History is something that everyone is taught, not only for the sake of knowledge, but to ensure that the same mistakes aren’t made over and over again. War is a major issue in history, starting with the Crusades and still going on today, this action will probably never cease existence. When I was assigned to review an historical movie for my history class I was not really sure where to start. I like a lot of historical fiction films, but most of them were based on the later American history from the Civil War on. So I consulted my movie buff friend, and she shouted out The Patriot in about a tenth of a second. Luckily, it was on my cable’s OnDemand button, so I got to watch it for free!
First off, I must say that I’m not usually into blood and gore in movies. Actually, during the scenes of battle I can’t really recall any visuals because I was either covering my eyes with by fingers or in a fetal position, waiting for the sounds of guns to end. However, the glimpses that I did catch of the war were pretty accurate. Except a few dramatic additions: the battles went in the order, and the way the war was fought stayed true to history.
Even though it based on historical events, the dramatic content of the film was amazing. I know that’s become a pretty cliché-ish word to use, but there was no other way to explain it. I must say, every film that I have seen with Mel Gibson was phenomenal! I have only seen Braveheart and now The Patriot, but they were so emotional and gripping that they’re easy to watch over and over again. The main reason is that both involve the feeling of revenge. In Braveheart, the Scots are being terrorized by the English and every woman that is married is forced to sleep with the English governor, or something in that general direction. When William Wallace (Mel’s charcter) marries, his wife refuses, and she is then executed for defying the king’s rule. In The Patriot the first son dies because he feels that his father is not willing to save his older son’s life. He dies unfairly and unjustly by a savage lieutenant.
Both movies contain this theme of revenge, and the reasoning behind the revenge is so concrete it makes it easy to root for Mel Gibson’s slautering of his enemies. In both Braveheart and The Patriot he is able to meet the revenge and bring his armies to glory against the tyrannical English.
Overall, I loved The Patriot. The fact that Heath Ledger was a member of the cast added to my love for it. He was a great actor, and proved himself in his character. The movie was historically accurate, and with the revenge them easy to watch. Although it was a little too bloody, and a tear jerker, I am sure I will watch it again, and next time try to keep my eyes open throughout the entire 165 minutes of it.
