Strong epic story

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2000)

I'm genuinely surprised at the number of people who didn't like this film. I didn't find it too sappy (definitely not nearly as the better rated Frequency) and there were far less historical inaccuracies in this than in other recent films - notably Gladiator and U-571.
The story was well done and the cast was extremely strong - there were good performances all throughout this movie. It was also an interesting tale set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. The film had a lot to do with revenge but in the end if you pay attention "the cause" is what comes through.
One of the many things I liked about the film was that the main character was definitely a flawed hero - he could be as cruel as his enemies and he was weak enough to exact his vengeance. To me, that showed he was human. Mel Gibson portrays his hero with great depth and makes him real - this was definitely his film.
The film touches on a lot of real issues in the Revolutionary war. One of which is that there were a number of "Loyalists" among the colonists and that there was a great deal of in-fighting amongst them and the patriots. There was cruelty - on both sides. However, it is not inaccurate to show one mad British officer conducting acts of brutality. This did not reflect on the entire British army or the British people - it just reflected one sick individual. I don't blame the British for being genuinely annoyed at such inaccuracies in U-571 where their accomplishments were ignored and history was distorted. But I don't think they should have as much issue with the Patriot if you look at the history of this war and yes, it is told from the American point of view.
The issue of slavery was not touched upon much here but then again the revolutionary war was not primarily about this issue. African Americans were never granted their freedom by Brits and in many cases inhumanely treated. The film does show some of this cruelty and prejudice on both sides. An infamous example is that the British often infected them with small pox that would then spread among the colonists. This is a real, historical fact - The Brits would be REALLY up in arms if that had been portrayed.
This film is worthwhile to see if you enjoy good epic stories with excellent acting.