War film with Mel is We were soldiers but BEST war film ever directed by Mel is Hacksaw Ridge...amazing true story you won't believe. Have tissues ready!
We were Soldiers is a definite must...it is hard to watch as well, but shows how the war in Vietnam wasn't a very good idea for many reasons. Like Hacksaw, it shows the war from both sides even more
We were soldiers is another great Mel Gibson war movie, about The Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam my dad was in the battle and landed in the first wave and the movie broke my dad.
I was in the Army when I saw that movie... and I left the theater in the middle of it because it destroyed me. It was probably the only time I cried during my service, and I was just a fkn mess, tore up from the floor up.
Wow, I honor your father for his courage. My best friend did 2 tours of duty as a combat Marine in Vietnam. He died in 97 a victim of Agent Orange. I almost enlisted but my friend talked me out of it. He said the war was one big cluster fuck. "They won't let us win," he once said. I was lucky enough to have a high draft number, 353. I had classmates that were not so lucky. I honor and thank your dad.
Music was used in battles to communicate orders to the troops. The musical instrument could be heard over the noise of the battlefield. Each tune carried specific instructions like advance, pull back, cease fire, etc.
Correct... no radios, so the only way for a general to command fielded troops was by drum and fife. Different tunes and different drumbeats commanded different groups as well. One tune might mean a cavalry charge, another meant for a certain company to flank left, another to go right. And of course there were tunes that applied to all, ie: "Sound a general retreat" was universal to all on the field.
Drums and bugles for infantry, trumpets for cavalry. Actual tunes, or songs, weren't typically played in battle as important calls -- wheels, halts, etc -- could be lost in the music. Not in battle, martial music was just as important to good order & discipline as it was morale. The band keeps soldiers in step and the music gave them something to focus on other than how much it sucked to be soldier then. Camped at night, the band entertained with familiar tunes & songs of home. In the 20th century, bandsmen started serving as stretcher bearers.
What they don't show in the battle scenes is that after the first volley or two the visibility on the field was zero. The smoke covered everything. The only way you could keep track of your own troops was to stay bunched up. There were lots of reasons for what seems to be a counterintuitive approach to battle tactics. Once guns were able to fire more rapidly, this approach gave way to trench warfare.
I am from South Carolina, I was born and raised in a town where it was General Francis Marion ambushed and hid his men against the British in the American Revolution. Mel Gibson's character is based on Francis Marion whom the British nicknamed Swamp Fox
Its not just Francis Marion. I am from South Carolina as well, and Mel's character is loosely based on a few different militia commanders of the time. Thomas Sumter, Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan, and a few others. Daniel Morgan carried a Tomahawk that he acquired during the French and Indian War. I believe he also formed the plan in the final battle of putting the militia in the center of the formation. As that scene depicted a real battle, the Battle of Cowpens. Also, Thomas Sumter is actually buried in the county I am from.
As a Rev War reenactor that participated in the movie, I am glad that you liked it - as well all those who have watched it too. So much I can tell about this movie, about historical accuracies or not, the background history and the behind the scene stories. I just love the 18th century especially the era of American War for Independence.
Sad his 2 sons died but the father lived and he has like 4 other children and then being with the wife’s sister would mean similar genetics and familiarity with the kids. That man can still have another 8 kids with his new wife.
@deathsticks1776 ten years ago, in Houston, Texas. Here's the relevant information from the Wikipedia article: "On July 19, 2014, Bartusiak died at the age of 21 in her apartment behind her parents' Houston home. While her mother, shortly after Bartusiak's death, stated she believed that her daughter's history of epileptic seizures may have had a role in her death, the coroner ruled the death resulted from an accidental drug overdose. Bartusiak's mother told CNN and the Associated Press that Skye's boyfriend found the actress sitting up in her bed; Helen began CPR on her daughter before the arrival of paramedics, who then worked "for 45 minutes" to resuscitate her. Her mother said Skye "had been healthy and did not drink or do drugs", but had recently been experiencing epileptic seizures; she believed that this fact had likely played a role in her daughter's death. A memorial service was held in Houston six days later; her brother Stephen told mourners: "If you want to know what makes Skye happy, go out and plant a tree." The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled in October 2014 that Bartusiak's death was an accident. The combined toxic effects of hydrocodone and difluoroethane with carisoprodol were listed as the main cause of death"
I remember watching a "making of" video. The wardrobe team went to the Smithsonian and were allowed to examine original uniforms...including sweat stains. Such a human connection to the past!
I think you would Love " Last of the Mohicans " it's a very Period Piece from when France and England where fighting for control of The North American Continent
@@johnpalmer3848@johnpalmer3848 - I was under the impression the war in this Gibson movie was the War of Independence. Whereas, the war that was the backdrop for "Last of the Mohicans" is "The French and Indian War," also known as "The Seven Years' War," which lasted from 1756 to 1763 (some historians even consider it the real first world war). It was the debt incurred by England to finance the French and Indian War in North America that was a big part of the reason England imposed new taxes on the Colonies (and it was also England's treaty with Native Americans that prohibited colonists from settling on land West of the mountain range--a prohibition that irked aspiring land speculators, including "surplus elites" like George Washington--which also increased the desire to delcare independence from England to free the colonists from taking more land from Native Americans).
I second this. That is hands down one of the best films I've ever watched. The acting is perfect, the music is spectacular, the love story is perfect, and the action- when you really get into it- is absolutely brutal. I would recommend that movie to anybody.
@@ZalesakVID - "Last of the Mohicans" is a great movie, BUT everybody's reacted to it a zillion times already. Much as I like that movie, I'm not watching it again for at least a few more years. And while I'm on the subject, the vast majority of reactors all react to the same movies over and over again. Few venture to try something different. A couple of reactors ventured to try "Ben Hur" starring Charleton Heston or some have tried, "Lawrence of Arabia"--I believe the reactions were great successes. A few of the old movies were done so well they are often better than some of the most acclaimed modern movies, even in the eyes of younger generations who didn't even know such films existed.
