Release Year: 2000 Rating: R Duration: 164 minutes Other Title: Patriot, Der Director: Roland Emmerich Producer: Dean Devlin, Gary Levinsohn, Mark Gordon Distributor: Columbia Tristar
After proving himself on the field of battle in the French and Indian War, Benjamin Martin wants nothing more to do with such things, preferring the simple life of a farmer. But when his son Gabriel enlists in the army to defend their new nation, America, against the British, Benjamin reluctantly returns to his old life to protect his son, now serving under his command, and his family from British tyranny.
Roland Emmerich directing a movie that doesn't feature major special effects gadgetry or giant creatures pulverizing metropolitan cities? Say it ain't so. Well, it is so, and so is the fact that star Mel Gibson reportedly received a cool $25 million bucks for making this period piece. But with the word of mouth starting off strong and the success of another periodic epic still riding the wave of the early summer box-office (can anyone say GLADIATOR), things are looking mighty good for the man behind such popcorn fare as GODZILLA and INDEPENDENCE DAY.