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Reluctant hero Mel Gibson leads a ragtag militia against the might of the British army in this stirring, lavishly mounted historical epic set during the Revolutionary War. He's perfectly cast as Benjamin Martin, a colonial farmer, widowed father, and veteran of the French and Indian War who stubbornly resists joining the Continental Army. Martin eventually enters the conflict to save his eldest son, Gabriel -- played by charismatic young Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You), a rebel courier captured by British troops. The loose-knit band of guerrillas he organizes bedevils the redcoat, and sets up the traditional bad guy vs. mad guy (Mel) climax. Director Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) re-creates the Revolution with scrupulous fidelity, vividly capturing the carnage and confusion of pitched battles that often took place in the backyards of colonial settlers. His historically accurate rebels are gentlemen farmers, vagabonds, and brigands, united by their disdain for the arrogant English king and determined to gain their freedom at any cost. Thematically similar to Gibson's Oscar-winning film Braveheart, The Patriot provides its popular leading man with a rousing vehicle for his considerable talents. The Special Edition DVD includes deleted scenes, storyboards, audio commentary, photo galleries, cast and crew bios, a featurette, and the theatrical trailer. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

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

Product Details

• UPC: 043396137295
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 2:55:00
• Sales Rank: 17,118

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