I'm sure that someone has or will explain this better than me, but this is why armies fought in line during that time. The short answer is the musket. The average soldier was given a smooth bore musket. Smooth bore meaning that there were no grooves cut into the barrel to make the round spin. This by itself induced a certain amount of inaccuracy. Secondly, the range which a soldier could reasonably kinda of sorta hit what they pointed at was less than a football field and more reasonably 50 yards. This was because of the next problem with the musket which was a loose fit of the ball in the barrel. This meant that the ball "bounced" inside the barrel until it left the muzzle. It would continue in roughly the direction opposite the last part of the barrel it hit before exiting. So, if it hit the top of the barrel it would head down, if it hit the bottom it would arc up, the right side it would fly left and sometimes it left the center and flew mostly straight. This meant that a good soldier could point (there really wasn't aiming at this time as many muskets didn't have sights) could hit the person they pointed at, or the person to the right or the left or even have the round fly several feet over their head or at their feet. To overcome this, armies would use massed fire to increase the chances of hitting the enemy. So, they lined up in nice ordered compact ranks to shoot at the enemy essentially sending a wall of lead their way. The more disciplined army would stay together and use the bayonet to chase the enemy off the field. Once one side lost cohesion is where the real casualties happened. Then there is the whole argument of two rank lines vs. three rank lines, which is its own discussion. So, in summary, since European soldiers couldn't load laying down, they stood up to mass their fire and increase the effectiveness of their weapon.
Well said. Worth noting is that the Kentucky long rifle, a firearm with the spiral grooves (rifling) to create spin for improved accuracy, was an option at the time, but the Army widely opted for muskets due to their ease of use as well as lower cost. Rifles had a tighter fit of the round in the barrel, requiring more precisely made rounds, and took longer to load, which got worse after firing several rounds. They also needed more upkeep, leading to other problems, and generally weren't able to fit a bayonet. This made them inferior in traditional close quarters ranked firing lines vs musketmen. So the continental army created specialized units of riflemen that engaged in guerilla warfare and such, hiding behind trees while they reloaded. In a cover fighting situation, the rifle had a huge advantage as accuracy was much more important than rate of fire.
@@DavidSmith-mt7tbif I remember my history correctly Washington didn’t think to fondly of rifled barrels, so he only made one unit with themunder the command of Daniel Morgan. who’s a inspiration of Mels character along with the many others historical men of that era
@@DavidSmith-mt7tb Rifles were not as common on the battlefield for the reasons you mentioned but a great many armies did use them in specialized units, the most famous being the British 95th with their Baker rifles. The Austrian army also had specialized air rifles where the troops were issued pumps to put air under pressure into spheres that were then screwed into the rifle just ahead of the trigger assembly. As can be expected this rifle didn't survive the rigor of the battlefield well but was surprisingly effective when they worked.
that is excellent point. Also "Roman inheritage". Most formation's and tactic's were based on Roman tactic's. They had worked so far and with aforementioned qualities of musket's and their accuracy, was reason for formation and line attacks. It was so deep inherited thought pattern for officer's (from the fall of Rome and then Bysantine into WW1) that they tried those in all side's in WW1, with most notable example of British first attack in Somme with 50,000 casualties in first day alone... Yet, old almost senile General's and Marshal and extremely hierarchical system of British chain of command (At least imperial German army officer's were given some leeway to act according themselves. If they messed up and survived, they were punished if they succeeded they got medal), resulted that 50,000 casualties with head on assaults against entrenched machine gun nests meant little if nothing...
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@@thejamppa The line formation tactics of the late 17th - late 19th centuries were an evolution of the pike and shot tactics and formations first used by the Spanish during the 16th and 17th centuries. They came from Alexander the Great's phalanx format9ons more than anything else. You have bought into a pervasive myth regarding the commanders of WW1. Soldiers did not march in closely packed formations into machinegun fire. In fact, open order skirmish formations had been the norm since the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. However, since there are still no radios soldiers clustered together to retain command and control was still done, even after WW1. The creation of portable field radios is when it stops. WW1 commanders didn't try the same thing over and over but continuously looked for solutions to break the deadlock of trench warfare. Long artillery bombardments that would last for days, tanks, gas attacks, bombers, snipers, specialist shock units, better grenades, etc. The Somme was a disaster because the Germans knew of the British attack and had been preparing for months. There wasn't supposed to be such heavy resistance. 1.5 million artillery shells had been fired in preparation for the attack. It wasn't because of "senile" commanders.
Charleston here! The "Old Spanish Mission" in the movie is filmed in Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County. I go there for hikes regularly as its only about 15 minutes from my house.
in response to 09:10. I remember writing my great grandmother letters when I learned to read/write in the 1st grade back in the late 90's, feeling so proud and grown up. She sent them back. In red ink marking every grammar mistake. She was an English teacher her entire adult life, and I stood no chance with the crushing blow she delt to my 7 year old self.
Hello Colette! Hope you had an awesome Halloween! The Patriot is a great movie from 2000! Man good memories of going to the cinema and watching Mel Gibson act his best performance
When I was in the Army, during Basic Training and when on deployments (Iraq/Afghanistan), I would send/receive letters to communicate with family. It was odd considering I grew up with telephones in the home (land lines) lol. But it was something very personal about them. You learn who wrote the letter just by seeing the address written because you could tell the handwriting. You looked forward to getting the mail and it seemed like it was never enough mail or arrived as fast as you would like lol. My parents said they kept all my letters. I have a feeling if I read over them now, it would bring back some memories but also probably make me cringe with embarrassment lol. I think this film does a great job of showing how young men are eager to show their bravery and fight for those they love, but are so naive in what it means to be in a war, what it can cost. And showing Mel's character fully understanding what war is and does and not wanting that for his family is very understandable. His children think he is a coward, but their father just knows the cost. Very well written film and great acting all around.
Jason Isaac's character is based on Banastre Tarleton. An English Cavalry Officer who ordered the slaughter of American prisoners. General Cornwallis was a real person but he was not the buffoon he is portrayed as. In fact he was the best English officer of the war. The final battle is kind of a portmanteau of the battles of The Cowpens and Guilford Court House.
There are many great war films that you have not watched yet, like: Master and Commander, Glory, Enemy at the Gates, Kingdom of Heaven, Last of the Mohicans, War Horse, Letters from Iwo Jima and many others.
Great reaction. I'll support the 20+ recommendations for We Were Soldiers. Mel Gibson plays Hal Moore who is one of the best Battlefield Commanders and Leaders the world has ever seen Ft Benning was recently renamed for Hal and his wife Julie.
