Fabulous Entertainment

Rating: Null/10 (25 May 2001)

This movie is riveting. I have been a user of the IMDB for several years and this is the first occasion in which I have felt compelled to comment. The subject matter has wide appeal, (either for, or against, it is the American Revolution which influences the world still today - like it or not) the characters are very interesting and the actors portraying the characters are extremely talented. Mel Gibson, goes without saying, can portray any character he chooses. Heath Ledger is now a name to be watched, a name not to be forgotten, since he can act as well as any who have gone before him. This story transcends, in my opinion, the debate over historical accuracy versus the filmaker's rights. Most reasonable people understand a movie is a movie. Enjoy it, learn what you can, but understand what you see is an interpretation by somebody of what actually transpired. Of course this may not be what actually happened, that the British in this case were not as evil as portrayed, is clear. Victory over oppression was the objective, and it was achieved. I am Canadian, and I salute the Americans for winning their independence and for their victory in the war of 1812, where England had to sue for peace thanks to the effectiveness of American frigates such as 'Old Ironsides', the Constitution, the United States, et al... Let history decide the path that man will travel, there is no need to claim victory in a conflict that ended nearly 200 years ago. I abhor ignorant claims that are solely based on ill informed people. The truth remains, had the war of 1812 continued....England would have been forced to sue for peace, thanks to the blockade of the British Isles. But I digress, the Patriot is a movie worth seeing, despite any disagreement why, see the movie and enjoy what it has to offer.