Directed by Independence Day's Roland Emmerlich, the powerful, action-packed Patriot is controversial on two points. It depicts children with guns, which has displeased the anti-gun lobby, and the protagonist is based a true-life historically-proven racist, Francis Marion.

Controversy can only add spark to a film, and this big-budget, Dances With Wolves/ Gettysburg-style civil war piece is full of action and big emotional moments - so spark is extremely appropriate.

Director Roland Emmerich has been involved in a trio of profitable projects - Stargate, Independence Day, and Godzilla. The Patriot takes this genre to a different level, with a distinct change of pace in this historical reconstruction.

The Patriot does not impress on us facts about founding fathers, quill-pen declarations or Boston tea parties. It is a powerful epic story of betrayal and war, which focuses on one man's battle for revenge.

The battles are produced with technical proficiency, but perhaps don't stir the blood as others have done and unfortunately there are one too many poignant shots of the American flag.

An ever-twisting plot and glorious ending sets this film in the mould of big-budget, big-name Hollywood at its most typical, crowd-pleasing best.

Natalie Stone