The Patriot, or as I like to call it, Revolutionary War Braveheart. A guy that wants to live in peace and raise a family, and then loses a family member and is forced into war!!!
This is such a great movie. The combination of influences is used perfectly. The guerilla tactics are from Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox) and the tactic of making the British Army chase the army all over the south was Dan Morgan. He and his riflemen (the snipers of their day) would hit the British Army and immediately retreat. They would then chase the riflemen (who had lived amongst Indians and adopted their tactics). The riflemen could move at a lot faster pace than the entire army chasing them. They linked up with Nathaniel Greene (my hometown is named after him. Greeneville, TN) and absolutely destroyed the British Army. This destroyed their chances in the south and led to their eventual surrender at Yorktown. I'm a war nerd waiting for a transplant. I have 8,000 military history books and a lot of free time.
Shoutout to Charleston, SC. I live about 3 hours from there. Love going to visit down there when I can. Oh and, love this movie, glad you decided to watch it! Also, on Charlotte getting together with Benjamin, it seems weird today, but when you think about it, it makes the most sense. His dead wife's sister is family, she's not married, his kids already know and love her, and they have chemistry and a bond. Compare that with just some random woman that you have to start from scratch from, build a relationship with her, the kids have to learn to do the same, and accept her as a new mother figure, and hope she isn't a psycho that will abuse you or your kids in some way. When you think about it, it's not strange at all. Especially since it took years, they didn't hop all over each other right after his wife died.
I live in North Carolina but I was born and raised in Virginia. My home town is Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and home to James Madison University (although when I was growing up in the 50's and 60"s it was just Madison College). During those years we went to Richmond several times. Being from Richmond I'm sure you have visited Colonial Williamsburg. For someone who loves costumes of that period that is the place to go. My wife and I vacationed there several times. I really enjoyed your reaction and it's nice to meet a fellow Virginian after all these years!
Both the British and the Americans offered freedom to slaves that fought on their side. Most slaves joined the British believing that was their best chance for freedom. Sadly, most that joined the American rebels went right back to their plantations. The British did a better job giving slaves their freedom.
This movie has felt more personal to me in recent years, as I learned that my direct paternal ancestor (multiple-great-grandfather) served with militia during the war as a scout (officially as a "ranger and spy" which sounds really cool, but it was just the terms of the time for scout). So I can imagine him as any one of Martin's men. Jason Isaacs does play a wonderful villain. As with many such actors, apparently in real life he's a really nice guy. Another good movie for him was a live action version of Peter Pan, where he plays the dual roles of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling.
@@digitalbegley its not supposed to be accurate, it’s supposed to grasp a feeling of what it could have been like … it’s supposed to be entertaining. And the Movie the Patriot is a Classic.
@@digitalbegley There are documentaries and tons of reading material if you want something more accurate. This was a movie. Sit back and enjoy it. It was a great one.
52:23 The two sides are not taking turns firing. Each side is trying to fire as many volleys as they can, as fast as they can. Volley fire means all soldiers in a formation fire together. They all have to reload and fire, on command. While it seems strange to us, volley fire was far more effective than individual soldiers firing on their own. While it may look like they are waiting their turn, they are just waiting for the command to fire.
Finally someone that understands the history of warfare 👏
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Yes and no. Volley fire during this era more meant that troops formed up into close order formations (packed together, standing shoulder to shoulder) firing. Once the first volley was made the troops would immediately start firing at will. Waiting for everybody to reload and fire at the same time just wasn't possible. The volley fire you're thinking of comes into play during the mid 19th century once troops get issued breech loading rifles en masse (I know they existed earlier, but they were too expensive to produce in large numbers and still too prone to mechanical failures)
Great Reaction..... Benjamin Martin is loosely based on Francis Marion "Swamp Fox" British Col. Tavington is loosely based on Banastre Tarleton, who used similar (But not as severe) tactics...... Some of the Battles and time have been combined for simplicity...... A movie that is related the war in which the battle of Fort Wilderness happened is "Last of the Mochicans" (1992)
Thanks for your vid, appreciate your take on flicks. Consider "Midway". There is a 76 version, but the 2019 really paid attention to detail. It was the most important naval battle in US history. Also "das boot" (the boat) German perspective of u-boat warfare. Hope you had a happy Halloween.
I grew up my formative years in Greenville and Spartanburg. After stints in TX, NM, CA, I ended up in WV. My senior class decided they wanted to go to Myrtle for senior trip... I rolled my eyes so hard.
The movie is a Historical Fiction, the main model for Mel's Character was Francis Marion AKA the swamp fox. They did draw on others but the plot is a stylized story set in the time much like the Horatio Hornblower books by CS Forester or Master and Commander books by O'Brian and the films based on those works.
This movie was filmed near me, mostly in and around York County, SC... Just south of Charlotte (Rock Hill, Lake Wylie area). I lived in Greenville for 12 years mid 80s to late 90s. You are right... It is a great place!
I love seeing your reactions to amazing movies. If i could, Id like to recommend Red Tails. Its about US Fighter Piolets in WW2, specifically, its about the Tuskegee Airmen.
So happy you saw braveheart first, the stories are very similar, so many of my friends that saw this first, think it's best, but Braveheart told the story epic and the patriot told it good
The character of Benjamin Martin was based heavily off of Daniel Morgan, a brigadier general in the American Revolutionary War, he was one of the Continental Army’s most valuable tacticians and commander of several of the most successful rifle corps of the war. His most famous victory was defeating Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s British Legion at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781 by implementing tactics that successfully combined state militias, Continental regulars, and cavalry units.
There is a historical movie I think you would enjoy, AMAZING GRACE. It is a biopic about William Wilberforce, the English member of parliament who fought to end the slave trade in the British Empire. It is not a war movie, nevertheless it is a great movie. Sadly it is underrated, it flew under everyone's radar and very few people know about it. But I am sure you would like it.
Did not realize you were from VA. For some reason I kept thinking you were from Canada lol. I was way off and not sure how I got that idea. Always glad to support another VA born person!
There was one summer in college, and my roommates were at home, and they took their TVs with them. I couldn't believe how much reading I did. Of course, when they returned for fall term, I stopped lol.
