#63: The Patriot
Set Piece: The Old Spanish Mission
Location: Cypress Gardens, South Carolina, USA
Production Budget: $110 million*
This Mel Gibson action movie, grossing over $215 million, catapults viewers into the Revolutionary War era alongside a young Heath Ledger. While it thrilled audiences with its intense action, the film also sparked controversy for its liberties in historical accuracy, igniting debates among viewers.
Filmed on a sprawling 170-acre preserve, the set is more than just a relic of cinema history; it’s a tangible slice of the past. Today, the preserved grounds attract visitors with their picturesque charm, offering scenic spots for weddings, leisurely strolls along winding paths, and encounters with local wildlife.