Chris Cooper, Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs

Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.

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80% liked it

273,598 ratings

Critics

62% liked it

129 critics

R, 165 min.

Directed by: Roland Emmerich

Release Date: June 28, 2000

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DVD Release Date: April 25, 2006

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Flixster Reviews (20,390)


  • November 4, 2009
    ''I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than I can bear.''

    Peaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.

    Mel Gibson: ...( read more)Benjamin Martin

    Films exist for lots of reasons but especially - to entertain as well as educate. In this regard, The Patriot does a fine job in thrilling us. The acting is excellent, and all the characters were well cast in their respective roles. The pacing was generally good, and I was never tired due to the unrelenting drama and action which unfolded. The battle scenes were exceptionally brutal, which must be typical of combat situations throughout history. Most war films depicting the American Revolution are fairly sanitized or rely upon drama and acting to carry the story. Not so with Patriot - I'm surprised they didn't try to depict the carnage that undoubtedly resulted from firing grapeshot or cannister shots.

    Although realism is not typically a word I would choose for any film, I felt that the depiction of combat here was probably much more realistic. Many history books will try to teach us that warfare in the 18th century was a bit of a gentleman competition of sorts, where quarter was given if asked, and honour was observed in such matters as the beginning and end of conflict, prisoner exchanges, and the like. This may have sometimes been the case between fully professional forces like those of England and France, but such countries seem to have held a different opinion entirely of rebel forces. These were apparently regarded not only with disdain, but outright contempt. Afterall, those guilty of treason have traditionally been treated much more harshly than other enemies.

    ''You know, it's an ugly business doing one's duty... but just occasionally it's a real pleasure.''

    With Patriot it seems to take this probability and run with it. The colonists who fought against England in the American Revolution were regarded as traitors, and were likely treated very harshly if captured or engaged in battle. The British in general were portrayed as pompous and at times villainous, but this is certainly not out of line for the way they undoubtedly felt about the rebels. Concurrently, I'm certain that the colonists who took part in the rebellion had a great deal of contempt for the British as well, but particularly for the Loyalists, or those colonists who remained loyal to and fought for Great Britain.

    My criticisms revolve around the flow of the movie. There are many, many tragic scenes that were obviously a plot device to hammer home the horrors of war. I felt that one or two would have sufficed to make such a point, but instead we receive multiple such scenes. Some chopping would have definitely been appreciated.
    Jason Isaacs makes for a wonderfully sadistic, villain whom loves being unmerciful and brutal, and the late Heath Ledger excels as Benjamins son. Mel Gibson replicates his hero role from Braveheart, and he really plays reluctant father turned war hero very well.
    Overall, Patriot is an intense, interesting take on a theater of the American Revolution that is not often depicted in film. I would recommend it to those who appreciate the genre of historical drama, perfect costumes and for bloody climactic battles.

    ''Before this war is over, I'm going to kill you.''
  • July 11, 2009
    Benjamin Martin: "I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost would be more than I could bear"

    Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, the director/producer team responsible for such sci-fi blockbusters as Independence Day, Stargate, and Godzilla, ta...( read more)ke a step back in time with this drama set during the American Revolution. Farmer Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) was born and raised in South Carolina, and fought bravely during the French-Indian wars. But since the death of his wife, Benjamin has renounced violence and quietly tends his crops, raising his seven children alone. In 1776, over Benjamin's objections, his oldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger) joins the fight against the British. Gabriel returns from battle seriously wounded, with Lord General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson) calling for his arrest. A skirmish breaks out on Benjamin's plantation, and one of his children is killed as Gabriel is captured by Col. Tavington (Jason Isaacs) and sentenced to hang. Benjamin sets aside his vow of pacifism and rescues Gabriel; with the help of his former comrade-in-arms Harry Burwell (Chris Cooper), the father and son form a regiment of Carolina patriots whose cunning and ruthlessness make them heroes among the colonists -- and wanted men by British troops.

    This movie feels a lot like Braveheart at times. Switching one family member for a different one the whole story of vengeance is here. This is still a decent movie. There are a few times where a person groans when the over done patriotism gets going, but the battles are very well done. The acting is decent and its nice to see a war movie made about a period of time that changed the world. There really hasn't been a lot about one of the most pivotal points in the last five hundred years. Worth the time to watch it, just be prepared for two or three heavy helpings of cheese and Hollywood make believe.

    3.5/5
  • February 15, 2009
    More that a bit long and overly manipulative. Mel Gibson single handedly fights the revolutionary war.
  • September 20, 2008
    "This battle was over before it begun."
  • September 2, 2008
    Braveheart in America, minus the awesome bagpipe music.
  • November 7, 2009
    belle histoire bien que dramatique
  • November 6, 2009
    tough & thought-provoking movie
  • November 3, 2009
    Mediocre. Medio entretenida. Equis.
  • November 2, 2009
    Mel Gibson is my hero...I don't care what people say about him as person but as an actor...no one can match the intensity of this guy... An emotional yet head strong father trying to raise a family without mother and due to personal tragedy...wins a war...Don't mess with father w...( read more)ho love their kids...This movie rocks..
  • November 1, 2009
    i love this movie so much

Critic Reviews


June 18, 2002
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Emmerich's battle scenes may look authentic to anyone who has ever stared hard at a history book, but in every other way the film is long, empty and bogus. full review

March 22, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Make no mistake about it: The Patriot is a cartoon, even if it does have real people playing the parts. full review

May 10, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Deserves a salute as the first Hollywood epic about the American Revolution to successfully blend ferocity and feeling. full review

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

I enjoyed the strength and conviction of Gibson's performance, the sweep of the battle scenes, and the absurdity of the British caricatures. full review

View more The Patriot reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • plutotiger
    March 27, 2009
    Creating a character very believable and generating a response of vengence was clearly felt...excellent realism in a historical period to convey the essence of patriotism against despots...
  • littleangelnav
    June 16, 2008
    My top MOST fav actors have always been Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson... So y would i miss a chance to watch a movie tht finally has them both?!... annyway.. this was a great American Revolution Movie.. i loved it.. altho its sad..it just never looses its charm!.. and Jason Isaacs is bloody good too!..i dunno how he does tht 'evil guy' actin but its awsome! Anyone who hasnt watchd it or isnt really into war kinda movies an stuff, shud defiantely watch it.. give it a chance and u mite be surprised!..lol.. take me for an example!.. i was never into this genre and i never will be but this is One in a Million!.. i simple LURV IT!..
  • HeyYo89
    June 4, 2007
    This movie is a terrible blight that gives the term "Pop History" a bad name.
  • cuteangelfari
    May 31, 2007
    incredibile ..movies..so skillfully ploted
  • chrismarsh21
    June 19, 2006
    awsome movie!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Patriot Trivia


  • In which movie have you heard this being said: "A shepherd must tend to his flock, and at times, fight off the wolves."  Answer »
  • Name this actor by the movies listed: A Knight's Tale The Patriot 10 Things I Hate About You Casanova The Brother's Grimm Ned Kelly  Answer »
  • In the movie The Patriot, how did Benjamin Martin's son Thomas die?  Answer »
  • Name The Actor that has starred in all these movies? Flightplan, The Island, Don't Say a Word, National Treasure, Patriot Games.   Answer »

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