From Richmond Virginia as well and was always in Brunswick and southern Virginia so i know what ya mean by loving the quiet life. Great review. Keep it up
4:20 Yep, they died young. That's why our "Founding Fathers" were all in their 20s or early 30s, not like today where Senate's median age is 65.3 years. We need young blood back in congress.
Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old in 1776. He was the oldest of the Founding Fathers at the time. Died at 84. James Monroe, 18 Aaron Burr, 20 Alexander Hamilton, 21 James Madison, 25 Thomas Jefferson, 33 John Adams, 40 Paul Revere, 41 George Washington, 44 in 1776
Jason Isaacs, Col William Tavington, main antagonist, the guy who shot Thomas, in the beginning, plays a GREAT bad guy. He was Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series
I love all these 2000s movies, they are the best. The way you react and do the videos is just perfect, you are very adorable. You need to go back to WW2, let me recommend Enemy at the Gates.
I actually live outside of Richmond, Virginia. But, Charlottesville, Yorktown, Roanoke, DC, love going to the museums and historic landmarks. But, love the suburbs quiet life, maybe when I retire I can build out in the mountainous areas.
Born and raised and now back in Williamsport outside Hagerstown Maryland. Small town. Lived in Havelock North Carolina while in the Marines. Love small towns, the rivers, woods and am pretty good with horses too lol.
I liked this movie from the first time I saw it but I like it a lot more after seeing your reactions and comments. I’m an old Aussie bloke but I still appreciate the American War of Independence and the American heart and courage in taking on the British Empire of the time. You are rapidly becoming one of my favourite movie reactors, pretty lady, and I look forward to viewing more of your work. Cheers from the Great Southern Land, Australia 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Flintlock muskets and rifles, because the "priming" powder ignition was so close to your face, pretty much mandated that you close your eyes at the very last moment. A big part of being accurate within each weapon's effective range (muskets 50 yards, rifles 200-400 yards) was holding your weapon as absolutely steady as you could while the shot completed (1/2 second) and while your eyes were closed. In the mass formation line, when they did start opening up with muskets at 100 yards against advancing troops, the command was "ready, LEVEL, fire" not "aim". With muskets, at 100 yards, your chance of hitting a human sized target were no better than 50/50, and usually worse, so aiming at a particular target was useless. Leveling at a approaching mass formation was faster, and well trained troops (which British Army almost always were and American Militia wasn't) could get at least 3, often 4 volleys into the ranks of an advancing enemy before (or if) they got into bayonet contact range.
Saving Private Ryan is well known and accredited as one of, if not thee absolutely most accurate depiction of what war is really like. During test screening, the got vets to watch and so many vets had to get up and leave because they were having flash backs.
I’m from Chicago area but live in Knoxville TN since 2011. I love the southern area. I been to Richmond area and such a beautiful place. Here in Knoxville I live an hour away from the Smokey Mountains. Such a beautiful area
7:01 That actor is Chris Cooper, and is totally underrated. I'd love to see you react to the Bourne trilogy. He's in the first one and plays a solid antagonist to Matt Damon's Jason Bourne. Great stunts and setpieces all wrapped up in a neat plot with bit more emotional depth than one might expect from a spy thriller.
USC ALUMNI Here!!! You are always Welcomed in my State!!! Also I know many of the Local Actors and People that were involved in this movie... One even rented a room at my Moms Business for several months. 2 of my Relatives were Extras and they shot the final battle scene across the road from my Uncles House
War film with Mel is We were soldiers but BEST war film ever directed by Mel is Hacksaw Ridge...amazing true story you won't believe. Have tissues ready!
This movie is very far from a true story, it's tantamount to propaganda
@_veikkomies Comprehend what you read? Hacksaw Ridge not The Patriot!
@@jamesw5353 My bad.
We were Soldiers is a definite must...it is hard to watch as well, but shows how the war in Vietnam wasn't a very good idea for many reasons. Like Hacksaw, it shows the war from both sides even more
She just watched Hacksaw Ridge. Literally like a few days ago, it was uploaded
We were soldiers is another great Mel Gibson war movie, about The Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam my dad was in the battle and landed in the first wave and the movie broke my dad.
Perhaps your dad and my dad crossed paths
I was in the Army when I saw that movie... and I left the theater in the middle of it because it destroyed me. It was probably the only time I cried during my service, and I was just a fkn mess, tore up from the floor up.
Wow, I honor your father for his courage. My best friend did 2 tours of duty as a combat Marine in Vietnam. He died in 97 a victim of Agent Orange. I almost enlisted but my friend talked me out of it. He said the war was one big cluster fuck. "They won't let us win," he once said. I was lucky enough to have a high draft number, 353. I had classmates that were not so lucky. I honor and thank your dad.
Yes. This is a must watch
100%
Music was used in battles to communicate orders to the troops. The musical instrument could be heard over the noise of the battlefield. Each tune carried specific instructions like advance, pull back, cease fire, etc.
also, for the spirit and inspiration
Correct... no radios, so the only way for a general to command fielded troops was by drum and fife. Different tunes and different drumbeats commanded different groups as well. One tune might mean a cavalry charge, another meant for a certain company to flank left, another to go right. And of course there were tunes that applied to all, ie: "Sound a general retreat" was universal to all on the field.
Drums and bugles for infantry, trumpets for cavalry. Actual tunes, or songs, weren't typically played in battle as important calls -- wheels, halts, etc -- could be lost in the music. Not in battle, martial music was just as important to good order & discipline as it was morale. The band keeps soldiers in step and the music gave them something to focus on other than how much it sucked to be soldier then. Camped at night, the band entertained with familiar tunes & songs of home. In the 20th century, bandsmen started serving as stretcher bearers.
What they don't show in the battle scenes is that after the first volley or two the visibility on the field was zero. The smoke covered everything. The only way you could keep track of your own troops was to stay bunched up. There were lots of reasons for what seems to be a counterintuitive approach to battle tactics. Once guns were able to fire more rapidly, this approach gave way to trench warfare.
