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The Patriot | Year: 2000 Classification: Drama Directed: - Roland Emmerich - Dean Semler Actors/Actresses: - Rene Auberjonois - Camilla Belle - Chris Cooper - Mel Gibson - Jason Isaacs - Heath Ledger - Gregory Smith - Tom Wilkinson - Steven Seagal - Gailard Sartain - Mary Jo Deschanel Not All Blood and Gore Epic As a follow-up to the amazing success of Saving Private Ryan, its creators decided to try their hand at the American Revolution. Their idea turned into another amazing epic. Mel Gibson shines brilliantly as a soldier-turned-father who must decide whether to join the ranks of the Americans fighting for freedom from British tyranny or to remain away from the field of battle and raise his seven children following the death of his wife. A relative newcomer (to me anyway) Heath Ledger is also amazing as the son, Gabriel, who joins with the American forces. Gabriel fights along with his comrades and also falls in love with a girl from his youth. There are epic battles, daring escapades, romance, and even some light-heared comedy in this sweeping epic. There is so much more to this film than the nomal shoot 'em up war movie. The Patriot has heart, soul, humor, an so mch more. A father is torn between his duty as a father and the duty to the values he holds dear. Although some of the characters in the movie are fictitious, I found it very refreshing that a great deal of historical data was presented throughout. This is one amazing film!! The Patriot "The Patriot" is a fine action/adventure drama about a South Carolina farmer in 1776 (Mel Gibson) who reluctantly becomes involved in the American Revolution. The film is directed by Roland Emmerich who gave us "Independence Day", "Stargate" and "Godzilla". Those films were popcorn events whose only purpose was to entertain audiences in a loud fashion. Love them or hate them, those films succeeded in that respect. "The Patriot" is produced with the same flair as Emmerich's previous efforts, but this film succeeds remarkably where those films could not. This film is an exciting popcorn event film written and acted expertly. "The Patriot" may be Hollywood's first Oscar worthy popcorn film. The heart of the film is Mel Gibson's performance as Benjamin Martin. A hero of the French/Indian War, Martin is now a content farmer overseeing his brood of seven children. His oldest son; Gabriel (Heath Ledger) signs on to fight the British agianst his father's wishes and before long Martin himself is fighting along with Gabriel. While Gabriel fights for freedom, Martin's quest is far more dark and more personal as he tries to both protect his son in the war and seek revenge against a blood thirsty Redcoat played by Jason Issacs. This film has all the aspects of a great summer event blockbuster. It has spectacular action sequences, villians and noble heroes, a strong supporting cast, a sweet romance and good hearted humor. It is also the first solid film by Roland Emmerich. He proves with the right screenwriter, in this case "Saving Private Ryan"'s Robert Rodat, that he can be a very effective filmmaker. STIRRING AND MOVING Once again, people crave for authenticity...the way it really happened....and once again, I say, "It's a movie. It's entertaining and moving....I didn't take my history book along to make sure it was totally accurate. I like escapism, and movies that move me." This movie did that. It's beautifully filmed by the respected Caleb Deschanel; the music by John Williams is moving, and the cast on a whole is exceptional. Mel Gibson has been labeled an okay actor, but if you look deep inside his performances, the man does his best in filling whatever shoes his role dictates. As the family-oriented and somewhat stubborn father, he evokes the pain he feels from his actions in an earlier battle with the French; he seems devastated by his youngest daughter's silence to him; and he loves his family. Joely Richardson is effectively cast as Mel's sister in law, who helps take care of his family during this crisis. Heath Ledger is all gungho and spirited as Gabriel, and plays well with the rest of his cast. Tom Wilkinson is superb as Cornwallis, a man steeped in tradition and British fanfare. His scene with Gibson in which the patriot negotiates for the release of his 18 prisoners is exceptional. Jason Isaacs is pure evil in his role as the heartless Haverton (or whatever), and shows that war to him is merely licensed murder. The rest of the supporting cast: Chris Cooper, Rene Auberjonois, Adam Baldwin, Gregory Smith, Mira Boorkem, and Donal Logue, in particular, are great additions. Buy The Patriot at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Patriot Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Patriot This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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