The Carolina theater of the Revolutionary War brought to life

Rating: 7/10 (18 December 2016)

Released in 2000 and directed by Roland Emmerich, "The Patriot" is stars Mel Gibson as peaceful South Carolina farmer Benjamin Martin who is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution after a wicked British colonel (Jason Isaacs) murders his son. The late Heath Ledger plays the older son with cutie Lisa Brenner playing his wannabe girlfriend. Rene Auberjonois is on hand as a pastor-soldier for the Militia while TchÃ©ky Karyo appears as a French officer on the side of the Americans. Joely Richardson plays the sister of Martin's late wife, and potential love-interest.
The basic plot was taken from 1965's "Shenandoah," but there's more than enough difference for "The Patriot" to stand on its own. As my title blurb points out, the movie successfully brings the Revolutionary War to life, focusing on the Carolina campaign. Speaking of which, the South Carolina locations are excellent, particularly the Old Spanish Mission swamp encampment, shot at Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner. The only part shot outside South Carolina was the British Headquarters, filmed at Stratford Hall Plantation, Virginia.
I'm not a big Gibson fan and there are too many Hollywoodisms for my tastes but, other than that, "The Patriot" is an entertaining way to acquaint yourself with the Revolutionary War. Read some articles and books for more accurate details.
The film runs 165 minutes (175 minutes, extended cut).
GRADE: B