I am from South Carolina, I was born and raised in a town where it was General Francis Marion ambushed and hid his men against the British in the American Revolution. Mel Gibson's character is based on Francis Marion whom the British nicknamed Swamp Fox
Its not just Francis Marion. I am from South Carolina as well, and Mel's character is loosely based on a few different militia commanders of the time. Thomas Sumter, Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan, and a few others. Daniel Morgan carried a Tomahawk that he acquired during the French and Indian War. I believe he also formed the plan in the final battle of putting the militia in the center of the formation. As that scene depicted a real battle, the Battle of Cowpens. Also, Thomas Sumter is actually buried in the county I am from.
@the.dinkster yes I know about Thomas Sumter as well he was nicknamed Gamecock
As a Rev War reenactor that participated in the movie, I am glad that you liked it - as well all those who have watched it too. So much I can tell about this movie, about historical accuracies or not, the background history and the behind the scene stories. I just love the 18th century especially the era of American War for Independence.
In most cultures throughout history marrying your deceased spouses siblings was not only preferred but obligatory in most cases.
@@kevinwilson140 I bet fewer chicks were into bad guys back then on account of the consequences for their little sisters LOL
Sad his 2 sons died but the father lived and he has like 4 other children and then being with the wife’s sister would mean similar genetics and familiarity with the kids. That man can still have another 8 kids with his new wife.
I'm not even a father, and the scene where Susan finally calls out for Benjamin, just rips my heart out. RIP Skye McCole Bartusiak.
Oh my god i didnt know she passed.
@deathsticks1776 ten years ago, in Houston, Texas. Here's the relevant information from the Wikipedia article:
"On July 19, 2014, Bartusiak died at the age of 21 in her apartment behind her parents' Houston home. While her mother, shortly after Bartusiak's death, stated she believed that her daughter's history of epileptic seizures may have had a role in her death, the coroner ruled the death resulted from an accidental drug overdose.
Bartusiak's mother told CNN and the Associated Press that Skye's boyfriend found the actress sitting up in her bed; Helen began CPR on her daughter before the arrival of paramedics, who then worked "for 45 minutes" to resuscitate her. Her mother said Skye "had been healthy and did not drink or do drugs", but had recently been experiencing epileptic seizures; she believed that this fact had likely played a role in her daughter's death. A memorial service was held in Houston six days later; her brother Stephen told mourners: "If you want to know what makes Skye happy, go out and plant a tree."
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled in October 2014 that Bartusiak's death was an accident. The combined toxic effects of hydrocodone and difluoroethane with carisoprodol were listed as the main cause of death"
Sadly, accidental overdose at age 21
I remember watching a "making of" video. The wardrobe team went to the Smithsonian and were allowed to examine original uniforms...including sweat stains. Such a human connection to the past!
Probably the only thing this movie has in common with the past
I think you would Love " Last of the Mohicans " it's a very Period Piece from when France and England where fighting for control of The North American Continent
And, I might add, the very war and fighting that was the secretive back story behind Mel's character in this movie.
*Mohicans
@@johnpalmer3848@johnpalmer3848 - I was under the impression the war in this Gibson movie was the War of Independence. Whereas, the war that was the backdrop for "Last of the Mohicans" is "The French and Indian War," also known as "The Seven Years' War," which lasted from 1756 to 1763 (some historians even consider it the real first world war). It was the debt incurred by England to finance the French and Indian War in North America that was a big part of the reason England imposed new taxes on the Colonies (and it was also England's treaty with Native Americans that prohibited colonists from settling on land West of the mountain range--a prohibition that irked aspiring land speculators, including "surplus elites" like George Washington--which also increased the desire to delcare independence from England to free the colonists from taking more land from Native Americans).
I second this. That is hands down one of the best films I've ever watched. The acting is perfect, the music is spectacular, the love story is perfect, and the action- when you really get into it- is absolutely brutal. I would recommend that movie to anybody.
@@ZalesakVID - "Last of the Mohicans" is a great movie, BUT everybody's reacted to it a zillion times already. Much as I like that movie, I'm not watching it again for at least a few more years. And while I'm on the subject, the vast majority of reactors all react to the same movies over and over again. Few venture to try something different. A couple of reactors ventured to try "Ben Hur" starring Charleton Heston or some have tried, "Lawrence of Arabia"--I believe the reactions were great successes. A few of the old movies were done so well they are often better than some of the most acclaimed modern movies, even in the eyes of younger generations who didn't even know such films existed.
I'm sure that someone has or will explain this better than me, but this is why armies fought in line during that time. The short answer is the musket. The average soldier was given a smooth bore musket. Smooth bore meaning that there were no grooves cut into the barrel to make the round spin. This by itself induced a certain amount of inaccuracy. Secondly, the range which a soldier could reasonably kinda of sorta hit what they pointed at was less than a football field and more reasonably 50 yards. This was because of the next problem with the musket which was a loose fit of the ball in the barrel. This meant that the ball "bounced" inside the barrel until it left the muzzle. It would continue in roughly the direction opposite the last part of the barrel it hit before exiting. So, if it hit the top of the barrel it would head down, if it hit the bottom it would arc up, the right side it would fly left and sometimes it left the center and flew mostly straight. This meant that a good soldier could point (there really wasn't aiming at this time as many muskets didn't have sights) could hit the person they pointed at, or the person to the right or the left or even have the round fly several feet over their head or at their feet. To overcome this, armies would use massed fire to increase the chances of hitting the enemy. So, they lined up in nice ordered compact ranks to shoot at the enemy essentially sending a wall of lead their way. The more disciplined army would stay together and use the bayonet to chase the enemy off the field. Once one side lost cohesion is where the real casualties happened. Then there is the whole argument of two rank lines vs. three rank lines, which is its own discussion. So, in summary, since European soldiers couldn't load laying down, they stood up to mass their fire and increase the effectiveness of their weapon.
Well said. Worth noting is that the Kentucky long rifle, a firearm with the spiral grooves (rifling) to create spin for improved accuracy, was an option at the time, but the Army widely opted for muskets due to their ease of use as well as lower cost. Rifles had a tighter fit of the round in the barrel, requiring more precisely made rounds, and took longer to load, which got worse after firing several rounds. They also needed more upkeep, leading to other problems, and generally weren't able to fit a bayonet. This made them inferior in traditional close quarters ranked firing lines vs musketmen. So the continental army created specialized units of riflemen that engaged in guerilla warfare and such, hiding behind trees while they reloaded. In a cover fighting situation, the rifle had a huge advantage as accuracy was much more important than rate of fire.
