An excellent story about real people in a real place

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2004)

This is an excellent portrayal of a leader who not only trusted his men, but had their trust as well. He expected them to do no more than he was capable of and lead them by example. His spirit and beliefs held them together during a crucial battle that tested all he was and showed what men are capable of with a firm belief in their leader and God. It is brutal, but that is what war is. It also gives a good view of the other side and how, inspite of politics, each had their beliefs and values to their country and their men. Mel Gibson's character stated he would be first on the field and the last off - that no man be left behind. He lived up to that, and for that, deserves the deepest respect of us all. I did not look for flaws or "mistakes" as I was interested in the characters and how they interacted. I even felt a sense of pride in the enemy leader, who knew this battle would be a test of wills. This was a spectacular film and I had no pre-conceived notions of a Braveheart or Patriot theme. I saw a well-told story, of a well-covered war that tested many of us and left us a nation nearly divided.