“Patriots Day”: A film about unity in Hell Hell
Even though its story is known, this film is able to reel the viewer in due to the dynamic design of the movie.
By Jake Swartz
When a monumental day for a community, turns into a week full of terror, the community of the greater Boston area isn't going to let evil get in the way. The movie, “Patriot’s Day,” tells the story of the day of the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15th, 2013.
Soon after the bombing, the FBI takes charge of the investigation once the blasts were proven to be a terrorist attack. The investigation is handled by Special Agent Richard DesLauriers, played by Kevin Bacon. The supporting characters in the movie added some flair to the plot by playing the roles of various people affected by the bombings. These people were watching the marathon near the finish line and suffered both physical and mental trauma. These bystanders include Patrick Downes, played by Christopher O’shea, and Jessica Kensky, played by Rachel Brosnahan. The two were a young couple who attended the marathon after attending a Red Sox game. They spectate the marathon near the finish line and their day is cut short by Jessica losing both her legs and Patrick losing one of his legs due to the blasts. This motion picture uses graphic detail, blood, and lots of violence to insert the reader into the situations that the characters are in, but the viewer is also exposed to the heartwarming recovery journeys of the victims.
Another character who really brings the movie together is that of Dun Meng played by Jimmy O. Yang. Dun Meng is a college student living in Boston who has his brand new car hijacked by the bombers. While in the car the bombers talk about their plans to detonate more bombs in New York. While stopped at a gas station, Meng is able to escape the car and get in contact with the authorities. The intense minutes, while Meng is in the car with the hijackers, keeps the viewer is at the edge of their seat nervous, but eager to see more.
The viewers are able to see the manhunt from many different angles whether it be the cop, a victim, or the bombers. I thought this movie would just be from one perspective of the Boston Police and the FBI, but it is not. The different viewpoints keep the viewer on edge, even though the end is known.
For a movie that we know the ending of from the beginning, it is able to bring the viewer in due to the suspenseful design and approach. Mark Wahlberg, a Boston native who also was one of the producers, conveyed his character as a tough Boston cop who is passionate about his city and believes the best way to catch the terrorists is to use the people of the city he knows and loves.
This movie still had some negative reviews. Many felt as if this movie was a Hollywood money grab that was an event the happened to recently to be relived. A review was done by Consequences of Sound critiques the film by stating, “Patriots Day sits right on the line between exploitation and tribute”. The idea that this movie was an “exploitation” of a tragic event completely dismantles all the good this movie has done. The sacrifice that a city makes after terror descends upon leaving hundreds injured, 16 amputees, and 3 dead. The police of Boston, Watertown, and Officer Sean Collier, a cop part of the MIT Police Department, who was shot in cold blood by the Tsarnaevs. As someone who is from Boston, I interpreted this movie as a tribute to the hard working first responders who fought for five days and four nights to bring justice upon great evil. This movie really demonstrates all the police, citizens, and nation gave up to stand up for their city, culture, and way of life. I appreciated the spotlight that was shined on the city of Boston during this time of tragedy.
The movie Patriot's Day is worth watching. Despite knowing the ending, or feeling like the movie is too soon, this movie allows the viewer to see the Boston Marathon bombings and manhunt from many different angles. I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a suspenseful movie, where the police, FBI, the victims, all persevere in the fight against evil through many angles.
Photos Courtesy of CBS LIonsgate Films
The movie does a good job of making you feel like you were actually there, feeling the pain of the victims, and the point of view of the bombers.
This motion picture uses graphic detail, blood, and lots of violence to insert the reader into the situations that the characters are in, but the viewer is also exposed to the heartwarming recovery journeys of the victims.
As someone who is from Boston, I interpreted this movie as a tribute to the hard working first responders who fought for five days and four nights to bring justice upon great evil.
The film follows Sergeant Tommy Saunders, a Boston Police officer (played by Mark Wahlberg) while he works the Boston Marathon. The movie also follows the lives of a few victims and the bombers themselves. The movie does a good job of making you feel like you were actually there, feeling the pain of the victims, and the point of view of the bombers.
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Tang
Sidewalk of marathon route shortly after bombing
Photo Courtesy of CBS Lionsgate Films
Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) Patrols finish line before Bostron Marathon
The Charger, March 2017
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