@@DavidSmith-mt7tbif I remember my history correctly Washington didn’t think to fondly of rifled barrels, so he only made one unit with themunder the command of Daniel Morgan. who’s a inspiration of Mels character along with the many others historical men of that era
@@DavidSmith-mt7tb Rifles were not as common on the battlefield for the reasons you mentioned but a great many armies did use them in specialized units, the most famous being the British 95th with their Baker rifles. The Austrian army also had specialized air rifles where the troops were issued pumps to put air under pressure into spheres that were then screwed into the rifle just ahead of the trigger assembly. As can be expected this rifle didn't survive the rigor of the battlefield well but was surprisingly effective when they worked.
that is excellent point. Also "Roman inheritage". Most formation's and tactic's were based on Roman tactic's. They had worked so far and with aforementioned qualities of musket's and their accuracy, was reason for formation and line attacks. It was so deep inherited thought pattern for officer's (from the fall of Rome and then Bysantine into WW1) that they tried those in all side's in WW1, with most notable example of British first attack in Somme with 50,000 casualties in first day alone... Yet, old almost senile General's and Marshal and extremely hierarchical system of British chain of command (At least imperial German army officer's were given some leeway to act according themselves. If they messed up and survived, they were punished if they succeeded they got medal), resulted that 50,000 casualties with head on assaults against entrenched machine gun nests meant little if nothing...
@@thejamppa The line formation tactics of the late 17th - late 19th centuries were an evolution of the pike and shot tactics and formations first used by the Spanish during the 16th and 17th centuries. They came from Alexander the Great's phalanx format9ons more than anything else.
You have bought into a pervasive myth regarding the commanders of WW1. Soldiers did not march in closely packed formations into machinegun fire. In fact, open order skirmish formations had been the norm since the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. However, since there are still no radios soldiers clustered together to retain command and control was still done, even after WW1. The creation of portable field radios is when it stops.
WW1 commanders didn't try the same thing over and over but continuously looked for solutions to break the deadlock of trench warfare. Long artillery bombardments that would last for days, tanks, gas attacks, bombers, snipers, specialist shock units, better grenades, etc.
The Somme was a disaster because the Germans knew of the British attack and had been preparing for months. There wasn't supposed to be such heavy resistance. 1.5 million artillery shells had been fired in preparation for the attack. It wasn't because of "senile" commanders.
Charleston here! The "Old Spanish Mission" in the movie is filmed in Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County. I go there for hikes regularly as its only about 15 minutes from my house.
Every time I see 'Lucius Malfoy' in anything, I always think about how good a James Bond he would've made if he had gotten the chance.
His near twin Timothy Dalton is a good way to imagine how his Bond would have been..
Best example of this is The Tuxedo with Jackie Chan, he made the part of the spy Clark Devlin with such elegance that it was easy to see him as Bond
'I want to be in a period piece'
Monkey paw wish suddenly granted
Agent suddenly calls: 'good news - I got you a spot in a tampax commercial'
Aw, Colette deserves to have that same old love we all yearn for, just being fundamentally wanted
in response to 09:10. I remember writing my great grandmother letters when I learned to read/write in the 1st grade back in the late 90's, feeling so proud and grown up. She sent them back. In red ink marking every grammar mistake. She was an English teacher her entire adult life, and I stood no chance with the crushing blow she delt to my 7 year old self.
Hello Colette! Hope you had an awesome Halloween! The Patriot is a great movie from 2000! Man good memories of going to the cinema and watching Mel Gibson act his best performance
When I was in the Army, during Basic Training and when on deployments (Iraq/Afghanistan), I would send/receive letters to communicate with family. It was odd considering I grew up with telephones in the home (land lines) lol. But it was something very personal about them. You learn who wrote the letter just by seeing the address written because you could tell the handwriting. You looked forward to getting the mail and it seemed like it was never enough mail or arrived as fast as you would like lol. My parents said they kept all my letters. I have a feeling if I read over them now, it would bring back some memories but also probably make me cringe with embarrassment lol.
I think this film does a great job of showing how young men are eager to show their bravery and fight for those they love, but are so naive in what it means to be in a war, what it can cost. And showing Mel's character fully understanding what war is and does and not wanting that for his family is very understandable. His children think he is a coward, but their father just knows the cost. Very well written film and great acting all around.
Really glad you watched this. Perfect timing too.
Jason Isaac's character is based on Banastre Tarleton. An English Cavalry Officer who ordered the slaughter of American prisoners. General Cornwallis was a real person but he was not the buffoon he is portrayed as. In fact he was the best English officer of the war. The final battle is kind of a portmanteau of the battles of The Cowpens and Guilford Court House.
There are many great war films that you have not watched yet, like: Master and Commander, Glory, Enemy at the Gates, Kingdom of Heaven, Last of the Mohicans, War Horse, Letters from Iwo Jima and many others.
The patriot was inspired by Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion, and Daniel Morgan the leader of Morgan's Riflemen.
Great reaction. I'll support the 20+ recommendations for We Were Soldiers.
Mel Gibson plays Hal Moore who is one of the best Battlefield Commanders and Leaders the world has ever seen
Ft Benning was recently renamed for Hal and his wife Julie.
So happy she's watching this one ^^
The Patriot, or as I like to call it, Revolutionary War Braveheart. A guy that wants to live in peace and raise a family, and then loses a family member and is forced into war!!!
Important to know.
At Fort Wilderness, the British (who Benjamin Martin was fighting for), fought the French. (The "French and Indian War")
This is such a great movie. The combination of influences is used perfectly. The guerilla tactics are from Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox) and the tactic of making the British Army chase the army all over the south was Dan Morgan. He and his riflemen (the snipers of their day) would hit the British Army and immediately retreat. They would then chase the riflemen (who had lived amongst Indians and adopted their tactics). The riflemen could move at a lot faster pace than the entire army chasing them. They linked up with Nathaniel Greene (my hometown is named after him. Greeneville, TN) and absolutely destroyed the British Army. This destroyed their chances in the south and led to their eventual surrender at Yorktown. I'm a war nerd waiting for a transplant. I have 8,000 military history books and a lot of free time.
Without the French you would still be under British rule.
