Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, a reluctant hero who is swept into the American Revolution when the war reaches his home and threatens his family. A hero of the fierce French and Indian conflict, Martin had renounced fighting forever to raise his family in peace. But when the British arrive at his South Carolina home and endanger what he holds most dear, Martin takes up arms alongside his idealistic patriot son, Gabriel, and leads a brave rebel militia into battle against a relentless and overwhelming English army. In the process, he discovers that the only way to protect his family is to fight for the young nation's freedom. Also stars Joely Richardson, Heath Ledger, Tcheky Karyo, Tom Wilkinson and Jason Isaacs.