MovieChat Forums > The Crossing (2000) Discussion > Superior to The Patriot

Superior to The Patriot

posted 17 years ago by SimplySteve
14 replies | jump to latest

No offence to anyone, but The Patriot was so hollywood and inaccurate, I was very disappointed by it. The Crossing brings dignity to Washington, his generals (except Gates), and the especially "the lads". It showed the balance between his convictions and his doubts, and the doubts of others. Washington, like all great leaders, had to look at the bigger picture,always. He, himself said after the battle "Have we won a war? Gentleman, this is only the beginning of a war."

Great movie. Daniels was excellent, as was the rest of the cast.

[–] mbphilly 17 years ago

I agree. Definately better if you want a true, honest, yet stirring drama about the American Revolution, and great acting to boot.

Everyday takes re-figuring out just how to live.--Jane Cannery

[–] mmmPeachy 16 years ago

Yeah i have to admit, this movie was pretty baddass. Especially the part where hamilton enters the house and kills the crap of the hessians. I wasn't expected that. I have to admit that i enjoyed this movie as much as the Patriot.

[–] wrathofachilles 16 years ago

As history, the Crossing is far better, but it's actually intended to be a historically accurate recreation of the events, whereas the Patriot is pure Hollywood.

[–] wilhemb 16 years ago

Please, there is no comparison possible. The Crossing is a magnificent piece of history recreated. The Patriot is pure fantasy and cannot be compared to it!

-You may have a coronary..
- A coronary? My heart wouldn't dare attack me!

[–] Joshua24fan 16 years ago

I loved both, but the Crossing was definitely better. And it's a shame that Gates is made to look like a bad guy but he ends up being the hero of Saratoga.

[–] jimpoz 16 years ago

You can't really say it, but old Ben Arnold was the hero of Saratoga.

[–] jkholman 16 years ago

While the Patriot is very Hollywood, the scene where Mel Gibson's character attacks the British column with his younger sons is not complete fabrication. Daniel Morgan did take on several enemy soldiers singlehanded in a similar situation and took them down. It is my favourite part in the Patriot. However, I can always watch the Crossing. My favourite scene is when the young Continental (the term American is a disparaging one for quite some time) sees his target, loads his firing piece and shoots the man down. Now that was really impressive.

- JKHolman

[–] magic8ball2112 15 years ago

The Crossing was immensely more satisfying, story-wise, (not to mention more historically minded) than The Patriot. I can pop the disc into the player anytime and get caught up in it. I can only watch bits & pieces, but not the whole, of The Patriot as it'll irritatingly bounce from history lesson to revenge pic in the span of a few scenes.

Plus I always chuckle when Mad Max decides to go rescue Heath Ledger's character. The expression on his face makes me go, with a nod to his previous film, Braveheart: "when will the Brits learn: you don't @#$@# with Mad Max!"

[–] rogcbrand 14 years ago

I think for the majority of people, who aren't well versed in history, something like "The Patriot" ends up being very popular. But for those that know and love history, it can be hard watching movies that badly butcher historical facts or even go off into the totally made up. So, for that small portion of people, something like "The Crossing", which may not be perfect, is still very good history and makes for a better movie!

[–] mbphilly 13 years ago

Oh I am not saying The Patriot isn't fun to watch and if you want a good historical narrative then read a book. Jeff Shaara and Bernard Cornwell are terrific writers for that. Just saying as far as films about the Revolution go, this one is superior. Got to love Mel Gibson in his pre-crazy days, and the Patriot showcased a good villain with Jason Issac as Colonel Tavington.

"Religion and Politics: like a divorced couple who still enjoy occasional, casual sex."--Anonymous

[–] rogcbrand 13 years ago

"Got to love Mel Gibson in his pre-crazy days"

True!
:P

[–] nyrmetros 13 years ago

Gates.......... the hero of Saratoga........

[–] alouette1977 13 years ago

One thing I immediately liked off the bat, was seeing the presence of British officers in the Continental army. The Patriot exaggerated the British into acting like Nazis, while the truth was there were many English people in the states who saw this as their opportunity to get out from under the thumb of the British monarchy, and be part of a new country.

"Everyone else may be an a**hole, but I'm not!" - Harlan Ellison

[–] jonathanrspalding 8 years ago

Much better history than the Patriot and a good movie.