Bloody but powerful

Rating: 7/10 (2 August 2014)

The Patriot takes place during the American Revolutionary war against King George of England. Filmed entirely in South Carolina, per the credits, that provide a realistic background on which Emmerich painted the story.
Mel Gibson as Benjamin Martin is a man who wants to eschew violence, knowing what the price is, and what it can do to your soul. This is usually a very good basic theme for films, because you see the person struggling against himself, and no one does it better than Gibson. He finds himself pushed headlong into something that he knows he should avoid, but cannot.
His son Gabriel, played by Heath Ledger, wants to be like his Dad. Dad fears that his patriotic son will undergo the same fate as he. Dad loves his family of 7, and protects them fearlessly because he is a single parent.
The battle scenes seem realistic for the time. I think the costume design and direction was terrific, adding to the bloody realism. That's the one negative from the film - it's in your face blood - left, right, center, back, forward. Maybe that was necessary to impart the stark realism, I am not sure. But it is there, so be warned.
There are not too many happy moments in this film, and the ones there are bittersweet. There are many sad moments where you can't believe what is happening. Hollywood provides a Hollywood ending, no fear. But still, you walk away stunned and saddened at the whole somewhat tragic story.
Patriot won 3 Academy awards, and is a fine picture. It's only the excess blood and somewhat long story at 2 3/4 hours, that makes me give it only a 7/10. The acting is top notch, as is the story, direction, and costume design. You will be moved by this story. Enjoy.