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The Patriot

Play trailer 2:39 Poster for The Patriot R 2000 2h 45m War History Drama Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
61% Tomatometer 140 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Mel Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, an unassuming man who is forced to join the American Revolution when the British threaten to take his farm away from him. Together with his patriotic son, Gabriel, the pair faces the vicious Redcoats with a heroism that reflects the stubborn pride of a young country's most dedicated supporters.
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The Patriot

The Patriot

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Critics Consensus

The Patriot can be entertaining to watch, but it relies too much on formula and melodrama.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 28, 2010
4/5
Many graphic battle scenes, not for all teens. Go to Full Review
Philip Strick Sight & Sound Dec 2, 2002
The main irony, of course, lies in the film's title, which suggests that the absurdly flag-waving activist should be taken at face value despite the ample evidence that defending his country is the last thing on his mind. Go to Full Review
Mick LaSalle San Francisco Chronicle Jun 18, 2002
2/4
Emmerich's battle scenes may look authentic to anyone who has ever stared hard at a history book, but in every other way the film is long, empty and bogus. Go to Full Review
Justin Brown Medium Popcorn Jul 22, 2026
3/5
This was a decent movie despite being way too long...I was editing scenes in the film in my head that could've been cut as I was watching it. Go to Full Review
Brandon Collins Medium Popcorn Jul 22, 2026
2/5
The scale of this movie is impression and Jason Isaacs plays a great villain, but this movie is too long. The pacing was torturous at times... Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Apr 1, 2026
4/4
...a predominantly engrossing piece of work that benefits from its sweeping atmosphere and raft of above-average performances... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Maxim K @Max375 2 hrs ago it's an ok movie but what makes it great is how mad it make British twats See more Chris S @Janomi Aug 10, 2026 The Patriot is very solid because Mel Gibson gives Benjamin Martin grief, rage, guilt, and reluctant heroism. He makes the revenge and fatherhood elements work emotionally, especially as the war becomes personal for Benjamin and his children. The battle sequences are some of the movie’s biggest strengths. The ambushes, musket fire, cannon blasts, battlefield chaos, and final confrontation are large, brutal, and dramatic without losing the personal stakes underneath the spectacle. Jason Isaacs is memorable as Tavington because he is cruel, arrogant, and easy to hate, giving the movie a clear villain to push against. Heath Ledger also adds sincerity and youthful conviction as Gabriel, helping show the cost of idealism. The film is broad and not especially subtle, but The Patriot is emotional, intense, and very effective as a historical action epic. See more Colin H @RT49974360 Jul 18, 2026 Amazing action and emotional See more Justin W @RT97690836 Jul 14, 2026 Hollywood never gives Mel Gibson credit, great film! See more Sebastian C @Scallender Jul 10, 2026 Just rewatched this movie over the 4th of July. Haven’t seen it in some years but still really enjoyed it. I feel like this was Mel’s prime. Mel Gibson through his grieving process in this film is amazing, still my favorite scene is when the younger brother is killed and he slays out the entire group in the woods and you see his inner anger break out on the final poor red coat. Great movie through and through, still stands as a great movie 26 years later. See more Aye G @AyeGeeYT Jul 10, 2026 Mel Gibson knows how to make a war epic. The Patriot blends war, revenge, and family drama into an emotional and entertaining story that keeps you invested despite its nearly three-hour runtime. Jason Isaacs is phenomenal as Colonel Tavington, delivering one of the most hateful villains you'll ever see on screen—making Lucius Malfoy look like a saint by comparison. While it runs a little long, the performances, action, and emotional stakes make it well worth the journey. It's the kind of grand historical epic that feels increasingly rare today. See more Read all reviews
The Patriot

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The Patriot

The Patriot: Official Clip - Benjamin Fights Tavington The Patriot: Official Clip - Benjamin Fights Tavington 2:07 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - My Sons Were Better Men The Patriot: Official Clip - My Sons Were Better Men 2:15 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - Papa Don't Go The Patriot: Official Clip - Papa Don't Go 2:10 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - No Retreat! The Patriot: Official Clip - No Retreat! 2:10 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - Before This War is Over The Patriot: Official Clip - Before This War is Over 2:12 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - The War Ends Today The Patriot: Official Clip - The War Ends Today 2:08 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - Tomahawk Massacre The Patriot: Official Clip - Tomahawk Massacre 2:13 Now Playing The Patriot: Official Clip - A Call for Militia The Patriot: Official Clip - A Call for Militia 2:06 Now Playing View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Mel Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, an unassuming man who is forced to join the American Revolution when the British threaten to take his farm away from him. Together with his patriotic son, Gabriel, the pair faces the vicious Redcoats with a heroism that reflects the stubborn pride of a young country's most dedicated supporters.
Director
Roland Emmerich
Producer
Gary Levinsohn, Dean Devlin, Mark Gordon
Screenwriter
Robert Rodat
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia TriStar Home Video
Production Co
H2L Media Group, Mutual Film Company, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Centropolis Entertainment, Global Entertainment Productions GmbH & Company Medien KG
Rating
R (Strong Violence)
Genre
War, History, Drama, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 28, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$113.3M
Runtime
2h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, SDDS, Surround, DTS, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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