Great in the first hour, but a swift change afterwords

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2006)

I saw this in theaters, and remember it very well. I have heard all the criticisms aimed at this movie, and I somewhat agree. This is a good film, but not great.
The film takes place in 1776, the start of the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) is a patriot who fought in the French and Indian war, and is haunted by it. He does his best to raise his seven children, and owns a farm with some slaves. He decides to remain neutral and already foresees the disaster to come in the war, but he never expected it to come his way.
Two years into the war, a British army ends up on his front porch, and through his own eyes witnesses the horror of it, and the brutality of it, led by a vicious Colonel (Jason Isaccs). Because of his share of tragedy in the war, he joins the war effort with his eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger), and Harry Burlum (Chris Cooper), and has his French assistant played by Tckey Karyo, releasing his ultimate fury, which can only be done by Gibson.
Everything is great, until after here. The film changes from brutal vendetta, to sudden coolness by Gibson and rather ridiculousness with the formation of the militia, bringing in new characters,and a whole new story of fighting for freedom, versus vigilantes. In fact, the film doesn't become an R again until the end of the film, with the climatic battle.
So, the film jumps to a sudden change, which leaves me disappointed, but the cinematography is truly beautiful and an artwork, which follows Gibson through the film, showing his darker side. The scenery is lovely and very authentic, and the score makes the pace go by fast, only delivered by the legendary John Williams. The battles are well choreographed, showing a fair amount of blood and maimed bodies, and a few very disturbing images (keep the children out).
I recommend this film not to history buffs, because there is no real accuracy to it, save for its brutality and that there were gatherings of militia that helped turn the tide of the war, but mainly to popcorn lovers. This is a good popcorn loving film, and I was entertained. It was good, but not grand like Gladiator or Braveheart. it does have an emotional impact in it, unlike most modern-day epics, but the great stuff in the film is in the first hour. don't be too disappointed by it.