15 years After Release

Rating: 9/10 (14 May 2015)

I admit, I enjoyed this film when it was released. Fifteen years on and I found it still fresh. Thought that came to me this time was how our British viewers reviewed this film. After all, both Ledger and Gibson were Australian. Australian is perhaps a bit separate in attitude but still part of the "Kingdom". Would they view the film as entertainment and critically as many American view let's say "To Kill A Mockingbird" with it's telling of the racial south or perhaps Platoon which illustrate our failures in 'Nam? Or would they say it's simply revisionist against the British Government?
Myself, an avid BBC America viewer with Great British Railways and Top Gear not to mention a lifetime of Dr. Who has never understood the resentment by many British against this country. After all I grew up thinking we as a Nation considered the British our brother. Especially myself with my mothers ancestors coming from Kent. To be honest I expected that some of the British to be shallow... after all, not all admit the racism in the south or the wrongs of Vietnam in this country... But in fact, I was kind of shocked..
I searched for a bit.. looking for Old British reviews and to be honest.... it did not take me long to find ONE.. Predominant and on BBC's Site. The page with the review appears to be locked for comments and had NO OTHER REVIEWS.... Basically it stated that Mel Gibson must hate the UK.. This film showed the British in the worst way and not only that.... He had previously made BRAVEHEART another film that portrayed the British in a bad light!!!!
Now, don't get me wrong. I would expect some reviews like this. Reviews that ignore history of how and why both of these conflicts grew and why so many rallied against the Empire. A I said, ignorance can be found for many who ignore facts over prejudice! What took me is that this appears to be the SELECTED REVIEW OF THE BBC TO MAINTAIN! Maybe I now understand a bit better the attitude of many Brits. Just a few weeks ago I meet some vacationers at a local beach. When I told them my father family came from wells, they laughed and the woman said "there is nothing good in Wales"... Ir took me by surprise, why would they comment so on there own country. I was not until later I was told the Welch are not considered truly British??? I was also told that it was meant as an insult to my family? Guess I am a bit to dense.. Oh well... Guess I am happy to be American, part English, Welch, Irish and German and proud of all parts or my heritage and my country it's past glories and failure have made this county great. Shame that this great, beautiful and proud UK empire can not always say the same without feeling they must insult and belittle. I can only offer the BBC a proof. http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2000/07/13/the_patriot_review.shtml