Today’s quick review: The Patriot. At the outset of the American Revolution, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a widower and a father of seven, chooses to take care of his family rather than fight. But when Colonel William Tavington (Jason Isaacs), a heartless British dragoon, murders one of his sons, Benjamin takes up arms as a colonel in the Continental Army, leading the South Carolina militia against the forces of General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson).
The Patriot is a war drama set during the Revolutionary War. Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, a retired soldier who put his violent past behind him to start a family. Now, with British soldiers committing atrocities on his doorstep, Martin has no choice but to fight for his country. The Patriot is a solidly constructed drama whose grounded characters, meaningful themes, and thrilling battles capture the essence of the American Revolution.
The Patriot shows the uphill struggle faced by American troops in the Revolutionary War. Martin makes use of crafty and unconventional tactics to fight the British, in contrast to both the old-fashioned thinking of Cornwallis and the war crimes perpetrated by Tavington. The fight choreography is not as precise as in comparable movies, but it conveys the key dynamics of the battles, and its intensity helps sell the importance of the conflict.
The Patriot also ties the war to the personal story of a father who has to leave his family in order to save them. Mel Gibson’s performance is the glue that holds the film together, conveying the love and regret that drive Martin, while Jason Isaacs makes for a disturbingly effective villain as Tavington. The emotional beats of the story are simple but effective, and they are backed by strong dialogue and good supporting character moments.
Watch The Patriot when you’re in the mood for a dramatic but uplifting story. The clear-cut moral conflict and fairly predictable plot will not speak to everyone, while the action is not quite as spectacular as in some films. But the strength of its characters, the skillful flourishes with the dialogue and dramatic tension, and the ideals it brings to life are enough to make The Patriot a great watch for the right viewer.
For another drama set in the historical South, try Gone with the Wind. For another tale of rebellion starring Mel Gibson, try Braveheart. For a drama with a similar protagonist and tone, try Gladiator.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for capable storytelling.