The Patriot (2000)

The Patriot (2000)
by Eric Maus

"Before they were soldiers, they were family. Before they were legends, they were heroes. Before there was a nation, there was a fight for freedom."

   Ronald Emmerich's The Patriot (rated R for war violence) is a masterful work of cinema. A fictional story of America's Revolution, this film is about the birth of the United States of America, but still offers many beneficial lessons to the Americans of today.

   Set in Colonial America, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a veteran of the French and Indian War, lives with his children on a plantation in South Carolina. Haunted by his past, he wants nothing more than to lead a peaceful life, and wants nothing to do with war, despite the impending revolution against England. His eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger), however, enlists in the regulars, much to the disappointment of his father. After a sadistic British colonel named William Travington comes to Benjamin's plantation, murders his son Thomas, and burns down his house, Benjamin realizes he must take action against the tyrannical British, for the sake of his family and neighbors. Joined by Gabriel and a ragtag band of warriors, Benjamin sets out to attain freedom for the nation he loves.

  This movie does a magnificent job of recreating the Revolutionary War era, giving us a marvelous depiction of America before her independence from Britain. We feel as though we live with these brave men and boys of old, the ones who died to free their families and their country from tyranny. The cinematography is masterful, throwing us in the midst of the great battles, while the dialogue and behavior of the characters well represents the mannerisms of those who lived in the 18th century. The musical score by the great John Williams is beautiful, but at the same time haunting, giving a very unique feel to this movie.

   As far as acting goes, this movie hosts an amazing range of terrific actors. Mel Gibson stars as our protagonist, and brings the character of Benjamin Martin to life; we feel his pain, anger, and courage. For an actor with a myriad of very different roles, I believe this is Mel Gibson's best performance yet. The late Heath Ledger, who never seemed able to disappoint, also does a superb job, and British actor Tom Wilkinson plays General Cornwallis, and does equally well.

   If it's true that a story is only as good as it's villain, this movie definitely understands that concept. Known for his brutal ways, Colonel William Travington, played by Jason Isaacs, will stop at nothing to destroy the rebelling Americans, and has a special agenda against Benjamin Martin. He burns, pillages, murders, and does it all with an eerie, determined grin plastered to his face. His character is pure evil, and he definitely deserves a high-ranking position in the greatest movie villains of all time.

   One of my favorite things about The Patriot is the character of the Reverend Oliver. In the majority of modern films, pastors are never presented as the good guys. They are always money-grubbing swindlers, caring about nothing except for the expansion of their church grounds. Unfortunately, this is because many modern pastors are in actuality like that, but in The Patriot, the pastor is one of the bravest and most respectable characters. As many members of his congregation are leaving to fight for their independence, Rev. Oliver removes his clerical wig, picks up a musket, and says, "A shepherd must tend his flock. And at times...fight off the wolves." He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, or to stand up against evil.

   Towards the beginning of the film, Benjamin Martin takes part in a council dedicated to deciding whether South Carolina will join the revolution. Martin stands and gives his opinion, "Am I angry about taxation without representation? Well, yes I am. Should the American colonies govern themselves independently? I believe that they can, and they should. But if you are asking me, am I willing to go to war with England? Well, then the answer is most definitely no." He is willing to condemn the wrongs England is committing, but he is not willing to take action, to do something about it. After his son Thomas is murdered, Martin, with the help of his two youngest sons Nathan and Samuel, follow and kill the brigade of British soldiers. Afterwards, while Martin sits contemplating his deeds, his sister-in-law says to him, "You have done nothing for which you should be ashamed." Martin replies, "I have done nothing, and for that I am ashamed." He realizes his previous unwillingness to stand against the British has caused tragedy. Most Americans today could really benefit from this lesson. We are more than willing to judge others, to point out the flaws of our government, and all the while we sit back and do nothing to help. A lack of pro-activity is strangling our country. It's time to get off the couch.

   While this movie may take small liberties as to the actual events of the Revolutionary War, it is still a terrific account of the price paid for liberty, a story that holds the same morals those men believed in. See this movie. You will not regret it.