The Patriot

I was an admirer of The Patriot when I first saw it in the cinema -- but time has only reinforced the greatness of this film. I gave the Blu-ray extended cut a screening a few years ago, but the theatrical version (available on the 4k disc) is markedly superior (it is striking how much a few minutes of superfluous footage can slow a movie down). The theatrical cut is itself long, but flows extremely well, and ranks as one of the finest historic epics of all time. Mel Gibson's performance is one of his best, and rife with passion and stoic heroism. This picture was also a turning point in Gibson's career -- long the young, brash "leading man", Gibson's years were starting to show when he made this film, and this really informs the character of Benjamin Martin as a mature, ageing man, weathered by years (and the guilt of past misdeeds). Robert Rodat's script is outstanding -- better than his more-acclaimed Saving Private Ryan. The Patriot walks a fine line, managing to celebrate the struggle for, and triumph of, American independence -- without celebrating war itself. Indeed the film depicts the founding of America (and Martin's personal struggle) as hard-won, and strewn with sacrifice and loss. Jason Issacs is effectively despicable as the sadistic Colonel Tavington, yet his ruthlessness never strays outside the realm of believability (thank goodness Kevin Spacey's fee priced him out of this role!). A coterie of interesting supporting characters also populates the film -- in fact The Patriot has one of the best supporting casts ever. Not not a single one of them is uninteresting or superfluous, and they never once convolute or slow the narrative down. Caleb Deschanel's photography is a glory to behold -- and done full-justice in 4k. In fact this film looks better in its 4k transfer than it did in the theater. Deschanel bathes the film in a "period style" that looks and feels believable, but is also original in its use of lighting (as opposed to just cribbing the Barry Lyndon and Amadeus look, which most other period pieces have done). John Williams' score is a paragon of artistry, and one of his more unique efforts -- bursting with moments of soaring inspiration, but also elegiac introspection and tenderness, and nods to the music of the era. The Patriot truly is one of the finest and most moving pictures of recent decades, and film which is particularly relevant today -- when many in our culture have forgotten (or have not bothered to learn) why the United States is unique, and how its foundation changed the world (for the better).

Great actor, historically correct in the background, not the story. Great watch.

Not true necessarily to history but a very entertaining movie. Enjoyed it years ago and today. I prefer DVD over streaming.

Really great movie, portrays all sides of the situation well.

great movie made even better in 4k and dolby atmos

Far more accurate than people care to know--does not really matter as in the main the film is totally spot on. To win our Independence many died, others lost all they had in this world, but God Almighty looked after us and over us, gave us a remarkable General Washington who appears briefly in the film and the new world of the Declaration was born as the movie shows so well. And yes the French fleet was decisive at Yorktown helping greatly to end the war in Victory for the Patriots. I write this after watching this excellent film on July 4, 2026, the 250th year of Independence. V

Excellent historical film about the American Revolution,?which is also a story of revenge. The battle scenes are well directed, as are some intimate memories ments. Mel Gibson does a great job in the lead, even when some situations seem a bit far-fetched. The villain is really too much, and does things that historically did not happen. But the whole is far better than some individual parts. Recommended as a well done entertainment, but should not be seen as an accurate history lesson.

Wow, the value of many language options is a real treat! Arrived on time, as promised, securely in my mailbox. Very pleased :)

Excellent....vu plusieurs fois....grand acteur qu'est Mel Gibson j'adore

Très bon film

The Patriot 4K Steelbook was a game changer. I already had the Patriot on 4K in my personal collection but the Steelbook with its upgrade of Dolby Atmos was worth trading up. This movie is a great epic and ranks right up there with Troy and Gladiator with all the battle scenes and storyline. Great movie, worth adding to your personal collection.

アメリカ独立戦争をテーマにした アメリカ映画らしい演出の映える映画です。 （映像からUSA❗USA❗と聴こえてきそう） 作風としては、 ドラマパートも良く 多勢に無勢な主人公側が、 ゲリラ戦法や 当時としては ルール破りな戦術を多用する様や、 それだけやっても力で圧殺され 仲間や身近な人々が容赦無く犠牲になる リアリティーがあります。 時代考証も、 恐らく正確なのではと思わせる 説得力がありますね〜 その分、 アクションシーンでの、 ターン制・隊列近距離射撃や 砲弾・歩兵薙ぎ倒し、 隊列が崩れたら掃討戦〜が衝撃的ですが… あんなのが史実通りなら 正に、 人権など無い 指揮官によるリアル戦争ボードゲームですね…

Great Historical Drama