The Patriot (2000)

His Review:

The Patriot is the story of the Revolutionary War told through the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson).  Ex-soldier Benjamin lives in South Carolina on his plantation with 7 children.  He no longer has his wife and since her death he has vowed to renounce violence and conflict.  However, when his eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger) goes against his fathers wishes and joins the Revolution.  When he returns home wounded, the enemy come looking for him and a confrontation arises and one of Benjamin’s middle children is killed and Gabriel is captured by Col. Tavington (Jason Isaacs).  This snaps something inside Benjamin and he vows to go after Tavington and joins the militia with fellow friend Harry Burwell (Chris Cooper).

Ever since I saw Braveheart, any epic from history that stars Mel Gibson is going to be gold and the Patriot doesn’t disappoint seeing as I have put it in my personal top 100 list.  It is a very moving and emotional epic that is the first movie to work with the Smithsonian Institute for historical accuracy.  It has plenty of action and the scene when Benjamin goes after the caravan while hidden in the trees with several rifles and an axe is just gold.  Col. Tavington is probably one of the most hated bad guys I’ve ever seen in a movie and is the reason I remember who Jason Isaacs is as an actor.  Not to mention this is one of the few great roles from the late Heath Ledger.  If you enjoy American History, Mel Gibson, and action epics then watch this movie!  Co-starring Tom Wilkinson, Joely Richardson, and Donal Logue.

9/10 Stars – Full of heart, emotion and action!

Click below for links to IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187393/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1098149-patriot/