An excellent, if somewhat flawed, film and a well-told story.

Rating: 8/10 (4 September 2005)

An excellent film even thought it occasionally takes too much artistic licence. The story concerns a former soldier in the English King's army who has argued that liberty can be brought about by negotiation. He reluctantly joins the American struggle for independence when he witnesses the brutality of the English soldiers first hand.
The story is well told and keeps the viewer's attention throughout its more than two and half hours. It is not a flawless film by any means, too many set pieces for one thing, but its portrayal of English brutality is not, as many have suggested, unwarranted. It should serve as a reminder that the British empire ruined entire civilisations and killed millions. No country has yet negotiated or voted its way out of England's grasp, many countries such as Scotland and Wales have failed. Ireland repeatedly tried negotiation and failed, and had to resort to violence. Just like the Americans did.
If you liked this film I would recommend "Braveheart", "Michael Collins" and perhaps "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)"
The director is Roland Emmerich a German whose best known films include "The day after tomorrow", "Stargate", "Godzilla" and (very appropriately) "Independence day".