Rating of
3/4
A good, accurate, movie that's a little long
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
Widower "Benjamin Martin" (Mel Gibson), a veteran of the French/Indian War, wants only one thing -- to raise his family on the family plantation. He is totally against the brewing conflict with the British, and is at odds with his eldest son "Gabriel" (Heath Ledger), who is for going to war with Britain. The rift between the two over the war spreads more when "Gabriel" joins the militia when the state representatives, one of which is his father, votes to enter the war. However, "Benjamin" was one of the 12 to vote against entering the war.
Then, after a battle just yards away from the Martin Plantation, "Benjamin," his other children and the slaves on the plantation are taking care of injured from both sides of that battle when a group of Redcoats come up to the plantation to take their wounded to get better medical help, and kills the revolutionists. And when "Gabriel," who returned to the plantation the night before seriously injured, is discovered with communications and is taken into custody. One of "Gabriel's" younger brothers tries to interfere, and is shot in the back and dies in his father's arms. "Benjamin," with his two youngest sons, go looking for the troops responsible for killing his son and torching his property.
Now, "Benjamin" has revenge in his heart and realizes that "Gabriel" was right about breaking away from the British crown.
The first thing you can't help but notice is the very accurate architecture, furnishings, weaponry and wardrobe. The producers used the Smithsonian Institute as a consultant in just about everything for accuracy. This really sets the setting of the movie quite nicely.
Another thing that stands out is the performances. I don't think one actor gave a weak performance. Even the supporting cast, many of which had characters who weren't strongly developed past their reasons for joining "Benjamin," give good performances.
Because it's set in the Revolutionary War, there are battle scenes with graphic blood. The battles are nicely shot, especially when the camera is surrounded by the action at ground level. There is tons of action going on in these battle scenes, with lots of explosions.
The special effects are mainly blood packs, pyrotechnics, sounds of explosions and it looks like there is some CGI of the ocean with boats floating in it. The special effects are very effective in many scenes.
The cinematography is done nicely, even when the scenery is rather cramped. It is pretty hard to believe that the person responsible for finding locations for the film found any place where there was no modernization, but they did.
The phenomenal John Williams put together some good music for this movie. He was able to nail the emotion of the scenes rather nicely, as usual.
The only problem with this movie is that it's over three-hours long. However, you are so focused on what is going on in the film, you basically forget how long it is.
The movie, which is rated R, is not really for young children because of the violence. Older children may like it, if they can handle the length of the film.
In my opinion, "The Patriot" would be a good first choice for rental.