From VA Beach,VA! And been to Richmond countless times…that opening scene definitely reminds me of parts of VA! Great reaction to a great movie
Another great movie is Master and Commander with Russel Crowe!!!
So great comentary colette, all latinoamerica its encatada con vos love from Argentina
🤘Last of the mohicans🤘 the scenery, the score & Daniel Day Lewis! & on top of all that an amazing love story ~ classic literature, classic movie
Shoutout to Charleston, SC. I live about 3 hours from there. Love going to visit down there when I can. Oh and, love this movie, glad you decided to watch it!
Also, on Charlotte getting together with Benjamin, it seems weird today, but when you think about it, it makes the most sense. His dead wife's sister is family, she's not married, his kids already know and love her, and they have chemistry and a bond. Compare that with just some random woman that you have to start from scratch from, build a relationship with her, the kids have to learn to do the same, and accept her as a new mother figure, and hope she isn't a psycho that will abuse you or your kids in some way. When you think about it, it's not strange at all. Especially since it took years, they didn't hop all over each other right after his wife died.
I'm from Spartanburg, SC. They filmed a lot of this in Chester, SC and the surrounding areas; also the coast around Charleston. Still living here too!
Aussie Goat Heath Ledger🐐❤
The flute "fife" and drums were used to give orders to troops over a large battlefield faster than messengers could.
The dress the aunt was wearing was accurate for the time and her social standing.
Lucius Malfoy 19:30
Heath Ledger (Black teeth food) 29:45
Modern women yearn for chivalry, but it doesnt exist outside the patriarchy
Definitely recommend We Were Soldiers. Really good true story about Vietnam.
I live in North Carolina but I was born and raised in Virginia. My home town is Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and home to James Madison University (although when I was growing up in the 50's and 60"s it was just Madison College). During those years we went to Richmond several times. Being from Richmond I'm sure you have visited Colonial Williamsburg. For someone who loves costumes of that period that is the place to go. My wife and I vacationed there several times. I really enjoyed your reaction and it's nice to meet a fellow Virginian after all these years!
Both the British and the Americans offered freedom to slaves that fought on their side. Most slaves joined the British believing that was their best chance for freedom. Sadly, most that joined the American rebels went right back to their plantations. The British did a better job giving slaves their freedom.
This movie has felt more personal to me in recent years, as I learned that my direct paternal ancestor (multiple-great-grandfather) served with militia during the war as a scout (officially as a "ranger and spy" which sounds really cool, but it was just the terms of the time for scout). So I can imagine him as any one of Martin's men.
Jason Isaacs does play a wonderful villain. As with many such actors, apparently in real life he's a really nice guy. Another good movie for him was a live action version of Peter Pan, where he plays the dual roles of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling.
one of my favorite movies, really loved watching it with you.
Sorry about the loss to Louisville Saturday but THANKS for the great video Colette!
Southern Virginia born and raised! Hello from another Virginian!
Second reaction of yours I have watched and liked it! I love Mel’s movies so much!
“Papa!” 😭
A real man will cry watching this Movie...
😂😂😂 you must be a Democrat
Only in disbelief at how factually inaccurate it is.
@@digitalbegley its not supposed to be accurate, it’s supposed to grasp a feeling of what it could have been like … it’s supposed to be entertaining. And the Movie the Patriot is a Classic.
@@digitalbegley There are documentaries and tons of reading material if you want something more accurate.
This was a movie. Sit back and enjoy it. It was a great one.
I love the story of the American Revolution. That time seemed special. I also like the late 19th century time period.
The Light Between Oceans also Tulip Fever. I think you may enjoy both of those films, Colette🍒. Have a great weekend film buff.
✌️
Frederick, Maryland here. So glad to see this reaction, well done miss!
52:23 The two sides are not taking turns firing. Each side is trying to fire as many volleys as they can, as fast as they can. Volley fire means all soldiers in a formation fire together. They all have to reload and fire, on command. While it seems strange to us, volley fire was far more effective than individual soldiers firing on their own. While it may look like they are waiting their turn, they are just waiting for the command to fire.
Finally someone that understands the history of warfare 👏
Yes and no. Volley fire during this era more meant that troops formed up into close order formations (packed together, standing shoulder to shoulder) firing. Once the first volley was made the troops would immediately start firing at will. Waiting for everybody to reload and fire at the same time just wasn't possible. The volley fire you're thinking of comes into play during the mid 19th century once troops get issued breech loading rifles en masse (I know they existed earlier, but they were too expensive to produce in large numbers and still too prone to mechanical failures)
Great Reaction.....
Benjamin Martin is loosely based on Francis Marion "Swamp Fox"
British Col. Tavington is loosely based on Banastre Tarleton, who used similar (But not as severe) tactics......
Some of the Battles and time have been combined for simplicity......
A movie that is related the war in which the battle of Fort Wilderness happened is "Last of the Mochicans" (1992)
Now you HAVE to do "Glory" (1989)
Thanks for your vid, appreciate your take on flicks. Consider "Midway". There is a 76 version, but the 2019 really paid attention to detail. It was the most important naval battle in US history. Also "das boot" (the boat) German perspective of u-boat warfare. Hope you had a happy Halloween.
I grew up my formative years in Greenville and Spartanburg. After stints in TX, NM, CA, I ended up in WV. My senior class decided they wanted to go to Myrtle for senior trip... I rolled my eyes so hard.
I've seen this movie probably 20 times. I never noticed Aunt Charlotte was holding a baby at the end till you mentioned it. That's too cool.
☺️🤗that’s cool to hear
I’m in Mount Airy NC three miles from VA. And I love, love history. And love your reaction.
The movie is a Historical Fiction, the main model for Mel's Character was Francis Marion AKA the swamp fox. They did draw on others but the plot is a stylized story set in the time much like the Horatio Hornblower books by CS Forester or Master and Commander books by O'Brian and the films based on those works.
RIP to Heath Ledger who plays Gabriel the oldest son and RIP to Tom Wilkinson who plays General Lord Charles Cornwallis. 🙏🏻
I turn 26 on the 6th and I’ll probably spend a good part of the day watching your reactions lol, hopefully you post on that day too!
Hacksaw Ridge is a fantastic movie to watch!!
This movie was filmed near me, mostly in and around York County, SC... Just south of Charlotte (Rock Hill, Lake Wylie area).
