My Movie Review on The Patriot · 3:19pm Jul 4th, 2019
Yo, what's up, you guys?
Your friendly film and TV show reporter is once again in the house, and I'd like to start by wishing everyone a happy Independence Day!
Sound the trumpets! Light the fireworks and fire crackers! Wave the American flag! Roast the marshmallows!
Anyway...
Today, in honor of the celebration, I thought that this would be the perfect time to review "The Patriot".
Here's the summary of it:
Benjamin Martin is a lone father of seven children: Gabriel, Thomas, Nathan, Samuel, William, Margaret, and Susan. He is also a former soldier of the French and Indian War. With the Revolutionary War on the horizon, you'd think he'd be willing to join. However, a complex past, reputation, and temper are ones he doesn't wish to repeat, and so he declines himself from joining the fight against General Cornwallis.
But, after finding that he won't be able to avoid the war himself, especially when one of his sons is murdered by the monstrously bloodthirsty commander of the Green Dragoons, William Tavington, a vengeful Martin decides to join the fight alongside the Continental Army, where he is promoted to commander of the Militia.
The big questions of it all...are can Benjamin keep himself from getting consumed by his anger and thirst for vengeance? And will his efforts even make a difference for this war considering the British seem to have the upper hand?
(Fun Fact: This is the 2nd R-rated film I've reviewed, my 1st being "Free State of Jones").
Before I begin, I'd like to be upfront by saying that I'm proud to be showing you all this review in honor of Independence Day. The concept of it, which involves the Revolutionary War, is precisely why I wanted to post this review today, because it depicts what Independence Day is all about: the colonies' fight against the British for freedom, and their victory in defeating the British building America into the independent nation it is today.
In every way, this movie magnificently delivers. It is a true masterpiece.
The story that was written by Robert Rodat, and the direction by Roland Emmerich were all-out astonishing. Emmerich's direction and cinematography was able to distinctly capture the feeling of the 1770s and what war was literally like, and Rodat's writing tied everything together well, and was full of heart and meaning.
Combined together, the two of them were even able to capture fantastic emotion and a balanced tone. A lot of times, there would be some awfully sad, intense, dark, and dramatic moments in the movie, but yet...there would also be moments that were humorous, light, and full of wit, which are perfect for helping audiences relax and have fun after the depressing ordeals.
The music, which was done by the legendary John Williams, was absolutely stupendous. Next to so many of his other works, such as the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, the score Williams did is one of the very best of his career. The greatest thing about the music was that it gave the audience an emotional American feel, full of passion and patriotism. It even fit the timeline of the film perfectly.
Lastly, the acting and casting of its ensemble, as well as their characters and character developments they have, were awesome.
Each and every character featured in this movie was memorable, and the cast members who played them fit their parts like a glove. The good guys in this film were especially lovable and fun to hang with, no matter the personality.
If I have to choose the performers that I think are the best of them all, it would be Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and Jason Isaacs.
Isaacs did a brilliant job at performing as the villainous Tavington. He gave him a classic-villain demeanor and personality, while even incorporating a sense of monstrosity and translating him into something...reminiscent to that of a sapient, cold-hearted beast.
Ledger was likewise amazing. Playing the part of Gabriel Martin, he gives the character a sense of long lasting youth, while his performance...gives Gabriel a sense of maturity, wisdom, purity, and patriotism. Gabriel is someone who wants to stand up for others and do what's right no matter what, which are definite traits of a true hero.
And Mel Gibson...
He and his character of Benjamin Martin were definite parts that helped the movie be all-the-more special.
Gibson gave his character a tremendous emotional depth and personality that made Martin so human. His comedic chops were spot-on funny, and as portrayer of a character who constantly tries to keep his inner demons at bay, and whose demons make themselves known when he's angry or fighting the enemy, he literally killed it. Martin himself also had stupendous character development throughout, in that he should never be afraid of doing what's right, but at the same time, control the fury and desire for vengeance he has within him.
In conclusion, "The Patriot" is a definite Hollywood gem that has all the elements to make it a perfect film. I get that it may not be the most historically accurate film, but, it actually gives a very accurate picture of what the Revolutionary War was like.
So, I rate "The Patriot" a solid five out of five stars. In my opinion, it's one of the best films ever made, and a perfect Independence Day gift.
Excellent review of The Patriot, my friend. Ever considered reviewing Braveheart in the future? Because that's another prestigious film that Mel starred in.
Also, while Roland has done a great job with this film, I'm still sore about how he depicted the '98 Godzilla film, since as a longtime Godzilla fan, I particularly disgusted with how the titular character was portrayed as a dinosaur instead of the radioactive skyscraper high monster I've known him to be.
I’ve never of this before, but it sounds really good! Especially with Jason Isaacs in it, and with John Williams’ music! I’ll definitely watch it eventually!
Eh, this film falls short in the way of historical accuracy, but its not Gibson's worst.