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I'm not a fan of war movies in general, so knowing that this was about the Revolutionary War made me less inclined to watch. However, it wasn't at all like a 'typical' war movie and I was glad I had watched. The Patriot is story- and character-centered. I purchased it because Heath Ledger had just died and I wanted to see all of his films; this was the first to garner him substantial notice in the movie industry. It should be noted that Heath's role was secondary. The star of this movie is Mel Gibson. Love him or loathe him, Mel Gibson is magnificent in the flick as a seemingly peaceful widower with six children who must unveil his secret brutal past when the war infringes upon his family. Taking place in South Carolina's forests, swamps, and on some of the large open green spaces in addition to the lovely old plantation estates housing rich folks and their slaves (slavery is referenced, but only in a rudimentary and idealistic manner), the film becomes gory and raw. It explores the depths to which mankind sinks in war. If you cannot stomach gruesome, bloody fight scenes, suicide and mass murder (among other horrors and imagery), then you should not watch The Patriot. However, none of the gore is gratuitous; it portrays the reality of men's fighting style during that period--in straight horizontal lines, facing each other, then shooting simultaneously--and the beginnings of ambush methods that the Revolutionaries used on the English. One will experience great rage and equally deep sorrow with the needless deaths and backstory of Gibson's family's struggles in evading the British as his character becomes the British Army's most-hated Revolutionary insurgent. The movie becomes about how the English utilize morbidly evil acts to draw Gibson and his fighters out to do battle and finish them off. Again, this wasn't a 'typical' war-type film. It left me with a better sense of history (a subject I'm terrible with!) and was well crafted enough that I became engrossed, experiencing a vast emotional spectrum throughout and coming away better for it.Read full review
This Heath Ledger/Mel Gibson flick about the American Revolution is not for history buffs, who will spend their time counting the numerous inaccuracies throughout the film. Others may not be in the mood for what might be considered cliche moments of duty, honour and love for one's country, not to mention cliche portrayals of the French, often the butt of a joke. The Patriot does lay it on a little thick, but that doesn't mean this film is a total loss. In fact, there is something endearing about The Patriot that will leave you loving the characters and cheering for a victory you already know is certain. The landscapes are sweeping and beautiful, and the storyline is compelling. The character portrayals are believable and performed in such a way that you do feel a connection to the leading family. If you leave your cynicism at the door, then you will find something in The Patriot that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and nostalgic, even if you're not American.Read full review
We have had "The Patriot" on VHS for years. I was interested in the DVD to see if the video quality was better and to have a more permanent copy. It is MUCH clearer. It may seem like an unnecessary expense in these financially difficult times, but if you have old VHS movies that are your favorites, consider upgrading! When you consider the low prices you pay on Ebay, It is worth the few bucks to up grade your collection. Many of the "classic" films will be far more expensive ten years from now. IF you can find them! I believe this is one of the best stories told on the war of independence. Now, more than ever, it is important to remember the sacrifices our ancestors made to give us this amazing country. Hopefully, we will place as high a value on liberty as they did. Heath Ledger does a great job in his role as the young man who is learning the values of life. Mel Gibson, as usual, gives an excellent portrayal of a mixture of several historical figures. I think the support cast is well chosen and the story is fast and entertaining. All in all, a great movie! One plot twist I didn't 'get, why the directer had the youngest daughter behave so poorly towards her father. It seem an unnecessary twist. As a side note. The swamp and the "old Spanish mission" scenes were filmed at Cypress Gardens in South Carolina. We have visited there and it was cool to see the area in it's 'real' setting. Consider a visit if you live close!Read full review
Good story that makes one Proud of our Founding Fathers & the sacrifices that everyone who supported & fought in our Revolutionary War went through to establish our country, the United States of America. By comparison, it makes one so sad to watch this once great nation being destroyed by the communists, the, political philosophy that only destroys.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
There are a few versions of this. There's an extended version with deleted scenes added back to the movie. This Special Edition one that I purchased has those scenes also, but you view them separately and it also includes commentary telling you why those scenes were removed. As for the movie itself, it's one of my absolute favorites. Mel Gibson does a phenomenal job of bringing the character of Benjamin Martin to life. The story almost seems to take place over a year in the movie (Because the characters don't age), but it takes place over several of the 8 years that the actual Revolutionary war lasted. The story is not a true story, but it draws on actual history, people and events throughout the 8 year period. It was no easy task to gain independence, individual freedoms and liberty and no easy task for families to live settled lives during that time. This movie is the story of the Martin family's challenge and the challenges of other families as people stepped up to defend their rights and win independence from oppressive rule. This story takes place in the Carolina areas at the time that George Washington was leading battles in the north. Although Washington did battle in the south at times and commanded the entire Continental Army, he is only breifly seen in this story. There is a strong realism to the characters and the (ficticious)story. This is just a great action drama on its face, but the time period and historical nature of this makes it that much more interesting.Read full review
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