Film Analysis: The Patriot

The protagonist in The Patriot, Benjamin Martin was based upon Francis Marion the, “Swamp Fox.” The film accurately portrays Marion’s troubled past as he fought a brutal battle in the French-Indian war. Many of the tactics used by the Indians Marion would later use against the British. The film also accurately represents Marion’s time in the South Carolina militia. Marion was put in command of the militia in 1780 and quickly began to train his men. Marion then led 50 men in an attack against the British hiding in the forest and defeated them, saving 150 American prisoners in the process. Marion’s militia would continue defeating the British with their attacks that used guerilla tactics to surprise the British. Through their efforts Marion’s
militia made South Carolina, “inhospitable for the British.”