The Patriot is a 2000 American epic historical war film directed by Roland Emmerich and starring Mel Gibson, Chris Cooper, Heath Ledger, Tom Wilkinson, and Jason Isaacs. It follows Benjamin Martin, an American colonist who becomes involved in the American Revolutionary War after his son enlists in the army. The film primarily unfolds in rural Berkeley County, South Carolina and portrays Martin's transformation from a peaceful farmer to a determined warrior.