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the scene from "The Patriot"

"The Patriot" was fiction, it's well to remember; some of it was a touch over-the-top as relates to the moral basis of the Revolutionary cause.
Based, however, on real characters and historical events. Just not documenary, and not to be confused with such--let's have no conservative Oliver Stones.
The real-life "Tavington" was named Tarlington, I believe--and tho the military history instructor didn't specify why he felt that way, he noted that the historical Tarlington "unfortunately" escaped from the battle of Cowpens, in which the British forces were defeated in detail.
I'd have liked the movie better if it had been less ficitonal about that final battle; the historical one was in fact very nice tactical use of available forces and terrain, to spring a very nice trap.

Well, you're right in that it was fiction, based on real characters and events. That's Hollywood for you! I think it was like that with "Braveheart", as well! For example: (If you've seen the movie)Was the princess he had a fling with before he was executed. This young woman was a little girl in the time of William Wallace!

Number two, there was no young wife murdered in the village, by King Harry's (Longshanks)forces. There was a woman he was involved with who was murdered. A lot of the parts where it depicts his childhood didn't happen the way it was in the movie. Also, it is believed that William Wallace and Robert the Bruce never even met in Wallace's lifetime. Robert the Bruce knew of WW, and he did 'carry the torch' for Wallace's cause, and won the epic battle.

As for "The Patriot", I loved the movie. However, I was aware that not every part was historically accurate. Still, the story was so compelling. And it did let us have a glimpse of the struggle within people, and between people as to the cause. Much was as it was. I do know that as far the church burning with the people inside, probably didn't happen. There are so few "Revolutionary War" era movies, I suppose I didn't want to be picky! :)

Another thing I noticed, was that "Tavington" was not in that much hot water with Gen. Cornwallis. Cornwallis actually didn't blame him for losing the battle, he supported him most of the way. He may have rebuked him for his brutal, ruthless, tactics, but there was not the scolding from Cornwallis as in the movie.

Of course, the man that "Tavington" was based on wasn't quite the devil that he appeared in the movie! He was apparently, a tireless fighter, and very courageous in some ways. He was ruthless, and could be a bit cruel, and wouldn't "give any quarter" to his prisoners. Also he didn't die in the battle. He lived to go home, retire, and leave his 'past' behind him.

Still, it was a fine movie, and just what we needed at that time!(obviously!)