Rating: 
Summary: Sorry, but this movie let me down
Review: "The Patriot" is Mel Gibson's attempt to return to his "Braveheart" glory, and unfortunately he fails. This movie really caught my interest for the first twenty minutes, and then really started to drag on. By the time it was to a scene where Gibson was hiding his family out in a some coastal town, I was considering getting up and doing something else. The acting is good and so is the scenery, but British atrocities are grossly exaggerated, and there is little emphasis on the actual war. The whole movie's basically a revenge plot, the villain's so evil that it's hard to believe that there was a British leader like that, and did I mention that the movie's almost two hours too long? Plot and emotion are good, but "The Patriot" way overdoes it. I finally resumed interest in the final battle scene, which is impressive. If only the whole movie had been as good as the beginning and the end. If you want a Gibson war movie, watch "Braveheart". 2 1/2 Stars
Rating: 
Summary: Really 3 and a half stars
Review: I loved the look of this movie and Mel Gibson and his English nemesis are great, too. Unfortunately, nobody else in the movie is able to succeed. The direction, especially the fight scenes, often times failed. I dont know why they felt slow motion battle scenes needed to be done so often, but thats what happened and it hurts the movie. The production and cinematography are both top notch. The music was instantly forgettable, unusually uninspiring, especially for John Williams. Braveheart, which parallels this movie in many ways is a far superior film. It should be said that this is the best movie Ive seen on the American Revolution, but that says more to the fact that so few quality films about that war have been made. This is a good rental to me, not a keeper.
Rating: 
Summary: AWESOME MOVIE! Patriotic Message we need in this day!
Review: This movie has been awesome since I frist saw it on the big screen. Its a true patriotic movie--an old-fashioned movie. Though not necessarily wholly accurate in historical detail, The Patriot does serve its purpose. It reminds us of our roots. Americans--patriots overcoming tyranny and oppression from a corrupt power hungry goverment.
Rating:
Summary: Another great Mel Gibson good guy movie
Review: What can I say, Mel Gibson is your prototypical good guy. Here he excels once again.Mel Gibson plays a former hero of the French and Indian war. His prowess on the battlefield has gained him significant respect. So when asked to vote on whether to wage war on England or not, his dove-like posture comes as quite a surprise. He has seen too much of the brutality of war and now has a family to consider. Unfortunately, he is almost alone in this sentiment and war is waged. Subsequent events pull him into the fray (no, I won't tell you, it would ruin the story) and he comes out as a colonel in the militia ranks. Unfortunately, he has a debt to repay and this motivates and haunts him until the end of the movie. What is particularly, interesting in this movie from other Mel Gibson roles, is that he is both the splash and dash hero and very much the vulnerable parent. It is a role, you can see many of fathers of our country dreaded. Because in war, people die. If that war is in your homeland, your family is very much at risk. Their portrayal of the English attrocities I understand, has raised protest from the UK. I'm not surprised it is very one-sided in this regard. As Mel Gibson's character describes his participation in the French and Indian War, it is obvious, this often is a tactic used by both sides. I would doubt the American side was scot clean here either. Unfortunately, if you follow any of the news today, from Yugoslavia, to Israel, not much has changed. You would think we would as a world improve on this. Enough said. The story shows some of the tactical advantages that helped save the American front. It is always wise to examine your enemies weaknesses and exploit them. You also as Mel Gibson's character did, must anticipate their moves as well. One slight resulted in significant casualities and another bad calculation, lost a family member. This movie was predictable in that the good guy wins. I'm not disappointed in that, however, what did surprise me was the cost of the win. There were many truths, a parent must face in this. Not all of them easy to learn. There was some graphic scenes in the battles. Shot off heads and severed limbs. All I'm sure realistic scenes in battle. I don't think they were over done. I'm pretty squeamish and I made it through okay though. Oblique camera angles and quick glimpses made it tolerable. The style of battle back then, with the straight lines of attack, all seem so ridiculous. You almost know if you are in the front line, you have bought it for that day. The actors that played Mel Gibson's children did a wonderful job. From the controlled independence of his oldest to the youngest child that was afraid to lose him. Mel Gibson has a way of personifying his characters, with interesting quirks. This character was plagued by his memories of previous wars, hot tempered, protective of his children, stern but approachable. He also was frustrated in his lack of ability in furniture making. This is an interesting movie that shows the cost our forefathers paid for our freedom. A definite must see.
Rating:
Summary: GOD BLESS AMERICA...
