Solid Historical Drama

Rating: 10/10 (11 August 2000)

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I liked Braveheart, but I was not too excited about seeing a watered-down reprise. And indeed, just like Braveheart, it centers on the reluctant-hero, involved by the murder of a family member, who becomes the super-warrior rebel leader.
I underestimated the interest generated, however, by good historical context. Gibson's portrayal of late 18th century warfare is excellent, even if Gibson himself indulges in some near-silly heroics (i.e. the bulletproof warrior sort of thing). The performances are quite good on all fronts, and several casting decisions were adventurous gambles that paid off. Production values were superb, and computer-assisted recreations of Charlestown S.C. and several battles were terrific. If is a little hokey sometimes, well, that's what you paid for.
This is a romantic and heroic historical epic along the lines of Last of the Mohicans or Braveheart. If you like that sort of thing, you will like Patriot, and if you don't, you won't. Personally, I had a great time. This is just the kind of thing that Mel Gibson can do, and Kevin Costner can't.