The Patriot

The Patriot
The Patriot equates a hero's struggle to protect his family and avenge the death of his two sons. The patriotism with which he fights for a new and free nation is secondary to finding peace of mind through revenge from the red coats and of a British general. Benjamin Martin's (Mel Gibson) protectiveness is further emphasized when his oldest son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), is put under his command and supervision throughout the battles involving the militia. Gibson's character is loosely based on a realistic person commonly referred to as "Swamp Fox", which helps to give the storyline some additional meaning. In the beginning he tries to stay out of the war and live in peace with his seven children as he tries to hide behind the fact that his wife had passed away. However, when his family is threatened he had to resort to battle and the emotions of war. As the two plots intersect, The Patriot successfully defines its main character in terms of his shielding nature.
Benjami...