Rating: R
Genre:
Historical Film
Theatrical Release: 06/28/2000(USA)
Release Date: 04/25/2006
SubTitles: English/French/Por/French
Dubbed: English/French/Por/Espanol
Sound: DD5.1/DS
Run Time: 175 Minutes
Flags: Questionable for Children, War Violence
Distributor/Studio: Sony Pictures
Roland Emmerich and
Dean Devlin, the director/producer team responsible for such sci-fi blockbusters as
Independence Day,
Stargate, and
Godzilla, take a step back in time with this drama set during the American Revolution. Farmer Benjamin Martin (
Mel Gibson) was born and raised in South Carolina, and fought bravely during the French-Indian wars. But since the death of his wife, Benjamin has renounced violence and quietly tends his crops, raising his seven children alone. In 1776, over Benjamin's objections, his oldest son Gabriel (
Heath Ledger) joins the fight against the British. Gabriel returns from battle seriously wounded, with Lord General Cornwallis (
Tom Wilkinson) calling for his arrest. A skirmish breaks out on Benjamin's plantation, and one of his children is killed as Gabriel is captured by Col. Tavington (
Jason Isaacs) and sentenced to hang. Benjamin sets aside his vow of pacifism and rescues Gabriel; with the help of his former comrade-in-arms Harry Burwell (
Chris Cooper), the father and son form a regiment of Carolina patriots whose cunning and ruthlessness make them heroes among the colonists -- and wanted men by British troops. Loosely adapted from the true story of
Francis Marion and filmed on location in South Carolina,
The Patriot was the first feature film made with the cooperation of the Smithsonian Institute, who advised the producers on historical accuracy.
Joely Richardson also stars as Charlotte, Benjamin's sister-in-law who helps him care for the children.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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A reviewer
from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
An Historic Film Epic.
Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, who brought you as movies like Stargate, Independence Day, and Godzilla (1998), now brings an extended cut version of this historic war drama containing ten minutes of additional footage not shown in it's original theatrical release. Set during the American Revolution, Mel Gibson stars as a veteran of the French & Indian Wars, who refuses to take part in the war against the British until his son (Heath Ledger) enlists in the Continental Army, and fate and circumstances forces him to become involved in the Fight for Freedom. Filmed throughout South Carolina. Also starring Joely Richardson, Chris Cooper, Jason Isaacs, Rene Auberjonois, Tom Wilkinson, Lisa Brenner, Donal Logue, Leon Rippy, Adam Baldwin, Tcheky Karyo, Skye McCole-Bartusiak, Trevor Morgan, Mika Boorem, and Mary Jo Deschanel.