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The Patriot is a 2004 movie directed by Rowan Emmerich and starring Mel Gibson. It follows the story of Benjamin Martin, a former soldier turned farmer, who becomes a fighter in the American Revolutionary War after his child is killed by a British general. Benjamin forms a militia of volunteers and they focus on targeting British officers. The movie also explores Benjamin's personal struggles and his fight for his family. Despite lacking historical accuracy and not addressing issues like diversity and slavery, the film portrays the family life of the colonists well. It culminates in a final battle scene where Benjamin kills the pursuing British officer, leading to a pivotal victory for the colonists. Hi, and welcome back to Discussions with Dave. This week we will be focusing on the movie The Patriot and what it has to offer on the American Revolutionary War. Directed by Rowan Emmerich in 2004, The Patriot follows a former soldier turned farmer named Benjamin Martin. The most notable actor in the film actually plays Benjamin, and you may know him as Mel Gibson. A quick rundown for those of you who have yet to see the film is that in the beginning of the film, Benjamin is seen speaking out against the war. He says that he'd rather be led by one tyrannical leader than three thousand. However, after one of his children is killed by a British general, he turns back into the accomplished fighter he was. Benjamin, however, does not like the idea of fighting the British in their style of fighting. Straight lines, one behind the other, each side taking turns shooting. He instead forms a somewhat historically accurate militia. These men are all volunteers allowed to come and go as they want. Like most militias of this time, this group consisted of all types of men. They ranged from soldiers to priests, but one thing that was made clear is they respected each other and acted as a family. The main plot structure of The Patriot was this group of militia going after British officers instead of infantry. They progress throughout the film until they are the main focus of the higher up British military in their region. Another side plot, which we'll be discussing a bit more later, is what is happening to the family of Benjamin. He has to leave behind his family with his deceased wife's sister. This troubles him and the entire time he fights for his family. Also throughout the film, many of his children die, only increasing his urge to kill and win the war. The film makes it clear that he is fighting for his family. During one of his battles, his eldest son dies, taking a major toll on him. But finally, after many ups and downs through British war crimes and marriage between the colonists, the movie culminates in one final battle scene. Benjamin kills the officer who was chasing after him and the colonists win a pivotal victory, implying a turning point for that part of the war. Again though, it is important to remember that this was a fictional film and none of these characters ever truly exist. It was all loosely based off of real life people. While this movie did lack in a lot of that historical accuracy and did not touch on any diversity or slavery for that matter, which was pivotal during the time that the movie took place, one scene did portray the family life of the colonists very well. But before we get into that, here's a quick ad from another terrific history podcast. Take me! I'm not coming back! Take me! Take me! I'm not coming back! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! Take me! 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