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WAR
AND PEACE...
Written
by Thomas
Chau
Cast:
: Mel Gibson (Benjamin Martin), Heath Ledger (Gabriel
Martin), Joely Richardson (Charlotte), Jason Isaacs
(Col. William Tavington), Trevor Morgan (Nathan), Bryan
Chafin (Samuel Martin)
 Premise:
Benjamin Martin is a reluctant hero who is swept
into the American Revolution when the war reaches his
home and threatens his family. A hero of the fierce
French and Indian conflict, Martin had renounced fighting
forever to raise his family in peace. But when the British
arrive at his South Carolina home and endanger what
he holds most dear, Martin takes up arms alonside his
idealistic patriot son, Gabriel, and leads a brave rebel
Militia into battle against a relentless and overwhelming
English army. In the process, he discovers the only
way to protect his family is to fight for a young nation's
freedom.
Overall
Rating:
Rated R
for
strong war violence.
As
that Centropolis Entertainment logo flashed on the screen
in the beginning, my mind couldn't help but wander back
four years ago to another Roland Emmerich film...
"Today,
we celebrate, our Independence Day!"
When
Bill Pullman shouted those words in one of my all-time
favorite sci-fi films, a sudden wave of satisfaction
swept through me. As cheesy as this may sound, movies
like "ID4" just make you glad to be a citizen
of the U.S. I think what is perhaps overlooked, however,
is how our forefathers got us to this point. "The
Patriot", appropriately enough, reminds us of this
for this holiday weekend.
"The
Patriot" is this summer's feel good movie. Much
like "Frequency", it contains a terrific blend
of action with heart. Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin,
a once valiant soldier for the new country, who is now
a single father with the arduous task of raising seven
children. Martin believes that his war days are over
until his 18-year old son, Gabriel, asks his father
for his permission to join the army. Martin reluctantly
agrees to join Gabriel and fight in a militia army after
an unexpected event occurs.
Roland
Emmerich shoots this film brilliantly. The incredible
scenery, the human emotion, and the moving soundtrack
score from John Williams is terrific combination for
a film set out to remind us the price of freedom. The
drama between the Americans and the British is incredibly
gripping (despite the fact that we know the outcome).
But it is the backstory between Martin and his children
which keeps the dramatic elements of the film intact.
A
key element to any film is whether or not there is conflict
in the movie. How does the main character deal with
it? In the case of Martin, he worries about leaving
his children fatherless. Throughout the film, Gabriel
reminds his father of the cause that they are fighting
for. Martin is torn between choosing his country and
his family, but ultimately realizes that by fighting
for his country, he can help provide a better life for
his children to grow up in.
"The
Patriot" is an appropriate movie for this holiday
weekend. It's definitely not "Gladiator" or
"Braveheart" but it does restore the magic
of going to the movies again.
Discuss this movie in our Message
Board
(C)
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