Great Movie in a "historic" setting

Rating: 10/10 (29 December 2001)

Rant, rant, rant ... Reading some of the other "reviewers" leads me to shake my head. I don't recall anywhere on the movie jacket it saying "this is a historically factual documentary". In fact, it is loosely based on "The Swamp Fox", Francis Marion, a true historical figure, but you would only know that by reading from the Professional Reviewers.
Granted, the feel is very similar to "Brave Heart"; Reluctant farmer-type goes to war and wins his country's freedom. However I just watched it again tonight (12/29/01) and I can not help but notice the great measures the crew went to in depicting historical accuracy in the costumes, the sets and the general "feel" of the movie. I came away with a real feel for the fear and stupidity of being on a 18th century battlefield which, 100 years later, had not changed much by the Civil War. I don't know anyone who would debate that war is a dirty business.
On that note; I'm sure atrocities occurred on both sides. Who is to say if the British burned a church full of Innocent Civilians. I read several "reviewers" ranting about this depiction, but not one mentioned character Benjamin Martin's "un-gentlemanly" targeting of British Officers or the killing of the poor Brit's trying to surrender ... as was mentioned in the movie. And for those bringing up the point about slaves; I think we are all well aware of those atrocities, did they NEED to be brought up again in this movie? Slavery was not the topic of "The Patriot". I venture to say it was covered very well in a movie that made slavery the topic: "Glory".
Viewing the bigger picture; The greatly out-numbered American Rebels used gorilla tactics, citizen solders and woodsman shooting skills to defeat a professional army supplied by a world super-power (at the time). The American Revolutionary War was a David & Goliath in modern times.
Considering the questionable education primary, junior high and high schools are communicating to our young people. I would gladly substitute this film for several weeks of an American History class. I can only imagine (and hope for) the questions and conversations teens and pre-teens might have after viewing this film. Which, hopefully would lead to further reading and research. Personally, growing up with a 1970's high school education and some 1980's collage, I was just barely aware of the French assisting us. I thank the film makers for this reminder.
Beyond the history aspect, there is emotion on many levels, great digital effects, action and romance ... you know; ENTERTAINMENT. Its not full of sex, so you can watch it with your kids (OK, some violence and gore). The pace keeps you interested. But most of all, in this turbulent world, it reminds us that this country did not just "pop" in to existence ... That it IS OK to fight for Freedom. Not to mention it received 5 Academy Award nominations ...
So what if every scene was not EXACTLY historically accurate and it did not cover all of the Politically Correct angles. It was FUN! and it got you thinking!