The Patriot (2000)

My Review

Mel Gibson portrays a pacifist in the Revolutionary War period who is opposed to going to war with England, but is swept into the conflict when British troops kill his son in “The Patriot.” Director Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day” 1996) put together a high quality film and a riveting war drama which has outstanding production values, memorable performances, and good writing. The lucid script was written by Robert Rodat.

Every single cast member delivers excellent performances, including Mel Gibson as Ben Martin, a veteran of the French and Indian Wars, Heath Ledger as his oldest son, Joely Richardson (daughter of Vanessa Redgrave) as his sister-in-law, Tom Wilkinson as the British general, Jason Isaacs as the heavy of the piece, Rene Auberjonois as the Reverend Oliver, Adam Baldwin as a colonial captain, Chris Cooper as an old Army pal of Ben’s, Tcheky Karyo as the French officer, and Gregory Smith, Trevor Morgan, Bryan Chafin, Mika Boorem, Logan Lerman, and Skye McCole Bartusiak as Ben’s other children.

The very watchable “The Patriot” was popular at the box office for Columbia Pictures, Centropolis Entertainment, Mutual Film Company, and Sony Pictures Releasing. It was filmed entirely on location in South Carolina. This movie with a 165 minute running time received three Oscar nods – Best Musical Score (John Williams), Best Cinematography (Caleb Deschanel), and Best Sound.