About a week ago I went to see "The Patriot" - the much-talked-about Mel Gibson film. I haven't yet sorted out all of my feelings about that film and intend to see it again soon with a friend whose judgment I value.
I would say this: It is one heck of a powerful film, beautifully done cinematography-wise. I urge all of you who have an opportunity to see it to go and decide for yourselves what this film is really all about - and how such a film could have gotten past the censors in movieland.
I'll give you a few hints:
* It is a revisionist film, if by "revisionism" we mean another look at traditionally held historical platitudes -
* There are amazing camera angles and loving camera lingering on blue eyes and blond hair that could have come right from a Hitler poster
* The film is utterly devoid of any sexual smut and obscene language
* The heroes in this film are, with very few exceptions, virile, manly and courageous men joining a (gasp here!) "Militia".
This out of Hollywood? This in politically correct America?
The film is simply stunning. The depiction of war and its attendance violence is almost more than one can bear - especially for someone like myself who experienced the horrors of very close battle in 1945 in Germany.
This movie brought back many memories of German soldiers dying in battle - or being executed just a few yards away!
There is some politically correct genuflecting - the Token Black Hero, the Wronged Indians, a few Submissive Slaves, a bit of the Requisite Breast Beating - but the film, overall, allows you to root for the Good Guys who are fiercely battling the Bad Guys who aren't -
Gee! Surprise! - the ever-handy Nazis to beat up on and vilify.
Tomorrow and the day after, I'll give you some reviews to whet your appetite. I would love to have some ZGram reader reviews of this film on the Zundelsite.
Thought for the Day:
"Political incorrectness is piled on. Not only are the people normal; they are clearly shown to be Christians."
(Charley Reese, political commentator)