The Patriot (DVD)

When this movie was due for its cinematic release in the UK I heard nothing but bad reviews which ranged from moans about its complete disregard for history(how unusual for a Hollywood movie) to those who basically called it jingoistic cr*p. Hence I didn't bother going to see it, but decided instead to wait until it came out on video instead. But was it worth the wait?... Well, YES! is the answer. OK, so its not the most stunning accurate account of history, nor is it the most believeable either, but it is an excellent piece of Hollywood fiction which makes for highly enjoyable viewing. However, once again Mel Gibson plays a man fighting against the ...  Read the complete review

Before I go on, let me just clue you in on the title. For those among you that don’t, and didn’t get the reference I will explain. Anytime I have come across anything connected to this movie; they always use the sub title ‘Some things are worth fighting for’. And when I read this, the War of the Worlds song ‘The Spirit of Man’ pops into my head. Well it has the words ‘some things are worth fighting for’ in it. Anyway, don’t know if is anybody out there that got the gist of the title? Anybody? No? Ok then, just as well I cleared it up for you then isn’t it? So after watching another one of Mel ...  Read the complete review

Having heard and read a lot about this film before actually seeing it, I have to say the film I saw is not the one I expected and I really enjoyed it. Most of the reports and opinions I had seen/heard described this film as typically American, referring I assume, to the way the Hollywood filmmakers change history to suit their main market (America) and having the English playing the bad guys (well at least now the Cold War is over). Well, seeing as the film is set during the American War of Independence, which was fought against the English (albeit with a German King!), it is hardly surprising that the English are the villains in this case. Although saying it is the ...  Read the complete review

The Patriot, like Mels earlier film Braveheart, has the potential to be a very good film, and in many was it is. What lets both these films down is the fact that they try to pass themselves off as stories set against a factual historical background and both fail on that score. First a brief run through the plot. The film opens in 1776, the American War of Independance as it became known is raging and the Declaration of Independance is being drafted. Mel is a widower, Benjamin Martin, head of a large family, estate owner and a man who holds in a dark secret from his youth. His headstrong son, Gabriel, played by Heath Ledger, has come of age and against his ...  Read the complete review

Mel Gibson puts in a stunning peformance as he plays the character Benjamin Martin, widowed, father of seven and a former war hero. Wanting to bring up his children in peace, Martin is against entering a war with the British, but when one of his sons is murdered by the evil colonel Tavington, played by Jason Issac's. Mel Gibson then becomes the reluctant hero. Martin is joined by his eldest son, Gabriel, played by the hot new actor Heath Ledger. With yet more bashing of the English, Mel Gibson leads his militia into a battle for freedom. The battle scences are spectacular and the acting magnificent. Though it isn't all blood and gore, there are ...  Read the complete review