battle scenes are riveting and realistic. The story pulls you in and holds you to the end. You believe these characters and relate to them, especially if you have a family of your own. This movie impacts you on a very emotional level, as well as a visual and intellectual one. THough it may be lacking some historical accuracy, that does not matter, as the look and "feel" of it is historical. In other words, it gives you a true respect and appreciation for those rag-tag patriots who gave their lives and spilled their blood to win our freedoms. It truly puts you THERE, and that is really what a movie is supposed to do. My eyes were not dry throughout most of this film, and the Patriot left me, in the end, with renewed Patriotism. One last comment. It has been said that the war is but a backdrop in this film, and those who make that claim miss the point. THis movie is NOT about the war, it is about the individuals who lived and fought during the war. That is why it becomes so personal, as you are drawn into the lives of these brave early Americans. The war does serve as a backdrop, but an important one that defines who these people are and why they are that way. IT just all works. Buy it, watch it, and appreciate it! It truly embodies the spirit that we in America are feeling at this trying time in our nation, so watch it and be encouraged.
Rating:
Summary: American version of Brave Heart
Review: I can't say that I did not like the movie but there are certain factors that did not help this movie to get the credit it deserves: First, Mil Gibson himself. He did "Brave Heart" before. Why should he act two movies that are very much alike?!! This was the biggest turnoff in the movie. Because you can't help but keep comparing and frankly Brave Heart is better. Second, there was no battle scenes except one... and it was not well done. Third, all the way while watching the movie you can predict what is going to happen next. Fourth, with the events provided in this movie I find 160 minutes is too long. But still, it is worth watching. And if you build a library, I'd buy it next to Brave Heart, Robin Hood, Gladiator, The 13th Warrior & Zoro.
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