Forget the footnotes in the texts, just enjoy a superb STORY about one chapter of our history

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2016)

If we could only preserve one film about the American Revolution, I would nominate this film. I know some here rant about historical inaccuracies, but I'm not sure merely the facts really tell the story of what I think is most important -- but not always as visual as is needed for a motion picture. There are many ways to tell the story of the American Revolution. Non-fiction. Fiction. Biographies. Film. All (and more) tell a part of the story. And the important story that this film tells is of sacrifice for country. I can read casualty reports, but numbers don't tell that story as well as personal accounts or even fictional accounts. So some of you could dwell in your boring history texts and argue over tiny maneuvers on battlefields (and I've probably visited as many Revolutionary War battlefields as almost any of you), but I'll take human stories...even if they are just stories.
I was a little sad watching this film because I was reminded of what a fine actor Mel Gibson WAS. Not really one of my favorites, although he rarely let a film audience down. Don't misunderstand me. All of his troubles were a result of his own actions and words, and for that I have no sympathy. But still, he turned in a number of memorable performances in his acting career.
Mel Gibson's acting here is excellent. Perhaps the best of his career, although "The Year Of Living Dangerously" is another favorite of mine.
For my money, this is Heath Ledger's best film, as well. What a shame he left us so soon. Tom Wilkinson is excellent -- as always -- as Lord Cornwallis.
I'm not going to single out the child actors, but they were all very good.
Jason Isaacs is excellent as the most-hated Brit in the story. Chris Cooper is very good in his small but important role as a Continental Army colonel. Tchéky Karyo is interesting French officer. René Auberjonois, as the pastor, over-acted, as usual.
So, sit back. Forget the textbook stuff about the Revolutionary War and just enjoy a finely written and performed and filmed story that is dedicated to sacrifice.