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 War Drama Truth is the first casuality of war. |
Recent films such as SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and U571 are perfect examples of making themselves look like the saviours of the world and ignoring the "insignificant" contributions of the rest of the world. These were all excellent films but just not accurate in the least. A friend of mine told me stories about his father in World War 2. My favourite part was that his father was always upset (a word used for the sake of modesty) at the American soldiers because his Canadian regiment would take an objective and then put it in the US hands to hold it. Inevitably, the Canadian regiments would have to go back and retake them after the American soldiers lost their hold. This even effects television, just look at JACK OF ALL TRADES or XENA. American filmmakers have been altering not only their history but everyone elses as well. Look at Disney, even they alter history. Remember, also, that even though the British gripe about these facts, they still go out of their way not to show Americans in a very good light in the James Bond films, right? Yeah. So outside of this griping that everyone is doing let us remember that movies entertain and that history books educate.Teach yourselves and your children to read, to learn the truth and not just watch it in the movies. THE PATRIOT is entertainment that is altered for affect not accuracy. So all this being said, go see it because it is one fine piece of entertainment with Mel Gibson just shining through. "I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me and the cost is more than I can bear." The time is 1776 in South Carolina and we enter the story with Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) at his wife's grave site. He is a man who wants to be a simple farmer raising his seven children and wants to forget a past that was too vicious to remember. He is called to the city to discuss the upcoming rebellion against the tyranny of King George III. Side note here about the absolutely wonderful effect shot of all the ships in the harbour. Martin makes it clear he is tired of war and wants to lead a quiet life with his family. The rest vote for war but Martin warns them that this will not be pretty when it visits their doorsteps. His oldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger) wants to join the fight and berates his father. The war goes full force in no time and soon Charleston falls to the British, under the control of Lord General Cornwallis (Tom Wilkinson). Martin's second oldest wants to join the fight but is killed when the British invade his farm. Martin's farm is a neutral area where he treats the wounded of both sides until Col. William Tavington (Jason Isaacs) enters the scene. He has all the enemy shot and then takes Gabriel as a prisoner to be hanged. Martin pleads with Tavington but to no avail. Thomas (Gregory Smith) his second eldest son tries to stop them from taking Gabriel and Tavington shoots him and has his farm burnt to the ground. Martin holds his rage in check to protect the rest of the family. What ensues after this is best left for you to see because it is brutal and he kills 20 men. Any father would be able to put himself in Martin's position and get the revenge he needs. This one scene alone is one reason why this film is not for children. It is important to point out that Martin is based supposedly on three real heroes of that time. One being called THE GHOST. His battles against the British is legendary. Martin has a past that haunts him from when he fought the French. It is revealled much later in the story and we see why he is revered as a fighter. He leaves his children with his sister-in-law Charlotte Selton (Joely Richardson) and then goes off to rescue his son, Gabriel and to join the fight. "I'm losing my family." The American generals try to fight Cornwallis in traditional methods in some spectacular battles but Martin can see this is not going to work and they will lose the war. he quickly forms a group of irregulars from his old units and other volunteers even Jean Villeneuve (Tchéky Karyo) a French soldier awaiting the coming French army assistance.. They fight using guerrilla tactics that win them many battles and the hatred of Colonel Tavington. Tavington commits many atrocities and learns to quickly go against Cornwallis and fight the American type of battle. Just for the record here, Tavington was a ruthless fighter based on Banestre Tarleton. This film totally assasinates his character and there is no proof that he was ever involved in committing infanticide or that he ever burnt any civilians locked in a Church. If this really had happened you can bet your bottom dollar that the American would never forget something like that. The people of Liverpool are incensed over this representation of lawmaker and Green Dragoon leader, Tarleton. They are seeking an apoligy from the producer, though I doubt they will ever get one. "A shepherd must tend to his flock and at times fight off the wolves." More and more men join up with Martin, even Rev. Oliver (played by Rene Auberjonois). Their battles are many and costly. One of the high costs is Gabriel's new bride, Anne Howard (Lisa Brenner). This increases the vendetta against Tavington now not only by the father but also the son. This leads to a confrontation between Tavington and Gabriel. The outcome you can see yourself. "Why do men feel they can justify death." much happens in this movie and it would take many pages to really get in to it. It best I just go over some highlights. Martin appreciates Cornwallis's military genius and respects him but he does relish the idea of putting things over on him. Something he does often, even to the point of turning Cornwallis's two great danes against him. Benjamin even ruins the Genera'ls Ball by blowing up his ships. He even tricks him out of hostages by using scarecrows dressed as British soldiers. This of cousre incenses Cornwallis to point of allowing Tavington to act as ruthless as he wants, as long as he brings about the demise of Benjamin Martin. Tavington goes after Charlotte and martin's children but they escape in some hair raising scenes. The colonel goes totally out of it as he goes about killing the families of all know irregulars as well as committing the Church burning atrocity. "Before this war is over I will kill you.' Everything of couse leads to a climatic battle after some beautiful military strategies. The partiotism here is hard to ignore but the brutality and the loss of lives is even harder to ignore. The inevitable face off between Martin and Tavington occurs here as well. "You are right, my sons were better men." In 1781 at Yorktown the French finally arrive and attack Cornwallis ending the war. "An army of rabble, peasants, everything has changed." All aside, it was an amazing feat that the colonials pulled off. The Americans will always be remembered throughout history for this war alone. So I guess they should be allowed a little horn blowing with a film like THE PATRIOT. Oh yes, this movie may be excellent but I do not believe any actor should get the kind of money some of these superstars make, Gibson comes close to deserving it for his excellent performance. "Gabriel said if we won the war we could build a whole new world."---Freeman This is one of the sad things about this film. George Washington, a slave owner at the time promised all slaves that fought for 1 year 5 shillings and their freedom. Well that didn't last long did it. Well, grab your drink and popcorn and get ready to sit through 3 hours of incredible film. Of yeah, the drink, avoid drinking anything for a least 30 minutes into the movie eitherwisee you may not make it to the end of the movie. Going across all those people is such a pain. Of course if you are at a drive-in watching THE PATRIOT then it doesn't matter. Enjoy the film and them go out and read up in the history books. Hey don't forget if you are Canadian and you take a tour of the White House, ask the tour guide about why it is painted white. it really p.o.'s them.
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RATING CANADA... Rated Adult Accompaniement for intense war violence. Not suitable for children |
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vjm@metrocity.com