Sir Evan's Weekly Movie Recommendation

The Patriot (****) 2000

Rated R (intense war violence and innuendo)

Starring Mel Gibson & Heath Ledger
Written by Robert Rodat
Directed by Roland Emmerich

As with most war films, The Patriot has many full-blown battle scenes, but with the American Revolution as the conflict in focus, these scenes take on a unique tone. Mel Gibson words it perfectly in an interview where he says, "It was a different kind of warfare all together." Troops by the thousands blatantly march across open fields; cannon balls blast through lines of soldiers; and Gibson wages combat with a pair of Native American tomahawks.

One would expect the story to get lost in such a massive film. But director, Roland Emmerich, excels at big budget, summer action-movies, not only because he knows how to keep our attention, but because he maintains focus where it really matters. The story is not about the war; rather, it is about the characters fighting the war. The Patriot follows the story of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) and his family. A colonial farmer and widower, he is left to take care of his 5 children, as turmoil increasingly surrounds them. At first an opponent of war with Britain, Martin has only his family's safety in mind, but when the war comes to his front doorstep, he is left with little choice but to defend his land and family. The movie co-stars a young Heath Ledger in his first big role as Gibson's son, Gabriel Martin. They share many engaging scenes together, and movie goers could certainly predict, based on Ledger's performance, he would go on to become a first rate actor.

The film is full of gripping scenes, among them an up close (and personal), hand-to-hand fight between Gibson and a platoon of Red Coats, in which he brandishes his deadly tomahawks. Romance is also central to the plot of The Patriot, and it is handled tastefully and in moderation. And most importantly, it is believable. Ultimately, The Patriot is about a family's reaction to the American Revolution. It is uplifting and inspiring, full of epic, patriotic moments big enough to stir the emotions, but these scenes really pale in comparison with the more personal, family scenes occurring between the action.

If you're looking for an engaging take on the American Revolution and enjoy a thrilling story, check out The Patriot. And if you're still not convinced, check out the trailer below.