Moving...Heartbreaking...Brilliant!!

Rating: 10/10 (28 June 2000)

This movie is one of, if not THE most brilliant movie I've ever seen! The screenwriters were obviously trying to show the harsh reality of the Revolutionary War, showing women and children being killed along with the soldiers. The scenery was incredible, the music score breathtaking!
But note, behind the "Action Epic" exterior of the film, there is a heartbreaking story underneath. Although the previews may not show it, nearly EVERY emotion the human body has, will be expressed while watching this film: Rage and fury were expressed most by me when British officers put the innocent to death right before the eyes of their loved ones; along with sadness and sympathy (shall I say flowing tears?) when the characters you loved were unexpectedly killed. This movie is not a predictable war story, where the "good guy always wins" ... Although the monsters in the story get what's coming to them, the good guys have definitely lost something.
Mel Gibson is FABULOUS! The whole movie is you seeing out of his eyes...You see the horrors he sees and feel the anger he feels. Heath Ledger was the reason I saw this movie, and it was definitely worth it. Both actors were incredible!
I'd say that this film is for the 15+ audience, for it is extremely violent and graphic, but with NO swearing (2 words at the most) and no sex (although, romance certainly blossoms). The camera work in the film is Oscar-worthy! The battle scenes show constant impaling, decapitations, and endless bloodshed. The scenes can easily be compared to those of Saving Private Ryan: both films written by Robert Rodat.
I give this movie a definite 4 stars! A brilliant film ... and heartbreaking story. ****