Short description
As a former war hero of the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) is determined to renounce his notoriously violent past in order to raise his family in peace. The last thing he wants to do is return to battle against the savage British redcoats in the midst of the American Revolution. But when one of his sons is killed in a revolutionary skirmish and his patriotic eldest son Gabriel (Heath Ledger) joins the fight, Martin has no choice but to take up arms once again in order to protect the people he treasures most in his life. The only way to protect his family is to face the bloody reality of war and fight for a young nation's freedom.
Long description
Mel Gibson stars in this action-packed historical drama from the director of INDEPENDENCE DAY and GODZILLA. Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, an unassuming man who is forced to join the American Revolution when the British threaten to take his farm away from him. Together with his patriotic son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), the pair faces the vicious Redcoats with a heroism that reflects the stubborn pride of a young country's most dedicated supporters. THE PATRIOT is a sweeping epic adventure that sheds light on America's past, and at the same time entertains audiences.
A reformed American soldier is forced to abandon his happy rural life with his family when they are personally threatened by the British during the American Revolution. He and a group of others contribute in a major way towards the cause.
Review
"...The singer's sultry make-out music is compelling..." -- Rating: B
1995-01-27 00:00:00
Entertainment Weekly
"...Gibson shows an on-screen comfort and expansiveness he has not revealed before..."
2000-06-28 00:00:00
New York Times
Special features
4 Featurettes: The Art of War; The True Patriots; Conceptual Art to Film Comparison; Visual Effects, Deleted Scenes, Feature Length Commentary by Director, Roland Emmerich and Producer, Dean Devlin, 2 Trailers: Teaser; International, Stills Gallery, Filmo