History as seen with an american mindset

Rating: 7/10 (19 September 2002)

There are many comments here obsessing over historical inaccuracies, but here is one you missed: the overwhelming american ideology present throughout the film. "Freedom" is mentioned again and again to the point where it really gets painful to watch. I know the primary audience is american, but did Gibson really have to bring out the buzzword time and time again?
Apparently it worked, judging by the number of americans who love this film and who mention the freedom aspect in their comments. Not that this is the ideal place for political arguments, but really how americans unerringly swell with pride at the mere mention of "freedom" is beyond me. If freedom means having one of the highest incarceration rates in the the world, letting 18 year olds carry concealed automatic weapons, but not allowing them to touch alcohol until 21, and keeping a heavy military presence throughout the world to brutally restrict any behavior they dislike, then I want no part of it.
However, there are many good points to this film as well. It is beautifully filmed, well acted and flows well from beginning to end.
If it weren't for all the chest-thumping ideology pushed down our throats, it would be one of my favourite films.