The Patriot/A Knight's Tale/Ned Kelly DVD (2008) Mel Gibson, Emmerich (DIR)

Title: The Patriot/A Knight's Tale/Ned Kelly Leading Actor: Mel Gibson Region: Region 2 Duration: 394 mins Format: DVD / Normal Type: DVD No. of Discs: 3 disc(s) Studio / Publisher: UCA UK Release Date: 22 Sep 2008

Triple-bill of films starring Heath Ledger. In 'The Patriot' (2000), set in South Carolina in 1776, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a plantation owner and ex-soldier, refuses to join his countrymen in the battle for American Independence. However, when one of his sons is killed and another, Gabriel (Ledger), is wounded, Benjamin is forced to enter the fray in order to protect those he loves. He is given a command by his old friend Colonel Harry Burwell (Chris Cooper) and begins to mount a campaign against the notorious British officer William Tavington (Jason Isaacs). In 'A Knight's Tale' (2000), William (Ledger) is a young squire with a talent for jousting. When his master dies somewhat prematurely William sets off with his friends and an unknown writer called Chaucer (Paul Bettany). Chaucer agrees to forge documents that will 'prove' William's status as a knight and hence his eligibility to enter jousting competitions. Romance and fighting soon ensue in this historico-comedy with a contemporary rock soundtrack. Finally, 'Ned Kelly' (2003) tells the story of the notorious Australian outlaw and folk hero. From a family of Irish immigrants in the Victoria area of Australia, Kelly (Ledger) has long been the target of a prejudiced police force. Sentenced to three years in prison for theft, Kelly finds a job tending horses on a ranch when he is released. But when he falls foul of crooked policeman Fitzpatrick (Kiri Paramore), he finds himself on the run after being accused of a crime he didn't commit. Together with his brothers, Kelly forms a bank-robbing gang and is pursued by bounty hunter Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush), leading to a final stand where Kelly armours himself with steel plate, determined to go down in a blaze of glory. Orlando Bloom also stars.