The most patriotic movie I have ever seen.

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2006)

The Patriot is a glorious historical epic that highlights what was risked and lost in the American War for Independence. The action, acting, emotion, cinematography and music are excellent. Mel Gibson brings the emotion and passion that he is known for to the title role.
Some have criticized the movie as historically inaccurate and too violent. However, the violence is realistic and accurately portrays the nature of eighteenth-century warfare. This may be hard to watch, but that is the way it was. The charge that the movie simplistically depicts all of the English as evil brutes is completely false. General Cornwallis (portrayed by Tom Wilkinson) harshly reprimands the villain, William Tavington (in an Oscar-worthy performance by Jason Isaacs) for his brutal tactics. In addition, the Tavington character is based upon an actual English officer named Banistre Tarleton, who shot surrendering American soldiers.
The Patriot helps to remind Americans of their glorious origins as they "made the world anew." It is a welcome relief for those of us tired of the negative portrayals of Americans and American history in popular culture.