Exceptional Epic that Requires Right Intentions and Interpretations

Rating: 7/10 (15 August 2008)

Having read a lot of comments on this movie, I have to admit that I felt confused because the criticism sometimes seems to cross the "borderline of acceptance." I am aware that someone may not like this movie, may see some serious flaws in it; however, it does not mean that the film lacks all possible merits. Let me, therefore, make a just analysis like all the commentators who assess Roland Emmerich's production objectively retaining a positive attitude.
There is no need to say once again that THE PATRIOT is no history lesson. That fact appears to be unquestionable. I would move even further in this case saying that it seriously simplifies history, its significant period for America, the war which brought the country a dawn of independent existence. This historical inaccuracy not only refers to the factual errors but misinterpretation of that reality. Showing the British as wretched villains and American militia as heroes who have to escape and fight the absolute regime is a false picture that leads many viewers to a wrong perception of important aspects in the historic war. Let me mention here the character of Col. Tavington (Jason Isaacs) who appears to be absolutely evil and...who is the royal soldier, the English noble. As a matter of fact, from the psychological point of view, there are no such people who are absolutely good or absolutely evil. In this respect, if we analyze Benjamin Martin's (Mel Gibson) acts, he is totally justified when slaying those soldiers as, metaphorically speaking, he kills the army of evil people who bring only death or captivity (of course that was not the point in history). Therefore, those distortions in THE PATRIOT might make the film an inaccurate epic and a sort of "easy going fairy tale" for childish viewers. However, that moment does not end the analysis, does not hold the "last word" condemning the production entirely. What are the merits of the film?
THE PATRIOT is a fine cinematic work. If you consider the stunning cinematography, flawless action, rich sets, strong storyline, impressive costumes and genuine performances, it is a movie that deserves attention. Here, I would like to mention Mel Gibson who does a very good job in the main role portraying a noble character, the southern farmer who does not own slaves, a good father who is on the verge of terrible acts caused by tragedy. Some even overrated his role as "American Braveheart" but there was some truth in that "exaggeration." Jason Isaacs also impressed me with his performance depicting his unrealistically cruel character and, I must admit that he really fits to that role. Heath Ledger is fine as the stubborn and a bit fanatical son, Gabriel Martin. Tom Wilkinson is memorable as cold hearted Charles Cornwallis. Female cast include terrific acting from Joely Richardson as Charlotte and Lisa Brenner as Anne. But, except for the artistic merits of the movie, THE PATRIOT has something more to offer.
It is the film that truly addresses modern viewers conveying the significance of two most precious pearls that humans have, values that are much talked about in our times but usually distorted: family and peace. In most parts, the content appears to deal with war but stresses its gore, its monstrosity and the harm it does to humanity in general, attacking its core of healthy existence, the family. It makes the main character ask the question of importance, the choice between state and family, follow love to countrymen or love to the closest persons. He is bound to make critical decisions after experiencing the real gore of evil. The horror of war's effect on people that Benjamin Martin warns against during the assembly held in Charleston is beautifully depicted in two scenes for me being the key moments of the film. First, it is a shocking, perhaps most disturbing and indeed historically exaggerated scene when Col. Tavington orders his men to burn the church and people closed inside. Second, it is the moving scene when Benjamin's little daughter Susan bids him Goodbye. These two lead us to the gist of whom hatred, whom war attacks most: the good, the children, the peacemakers, the innocent. Those who prayed to God were killed by this world, the reality which is ruled by fire of hatred; those who loved their closest with childlike hearts were bound to face parting and fear of death.
Yes, I am aware that a lot of commentators will not agree with my opinion on THE PATRIOT. Yet, I do not impose my viewpoint on anyone by any means to become preachy. All I wanted to say was: try to see it deeper, try to find a hidden pearl within the gray commonness. I rate the film 7/10: 2/10 its historical content but 9/10 its cinematic merits and message.
Yes, Benjamin Martin seems to shout out loud like once William Wallace did: "FREEDOM". Yet, his message appears to go further: "FREEDOM FOR FAMILY, FREEDOM BUILT IN PEACE" being a father who strives for a happy smile on his child's face, for a peaceful, free heart with no more tears of parting.