Patriot’s Day: Movie Review
There has been some negative press in regards to writer/director Peter Berg leaving important details out about the real-life Boston City Marathon bombing as well as glamorizing the events in his new film, “Patriot’s Day”. Although I can understand the issue people might have when it comes with leaving facts out, I completely disagree with any statements made about the events being glamorized in the film. “Patriot’s Day” is probably one of Berg’s best films, coming just behind 2013’s stellar, “Lone Survivor”.
Based on the book “Boston Strong”, “Patriot’s Day” is set on April 15th 2013 and follow’s events leading up to the bombing and the aftermath. Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) is the film’s central character. Assigned to work the marathon, Saunders wound up being one of the first responders.
Although much of the film focuses on Saunders, the film cuts back-and-forth to others who played an important part in the manhunt for the terrorists. Special Agent Richard Deslauriers (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Sergeant Jeffery Pugliese (J.K. Simmons) and Dun Meng (Jimmy O. Yang), a young man who was kidnapped by the marathon bombers.
“Patriot’s Day” is extremely intense and never once glorifies the attack. The bombing is absolutely horrifying and Berg doesn’t hold back, showing us the devastation. The terrorists themselves are also very human and the closer they become to getting caught, the more desperate they become. The real-life attack happened just three ago and it feels even more recent while watching this film. The cast is fantastic, but it is Silicon Valley’s Yang who really stood out to me. “Patriot’s Day” is worth checking out.
By: Marc Ferman