Review: This is a highly entertaining film about the American Revolution, not in the historic sense, but on a more personal note. It is the revolution as seen through the eyes of one family and how it affects them and those whom they know and love. While not wholly historically accurate, and at times more politically correct than is believable for the era it depicts, one should keep in mind that this is not a documentary. Rather, it is an exceedingly well made film that grips the viewer. Mel Gibson plays a reluctant hero; a man who does not take sides in the war until forced to do so, when one of his young sons is killed during a gratuitous display of brutality by a British officer, and another is taken away to be hanged. This galvanizes Mel Gibson into action, and he rescues his son with a ferocity of purpose that is gripping. Once committed, Gibson becomes a leader of the local militia and the scourge of the British. There is a droll scene in which he and Cornwallis, the leader of the British campaign, meet and Gibson manages to get the better of him. It is here, however, that the British officer who killed Gibson's son locks horns with him and the lines are drawn. This sets the tenor for what is to come. There are scenes of great babarity and pathos which tell one that war is not just about heroism and great battles, but about personal pain and loss. It is about a desire for freedom and the privilege of living in peace without the yoke of tyranny around one's neck. Despite the odds, Gibson cuts a wide swath of destruction among the British, and his prowess and leadership on the battlefield ultimately leads to a turning point in the American Revolution. This movie shows the effect that the war had on civilians and how there lives were affected by it. The film is about love, family, honor, dishonor, tragedy, and redemption. It is a movie that should not be missed.
Rating:
Summary: Well Done. Love the drama
Review: The Patriot is more than a movie about a country trying to earn it's independence from another, it's about a man that discovers his love for that country through the tragic death of two of his sons. This movie was gripping and the drama was wondeful. Anyone who is interested in the American Revolution and loves movies about men fighting for their family will love this movie. Mel Gibson gives his greatest performance since "Braveheart" as Benjamin Martin, a South Carolina farmer, and former captain, who sees his second oldest son murdered by a brutal British Colonel. This prompts him to start a militia group for the Continental Army. As he seeks revenge for his son's death he soon loses his eldest son to the same colonel. Soon after this he learns that he is fighting not only for revenge, but for a new country that he has grown to love. A very gripping movie that should be played every Memorial Day.
Rating:
Summary: one of a kind
Review: this was a great movie...the best civil war movie i have seen in along time...mel gibson was great...
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful film!
Review: "The Patriot" is an amazing DVD experience. The movie itself is stunning, and the DVD version enhances its qualities even more so. Jason Isaacs gives a brilliant performance as the evil Colonel Tavington, and anyone who enjoyed him in the movie will love the Tavington centered deleted scenes. Deleted scenes or not, this film is incredible from start to finish. Mel Gibson is intense as Benjamin Martin, and the lovely Joely Richardson brings warmth to the screen. The children, played by magnificent young actors, were equally good. And Heath Ledger was scene stealing as the free spirited Gabriel. I cannot recommend "The Patriot" enough. It keeps me entranced every time. Certain scenes have me yelling in delight, while others have me in shocked silence. It is an action flick with a heart of gold, complete with a beautiful score and gorgeous cinematography. Simply put, I believe this movie to be excellent for anyone desperate for an involving, well-crafted story. It is truly a memorable experience!
Rating:
Summary: Blehhhh.....
Review: Well, I suppose I should be happy that any major studio is daring to touch American history as a subject again; in that way I did actually look forward to seeing this film. The rumors are mostly true: it is in essence Braveheart transplanted to the American revolution. The English are still either effeminate fops or sadistic monsters, and the sole French character is also as stereotypical as ever (but in a slightly humorous way). The entire issue of slavery has been evaded, tearing gigantic holes into the plot. I shudder to think of this movie being used as history education---as much as I thank its creators for taking up this perenially neglected era. Despite all this, The Patriot is still significantly better than, say, Mission Impossible 2. I was curious enough to see it through to the finish (although I fast-forwarded liberally).
Rating:
Summary: More action from the Aussie
Review: Ok, he was born in New York, I think, but has an Australian accent. I didn't read many reviews of this film before I saw it so I was expecting a movie in-line with history. Though The Patriot didn't fullfill those expectations, I was not disappointed; in fact, I loved it. Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, a retired soldier who became a hero in the battle with the French. After having 6 children and loosing a wife, he decides that war is not in his future anymore. His sons have different asperations. Martin and his eldest son, I believe his name was Joseph, go to the seat of South Carolina for a meeting. While there, Martin confesses his distaste of war to the populace to the chagrin of his compatriots. Though he did not vote on the passage of the levy, it nonetheless passes and his son, against Martin's wishes, joined the Continental Army. After some months of battle, his son returns home to heal. Martin and his helpers, not his slaves, decide to lend medical attention to any soldier, British or otherwise. Unfortunately, this merciful act leads to tragedy. A British regimen comes to Martin's home and initially, they thank him for caring for "his majesty's soldiers". Soon afterwards, a British commander arrives and orders the rebel soldiers killed and the messenger of the military mail, Martin's son, to be hanged. Martin stood dumb-founded as his eldest son is being taken away to his destiny. But his second eldest had no such notion to stand and see his brother killed. He runs to his brother, pushes the soldier taking him away, and is then shot by the British commander. After the soldiers depart, Martin goes into his house (which is now on fire at the order of the commander) and gets his indian tomahawk and guns. He takes his last 2 sons to the forest where the soldiers with his son are and unleash a vicious attack upon the British soldiers. Martin is now in the war but he decides that a traditional war would not win them freedom. He and Joseph recruit regulars and form a militia which wreaked more havoc upon the British than the Continental Army ever did. Expect lots of action, blood, and tears (from you).
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