The Patriot is a big action film set during the American Revolution. The main character, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) is a former soldier tortured by his violent past. That and the recent death of his wife make him not want to wage war with the British Empire. However, as much as he tries to remain neutral, things happen that push the old warhorse out of retirement. He joins the cause not only to assist his neighbors and countrymen, but also to wage his own personal vendetta against the limey bastards. The result, as we know, is a brand new Nation albeit soaked in rivers of blood.
This is absolutely the best American Revolution film I've ever seen. However, that does not make it the best film I've ever seen. Though it has scenes of personal loss and tragedy that hit you harder then a cannonball to the face, the film is loaded with clichˇs and cheese. It was formulaic how they created this one. Take the freedom fight and bloodshed of Braveheart, add a little camaraderie and bad humor from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, throw in a pinch of unbelievable Ultra-Heroics, i.e. one person winning against way too many, as is The Last of the Mohicans, and voila! You have The Patriot. The thing is that the film falls flat. You cry at the hard scenes but you aren't really touched by the film.
For all the crappy writing and bullshit scenes, the film does offer some bonuses. The cinematography is breathtaking. Watching it on a big screen is highly recommended. Go during the matinee. The big scenes are cool, but they are obviously a crutch to prevent a box office failure. There are ocean battles as well as land battles, and more blood than a tourniquet can stop.
What really kicks ass is the acting. That's what kept me in my seat for three hours instead of taking a smoke break intermission. Mel Gibson as always, was awesome. No one does rage, seething and contained, better than him. A close second is the nefarious Colonel William Tavington played by Jacob Isaacs. This is one hell of a bad guy. He's cold and calculating with a finesse of aristocratic logic that makes him more Devil than man. Heath Ledger as the young and impetuous Gabriel Martin, the son of Benjamin, has broken out with this film. Finally, an old favorite of mine since Bob in Le Femme Nikita is Tcheky Kayo. Kayo plays what else but a French Major named Jean. He provides a little levity mixed with anguish making his character more than just a minor role.
Overall, the film isn't worth seeing twice, unless you enjoy the intense violence of battlefields. The pretty pictures and brilliant acting just doesn't save the cause.
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