Not a bad flick!

Rating: 6/10 (24 February 2003)

The Patriot slams us directly into the Revolutionary war, and it's probably the most realistic one to date. The movie can get quite explicit in death scenes, but, after all, that IS what war is about.
The Patriot follows a stay-at-home Colonial father who finds himself battling partly for freedom--and partly for revenge. The movie is rather organized for a war movie, unlike Saving Private Ryan or others. This one has a straightforward plot, a nasty villain who is detestable and completely vile in all ways (really makes you hate him--perfect for a villain!), and a good cast of actors and actresses.
Mel Gibson continues his war epics (starting with Braveheart) and, as always, does a good job fitting into his role. Heath Ledger is a good actor as well, and I believe this is one of his first movies. I'm not too sure, but in either case, he's a good actor and I hope to see him in more movies like this (such as A Knight's Tale).
John Williams provides the score, and although not as enthralling (or as boring) as some of his other work, it certainly does fit. I can remember one part of the movie in which he had a solid stream of intense strings that, in concurrence with the slow motion of the movie, had an excellent effect on me. It's not one of his best works, but definitely not one of his worst.
I only have one complaint about this movie. I need to give some big spoilers here, so don't read unless you've seen the movie. What I don't like about the movie is that so many people die. Yes, yes, it IS war, like I said, and people are going to die. But I felt it strange that so many non-military people died as well. Maybe I'm just a little too soft, but that's the way I felt with this movie.
Other than that, this is a good solid war movie with good effects, excellent actors/actresses, one heck of a villain, and a good plot. Certainly enjoyable.