The Patriot is a good summary of American Revolutionary Wars. This film focuses on Benjamin Martin, an ex-Indian War Hero and now farmer in South Carolina. Benjamin is considered a Patriot in his circle of friends, but he doesn’t advocate war between Britain & The Colonies. Martin is a man built on character. He sets high standards for his family, community, and friends. This movie is one of the most accurate and well-known Revolutionary War films to date. The film shows how British cheated, controlled and abuse the Colonists over too many years. The Patriot movie is briefly described in the essay below. Gabriel, Martin’s oldest son, agrees to South Carolina’s draft. He signs up as an infantryman when South Carolina votes for it. Martin strongly disagrees, but Gabriel is over 18 so Martin cannot make any changes. Martin continues to be a plantation entrepreneur as Gabriel leaves town for his service. It was normal for a plantation owner to need hundreds of slaves in order to generate enough income to support his family. Benjamin Martin however has only free women and men working for him. The War continues as normal with the Martin’s until Martin’s neighbor comes for him. Gabriel sustains injuries and is sent home for rest and safety. Only to awaken the next day to find his front porch covered in “Red Coats” and “Blue Coats”. The British Colonel William Tavington arrives with a group of officers. Tavington injures Benjamin Martin, orders that all injured Colonists are shot, captures Gabriel for spying, and kills Martin’s second oldest son, Thomas. Martin goes on a hunt after his son’s death. Martin takes two sons aged 10 and under, and chases down the unit which took Gabriel. Benjamin tells the boys specifically to kill the officers first. The Code of War prohibits killing commanding officers at any time. This meant that the officers believed they were invincible until Martin killed all of them. This basically meant that the British were told by the Martins that they didn’t care about the Code of War. After this battle, the Martins were reunited. Benjamin, who killed all of his men, was nicknamed “The Ghost”. Benjamin decided to form his own Militia under the (Colonial-Confederal) Continental Army. Benjamin makes Gabriel a soldier and they fight together against the British. Benjamin’s army is led like a normal militia, with some exceptions. Martin is accompanied on his long, tedious journey by one French Ambassador. The Ambassador shows the militia how to fire and march as an army. Martin is now less angry and insists that the army follow the Code of War. Martin is required to meet with British General Charles Cornwallis one time. The meeting is quite civilized. They discuss topics such as the killings and rudeness of the British army. Martin’s statement that we will value the lives of your officers if you stop murdering innocent children and women, is what he ends the meeting. Gabriel marries Gabriel, but Gabriel is then killed by Tavington. Hundreds of civilians are also killed. Finally, the War ends with the last battle. The armies confront each other in an undesignated place. However, the film was influenced by the Battle of Cowpens & Yorktown. Martin and Tavington create a great fight scene to enhance the drama aspect of the movie. Finally, America prevails. Cornwallis ordered his troops to retreat and then backed the French navy up! The British surrender led to many more victories by the Colonists. America has finally achieved its independence.
The Patriot was a movie that was remarkably accurate in historical terms. The movie had some shortcomings (e.g. Tavington’s rival and Martin’s rival), but there were many good points. The uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officers, for example, are all very accurate. All were exactly correct. Updated research confirms that both battle strategies and marching patterns are accurate. The movie’s dramatic elements, like the rivalry mentioned above, were filmed to highlight Benjamin Martin’s life.
The Patriot is a film that stars and directs amazing actors. Every aspect of the film was examined by everyone involved. In just three hours, the film is historical accurate, emotional-laden, and informative. The film shows the British manipulating, cheating, and controlling the Colonists for way too long. The movie is well worth every second.
