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The Patriot (2000) Columbia Tristar 2 hrs. 45 mins. Starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs Music by: John Williams Directed by: Roland Emmerich. The Patriot Rating:  
E-MAIL GIANCARLO DE LISI Roland Emmerich seems terrific at conveying the message that patriotism is not a good thing, but a great thing. His “Independence Day” was a blockbuster, displaying great amounts of patriotism, and so does his present feature. The Patriot stars Mel Gibson as a father of seven children who leads a militia of farmers and peasants in a gigantic size revolt against the English. Yet, there is much more than this simple premise. Released during the summer schedule, this movie can be easily shrugged off as a one-concept notion where Gibson who reportedly pocketed 25 million dollars for this picture, carries a horrible film into the number one position due to his star status. Not so. First and foremost, the movie only made 110 million dollars, which according to Columbia, the film’s distributor, is not enough to call it a giant success. Well then, fine. Financially, it might not be great, but in terms off quality, it is. The film centers around Gibson’s character, Benjamin Martin, who must return to war to honor and protect his family, and of course that of the slowly forming US. Based upon this premise, one can simply shrug it off as aforementioned and not even give it a chance. Yet, Emmerich pieces together an excellent film that builds upon one element that entices the moviegoer to care and become emotionally involved in this film. He uses the element of family, and without giving anything away, he makes even the hardest and most unsympathetic person care for the tribulations Gibson and his men suffer through the hands of the English. Although the film clocks in at just under three hours, the time is not noticed as Emmerich draws you into this colossal war that is taking place right in front of us. No crazy camera angles, no exuberant video montages, just simple and basic storytelling that captivates the viewer and makes this film all the more enjoyable. Although it can easily be seen as another action movie, it draws close ties to Gibson’s directorial effort, “Braveheart”, yet as in similarities, it has many differences that put any further comparisons to rest. As where Gibson preferred revealing the sheer and intense brutality of war, Emmerich at times displays some grotesque violence, but mainly captures the scope of the war without the violence. If one wants action, there are some great scenes including Gibson’s son, Gabriel, played by Heath Ledger, confronting a great villain in a great scene, played by Jason Isaacs. As for drama, there is plenty of melodrama where loved ones are lost and towns burned. Suspense, yes it has that too. Therefore, where as once was skeptical to view this film at the movies, on the small screen this film plays extremely well and is thoroughly enjoyable. Another blockbuster for Gibson, to some yes, and to some no. Yet, a great film to simply watch and enjoy simply for what it is, a slice of American patriotism and a well made film. Click here to comment on this review or post your own thoughts. Giancarlo De Lisi © TheWorldJournal.com |
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