Plot Summary

"The Patriot" (2000) Website by Kavin Chudgar

The Backstory

The story begins in Charleston, South Carolina in 1776 during the American revolution. Benjamin Martin, a war veteran, father of 7, and widow is called to a meeting to vote upon South Carolina's participation in the revolutionary war. The vote passes, and Martin's son, Gabriel Martin, joins the Continental Army. Four years later, in front of Benjamin Martin's house, a fight breaks out between the Red Coats (the British Army) and the Continental Army. This leads to the Martin family caring for the wounded soldiers. The next day, British soldiers arrive and discover Gabriel Martin is a spy for the Continental Army. The soldiers capture Gabriel. His younger brother Thomas attempts to free him leading to a shooting causing Thomas's death, failing to free Gabriel. After the army leaves, Benjamin and two of his younger sons ambush the convoy, and successfully free Gabriel. 

Joining the Continental Army

After being freed Gabriel rejoins the Continental Army. Benjamin quickly follows, leaving the rest of the kids with his sister-in-law Charlotte. Benjamin's former commanding officer ranks him as a Colonel of a militia and places Gabriel under his command. Gabriel begins to send letters back and forth to a woman named Anne, who he is courting. Benjamin, with his militia, is told to weaken Lord Cornwallis's regiment, which he does using guerilla warfare. Benjamin's ability to use guerilla warfare in such an efficient way led to him being referred to as "ghost" by the enemy. The British army develops a plan to counter the guerilla warfare, ending in the death and capture off the majority of Benjamin's troops. He frees his troops by tricking Cornwallis, pretending he held captive some generals, colonels, and other military leaders. In actuality he had created look-alikes with straw. Cornwallis becomes so furious at this action he tells William Tavington to arrest Benjamin using any means necessary. 

The Ending

Tavington finds where Benjamin's family was hiding and raids it. Benjamin finds his family and they retreat to a Gullah settlement. At this settlement, Gabriel marries Anne, with a celebration, before going back to war. After Benjamin's militia leaves, Tavington and his troops raid Anne's town and has everyone gather in the church. While in the church, Tavington threatens to burn the church down and lock the door if no one gives up the location of the militia camp. One person finally gives up the location of the camp. Despite this, Tavington burns the church down, killing everyone in the town including Anne. After finding the tragedy, Gabriel runs off with a few other troops to challenge Tavington in his encampment. Tavington plays dead, and then kills Gabriel and escapes. Benjamin then devises a plan to defeat the Red Coats, leading to the retreat of Cornwallis's army and Benjamin impaling Tavington and killing him. Cornwallis is caught in Yorktown where he surrenders to the American and French forces. Benjamin then returns to his family and his former militia is rebuilding his home in honor of Gabriel's dream of making a new world.

The Patriot (2000) Trailer

The Patriot (2000) Trailer

Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers "The Patriot (2000) Official Trailer 1 - Heath Ledger Movie." YouTube.