"The Patriot" -- Life, Liberty and Happiness by Homer Yen (c) 2000
"The Patriot," a powerful and impressive looking period piece set during the American Revolution, tells the story of a family being torn apart by war and a father torn between duty to his family and duty to his country. Full of stirring moments, it is a sweeping saga that showcases beautifully filmed and brilliantly choreographed battles, a patriotic soundtrack that combines the reverie of fife and drums with majestic orchestrations, and utterly unbridled flag-waving jingoism. I can barely contain my enthusiasm and am saluting as I write this.
In 1776, the American colonists have come to a critical juncture. Fed up with British rule, revolutionaries charge that "if principles dictate independence, then war is the only way." However, countless lives will be lost, though the sacrifice in the name of freedom is worthwhile. Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) hopes that instead of voting for war, America might adopt a more diplomatic course of action. Benjamin was once a brilliant military tactician and warrior, but is now the loving parent of seven. He doesn't wish to leave them fatherless. "I am a parent," he says. "I don't have the luxury of principles."
Although Benjamin remains adamant about his pacifist stance, his eldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger) is compelled by the crusade. Against his father's wishes, he enlists, grateful to serve the cause of liberty. But he is horrified to see the disorganization of the American army. The Red Coats are an impressive force who marches into battle with an imposing cadence. Going muzzle-to-muzzle against them in an open field is madness. The American front lines continually collapse, leading to swift defeats. General Cornwallis of the British Army states, "those rustics are so inept that it takes the honor out of victory."
Eventually, the battle winds up right on Benjamin's front lawn. His political stance is shattered when he encounters the ruthless Colonel Tavington (Jason Isaacs). Gabriel is captured; their plantation home is burned to the ground. Tavington doesn't abide by the rules of war and displays a brutality that is horrifying. He shoots innocent children, mercilessly kills prisoners-of-war, and even locks dozens of people inside a church and then instructs his men to burn it down. This is the kind of villain that elicits boos from the audience. It's impossible not to hate him, and the audience will not find satisfaction unless he dies by the hand of Benjamin.
We increasingly cheer for our pacifist-turned-revolutionary hero, as he becomes something of a colonial Robin Hood. Recruiting men throughout the countryside, he employs guerrilla tactics and mounts a series of successful skirmishes. In addition to his superb military skills, he is also adept at humiliating the enemy. We find much levity in watching him make a mockery of General Cornwallis. Yet like the American army, who is outmanned and outmatched, so too is Benjamin. As the battle wears on, personal losses begin to mount.
However, the colonists' and Benjamin's fighting spirit never dies. Even in the darkest of moments, there is time for a miraculous turnaround. This leads to a final, glorious engagement between the Colonial/British forces and between Benjamin Martin and Colonel Tavington. An American victory may turn the tide of war. And for our hero, payback may be close at hand. This sequence, with flying cannonballs, thousands of soldiers fighting, and its swings in momentum are nothing less than riveting.
"The Patriot" packs as much raw power and energy as any fireworks display and is certainly one of the best films of the year. Gibson gives a compelling Oscar-worthy performance full of passion, courage and strength. As far as summer movies go, this film is as good as it gets, featuring bold emotions, an epic storyline, incredibly visualized battle sequences and a monumental dramatic arc. To miss this film would be an act of treason.
Grade: A S: 1 out of 3 L: 0 out of 3 V: 3 out of 3
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