The Patriot is a 2000 American historical films of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. The major star is Mel Gibson. The film mainly takes place in rural York County, South Carolina and depicts the story of an American swept into the when his family is threatened. The lead character, named Benjamin Martin, is a composite figure based on three real Carolinas American Revolutionary War heroes: Andrew Pickens, Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, plus Daniel Morgan, leader of a famous regular brigade of Virginia riflemen. The film lacks historical accuracy, but does present a picture of violent war and guerrilla fighting that is not far from representing the truth of the conflict in the Carolinas. Among the four real-life heroes in the composite character, Francis Marion seems to be the most strongly represented. So, if you want to experience revolutionary guerrilla fighting, see the film. If you seek an accurate historically presentation of the conflict, select a book instead.
HRW