The main problem with 'The Patriot' is the inconsistent pace. With a running time of just under 3 hours, the movie staggers between scenes where the pace is exactly right and then drifts back into inanities and treads water.
Especially the backstories / subplots of the characters seem constructed and are meager. Some events are just slapped together and ticked off in a few scenes (according to the motto 'eat or die'). At the end of the day, these events only serve to advance the frame story and justify half-baked motives of the characters. For the viewer, this simply seems clumsy.
Of course, you can say that the main focus is on the war actions. But then you can leave out the characters' sideshows completely. Either you do it sensibly or not at all. The movie is called 'The Patriot'. The motive is clear, it's about honor for the country. So it wouldn't have been a problem.
Time and potential would have been there, there are interesting characters, but we learn almost nothing about most of them. The consequence is one-dimensional characters. This is especially unfortunate for the figure of Heath Ledger. Unbelievable potential is wasted here.
The movie is quite well and quality staged, the fights and locations are authentic. Especially the beginning is really good, after that it stagnates. Highlight for me is also Jason Isaac. He proved once again what a great actor he is.
Whenever the movie focuses on the fights and the war, then it can convince. As soon as it's about the part up to the next battle, the focus is set wrong in my opinion.
Especially the backstories / subplots of the characters seem constructed and are meager. Some events are just slapped together and ticked off in a few scenes (according to the motto 'eat or die'). At the end of the day, these events only serve to advance the frame story and justify half-baked motives of the characters. For the viewer, this simply seems clumsy.
Of course, you can say that the main focus is on the war actions. But then you can leave out the characters' sideshows completely. Either you do it sensibly or not at all. The movie is called 'The Patriot'. The motive is clear, it's about honor for the country. So it wouldn't have been a problem.
Time and potential would have been there, there are interesting characters, but we learn almost nothing about most of them. The consequence is one-dimensional characters. This is especially unfortunate for the figure of Heath Ledger. Unbelievable potential is wasted here.
The movie is quite well and quality staged, the fights and locations are authentic. Especially the beginning is really good, after that it stagnates. Highlight for me is also Jason Isaac. He proved once again what a great actor he is.
Whenever the movie focuses on the fights and the war, then it can convince. As soon as it's about the part up to the next battle, the focus is set wrong in my opinion.