Time to quit this formula, Mel

Rating: 5/10 (22 July 2000)

Once again all historical integrity has been stabbed to death in "The Patriot", true to the form of "Braveheart" (a much better film), and "Last of the Mohicans".
There is nothing inspiring about this film, which although boasts superb technique, props, acting and combat scenes, is completely un-original, totally inaccurate, over-sentimental and far too long.
All the cliches were pulled out for this one - evil imperialist british etc etc...anyone who knows anything about the American War of Independance will just laugh at this.
Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, a past hero who reluctantly takes up arms for the Colonialists, and acts brilliantly in his role. Heath Ledger's character was so one-dimensional - what a waste for such a fine actor.
There's plenty of gore and battle scenes in this movie, but its realism seems out of place with the pathetically hollywoodised plot that I wonder why they bothered.
All in all this movie was visually magnificent, technically proficient, some good acting but the rest just plain bad.