Typical Hollywoods Version Of History

Rating: 5/10 (6 February 2006)

The Patriot reminds me of those old world war 2 movies where the Japanese used to have sinister grins on their faces and show ten rows of shiny white teeth when about to kill the good guy Americans. For entertainment, the film is good. Very good photography,action and acting. The problem is, that for American students learning about the revolutionary war, it is a complete shambles. I agree fully with entertainer Spike Lee in that the black characters were portrayed in a very insulting manner. The British at the time of the revolution abolished slavery and offered freedom to all black slaves who joined their forces. Abraham Lincoln copied this during the American civil war. To give the impression, that a bunch of farmers, clerks a priest and even small children defeated the British army, who at the time, were considered one of the most disciplined and trained armies in the world is totally ludicrous.If you watch the special features on the DVD, it is explained how the French had a large impact on the outcome of the conflict.They supplied food, clothing, shoes and military assistance, unlike the film, where there was only one French military attaché. It is even stated on the DVD, that there would not have been an America if it was not for the French. Also it fails to mention how the Native Americans had an important role in the conflict and the Dutch and Spanish, who at the time, were also at war with Britain. As i have earlier stated, the film is entertaining, but to offer it as a historical account of the revolutionary war is an insult to peoples intelligence. I have read recently, that former US President Jimmy Carter is in the process of writing a book about the conflict and has stated, that young Americans today, do not know the full facts and wants to put things right.I am looking forward to the release of this book.