I lived in Greenville for 12 years mid 80s to late 90s. You are right... It is a great place!
I love seeing your reactions to amazing movies. If i could, Id like to recommend Red Tails. Its about US Fighter Piolets in WW2, specifically, its about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Winchester VA here, interesting to see someone else's take on one of my favorite movies
So happy you saw braveheart first, the stories are very similar, so many of my friends that saw this first, think it's best, but Braveheart told the story epic and the patriot told it good
Colette, I recommend Mel Gibson again in Lethal Weapon 1-4. Awesome movies of him ❤.
Awesome Franchise..... All the movies are great with character/family growth.......
The character of Benjamin Martin was based heavily off of Daniel Morgan, a brigadier general in the American Revolutionary War, he was one of the Continental Army’s most valuable tacticians and commander of several of the most successful rifle corps of the war. His most famous victory was defeating Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s British Legion at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781 by implementing tactics that successfully combined state militias, Continental regulars, and cavalry units.
My face when you said you were from RVA 😮 I am from there as well 😅 I knew there was something I liked about you 😂
I'm great at writing letters! very happy to write you too
There is a historical movie I think you would enjoy, AMAZING GRACE. It is a biopic about William Wilberforce, the English member of parliament who fought to end the slave trade in the British Empire. It is not a war movie, nevertheless it is a great movie. Sadly it is underrated, it flew under everyone's radar and very few people know about it. But I am sure you would like it.
Did not realize you were from VA. For some reason I kept thinking you were from Canada lol. I was way off and not sure how I got that idea.
Always glad to support another VA born person!
There was one summer in college, and my roommates were at home, and they took their TVs with them. I couldn't believe how much reading I did. Of course, when they returned for fall term, I stopped lol.
Nice will be listening to this at work.
I'm from Pennsylvania. A lot of my relatives are country folks.
41:50 Me too, old romantic values are underrated.
From Richmond Virginia as well and was always in Brunswick and southern Virginia so i know what ya mean by loving the quiet life. Great review. Keep it up
The final battle actually happened, Its called the battle of cowpens.
Colonial Williamsburg is a cool glimpse of history
On my shortlist for all-time favorite movies
4:20 Yep, they died young. That's why our "Founding Fathers" were all in their 20s or early 30s, not like today where Senate's median age is 65.3 years. We need young blood back in congress.
Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old in 1776. He was the oldest of the Founding Fathers at the time. Died at 84. James Monroe, 18 Aaron Burr, 20 Alexander Hamilton, 21 James Madison, 25 Thomas Jefferson, 33 John Adams, 40 Paul Revere, 41 George Washington, 44 in 1776
Jason Isaacs, Col William Tavington, main antagonist, the guy who shot Thomas, in the beginning, plays a GREAT bad guy. He was Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series
I love all these 2000s movies, they are the best. The way you react and do the videos is just perfect, you are very adorable. You need to go back to WW2, let me recommend Enemy at the Gates.
I actually live outside of Richmond, Virginia. But, Charlottesville, Yorktown, Roanoke, DC, love going to the museums and historic landmarks. But, love the suburbs quiet life, maybe when I retire I can build out in the mountainous areas.
“I will not fight and because I will not fight I will not cast a ballot for others to fight in my stead”.
Imagine if all leaders thought this way.
Born and raised and now back in Williamsport outside Hagerstown Maryland. Small town. Lived in Havelock North Carolina while in the Marines. Love small towns, the rivers, woods and am pretty good with horses too lol.
I liked this movie from the first time I saw it but I like it a lot more after seeing your reactions and comments. I’m an old Aussie bloke but I still appreciate the American War of Independence and the American heart and courage in taking on the British Empire of the time. You are rapidly becoming one of my favourite movie reactors, pretty lady, and I look forward to viewing more of your work. Cheers from the Great Southern Land, Australia 🇦🇺🇺🇸
Orange, Connecticut! - Farm town, absolutely beautiful (You asked about east coasters)
Flintlock muskets and rifles, because the "priming" powder ignition was so close to your face, pretty much mandated that you close your eyes at the very last moment. A big part of being accurate within each weapon's effective range (muskets 50 yards, rifles 200-400 yards) was holding your weapon as absolutely steady as you could while the shot completed (1/2 second) and while your eyes were closed.
In the mass formation line, when they did start opening up with muskets at 100 yards against advancing troops, the command was "ready, LEVEL, fire" not "aim". With muskets, at 100 yards, your chance of hitting a human sized target were no better than 50/50, and usually worse, so aiming at a particular target was useless. Leveling at a approaching mass formation was faster, and well trained troops (which British Army almost always were and American Militia wasn't) could get at least 3, often 4 volleys into the ranks of an advancing enemy before (or if) they got into bayonet contact range.
Saving Private Ryan is well known and accredited as one of, if not thee absolutely most accurate depiction of what war is really like. During test screening, the got vets to watch and so many vets had to get up and leave because they were having flash backs.
Greenville South Carolina is one of the most beautiful, green, and majestic cities I've ever been or seen..
God touched that place 👍
I’m from Chicago area but live in Knoxville TN since 2011. I love the southern area. I been to Richmond area and such a beautiful place. Here in Knoxville I live an hour away from the Smokey Mountains. Such a beautiful area
Hi Colette hope you are having an great and awesome day ❤
One of my absolute favorites!
7:01 That actor is Chris Cooper, and is totally underrated. I'd love to see you react to the Bourne trilogy. He's in the first one and plays a solid antagonist to Matt Damon's Jason Bourne. Great stunts and setpieces all wrapped up in a neat plot with bit more emotional depth than one might expect from a spy thriller.
Lucious Malfoy... I imagined Jacob Isaacs as Voldemort when I was a kid. Something cold about his eyes.
That line about trading one tyrant thousands of miles away for thousands of tyrants one mile away is VERY apt.
You're on a streak of Really good movies! I wish I could watch some of these for the first time again 😢
Nice review. As always I vote for 'The Lost Battalion" as the next film. :)
USC ALUMNI Here!!! You are always Welcomed in my State!!! Also I know many of the Local Actors and People that were involved in this movie... One even rented a room at my Moms Business for several months. 2 of my Relatives were Extras and they shot the final battle scene across the road from my Uncles House