Title: "The Patriot"
By Samantha Streahle
I've just viewed the movie "The Patriot" and would like to give some input on it. The movie gives an interpretation of a family from the Revolutionary War. It's loosely based on someone who really existed and participated in the war. It's filled with action packed and filled with drama. Although not every single detail was accurate it did a good job in portraying the events that occurred.
The year is 1776 and the story begins in colonial South Carolina. It focuses on the life and family of Benjamin Martin, a post war hero in the French-Indian War who wants nothing more than to live the rest of his life in peace. Benjamin has seven children. Unlike himself, his two eldest sons can't wait to enlist in the newly formed "Continental Army." When South Carolina decides to join in the rebellion against England things take a turn for the worse for Benjamin and his family. Until the war finally ends their lives are filled with hardship and loss.
The main character, Benjamin Martin, is played by Mel Gibson. He does an incredible job of expressing his emotion and really getting into character in this movie. His son Gabriel is played by Heath Ledger who does a great job as well. You could feel their pain throughout the movie, The antagonist in this movie is Col. William Tavington who is played by Jason Isaacs. I felt he did an amazing job when it came to playing this part. He did such a great job playing the bad guy that you felt actual hatred for him. There were a few background actors who could have done a better job but overall it was a job well done.
I enjoyed the movie very much. It includes one of my favorite actors, Heath Ledger. While there are a lot of inaccuracies in the movie it does a good job of portraying the war and the events that occurred in it. It shows you a lot of the struggles these people went through. You really felt their pain. Some of the parts were exaggerated but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The scene where they burned the church would have never happened but it really hit hard watching it.
The main lesson in this movie is to always fight for what you stand for. No matter how difficult things got these people stood there ground and fought for their homes. Whether it meant risking or giving up their lives they did it. Because of their sacrifices we're able to live the way we do today.
I feel all different groups of people would be able to enjoy this movie. Usually you think that only people who are interested in history would like this but personally I enjoyed it very much. History is not one of my favorite subjects but I got a lot from this movie. I would recommend this to everyone who is willing to give it a try. Some who are really into history may notice the inaccuracies very easily but overall it's a very good movie.
3.5 out of 5
Samantha Streahle is a junior at Sterling High School. She works at Chick Fil A and is involved in a total of three sports. Since middle school she has played basketball and softball and has just recently gotten involved in volleyball. When she's not working she enjoys hanging out with her friends. While she doesn't mind just relaxing she also likes adventure and new opportunities.
