Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure Is the Perfect Movie for 4th of July

With the 4th of July only days away, it’s almost time to set up the fireworks, fire up the barbecues, and kick back with a patriotic movie. July 4th, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. What better film could you ask for to celebrate the holiday than Nicolas Cage’s 2004 box office hit, National Treasure?

While several films make patriotism its focal point, Cage’s National Treasure sets itself apart because it makes the Declaration of Independence, the document at the heart of the 4th of July, a core element in its storyline. Written by Jim Kouf, Cormac Wibberly, and Marianne Wibberly and directed by Jon Turteltaub, the movie weaves a story where its protagonist, Benjamin Franklin Gates, played by Nicolas Cage, is obsessed with a rumored treasure that dates back to the creation of the United States. Aided by Dr. Abigail Chase (Diane Kruger), the Director of Document Conservation at the National Archives, and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), Ben’s loyal, tech-savvy friend, Ben hunts for the treasure, attempting to get his hands on it before his ex-colleague Ian Howe (Sean Bean) does.

Patriotism Dominates National Treasure

National Treasure becomes the perfect 4th of July watch due to the patriotism that dominates the film. The main objective of the film’s protagonist is to uncover a piece of history that lends itself to the American heritage, which makes patriotism the film’s most notable theme. Through its primary focus on the history of America, National Treasure does what numerous other films in the genre fail to do: it focuses on American legend.

In its quest to highlight patriotism, the film focuses on several elements that are pivotal to American history. One such element is the Declaration of Independence itself. The spotlight that the film affords to the document cements its undeniable importance within the history of the nation. The characters exert a significant effort to protect the document and decode it, depicting the respect that the protagonists of the film have for the nation’s heritage. The values that Ben, Abigail, and Riley exhibit, including their perseverance and courage in discovering the treasure and awe and reverence at finally uncovering it, also lend to the patriotism in the film.

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Upon finding the treasure hidden by the Founding Fathers and Freemasons during the American Revolutionary War, Ben hands over his findings to the government, further emphasizing that his hunt was not for personal gain but for his deep-rooted patriotism towards his country. The ending of the film shows that Ben accepts a 1% finder’s fee from the government for himself and his team. Despite the percentage being significant enough to afford Ben and his team the luxuries they desire, Ben’s decision to accept only a mere 1% of the entire treasure further depicts the patriotic quality of the protagonists.

National Treasure Has Plenty of Historical References

In the wild adventure that is Ben Gates’ treasure hunt, the film takes viewers across several historical landmarks and touches on numerous significant monuments. From taking audiences to a ship trapped in Arctic ice, where Ben solves a riddle leading to a map on the back of the Declaration of Independence, to then transporting viewers to the Silence Dogood letters written by Benjamin Franklin, kept at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and secret tunnels beneath the Trinity Church in New York City, National Treasure takes viewers on a bizarre journey.

In addition to the multiple locations where their treasure hunt takes them, Ben and his team also refer to several historical facts throughout the film. Although the film blends historical facts with fiction for the sake of the film, National Treasure does refer to certain historically accurate figures, events, and locations. For example, the Silence Dogood letters, the Declaration of Independence (minus the secret map), and information about the Founding Fathers and their motivations in going to war are accurate. The history mentioned in relation to the context of the various clues is also somewhat factual. However, viewers should take the film as a work of fiction, simply kindling an interest in history and bringing the American heritage to the fore, and not as a work providing a fully accurate depiction of historical events.

National Treasure Is a Family-Friendly Watch

In addition to its patriotism and focus on history, another factor that makes National Treasure a perfect watch for the 4th of July is its suitability for all ages. The film can be enjoyed by the entire family, with its narrative being kid-friendly. While the treasure-hunt trope is right up a child’s alley, the film also provides enough adventure and excitement to keep an adult hooked. The performances and chemistry of the cast also lend to the allure of the film, with each actor complimenting the other in their roles.

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Owing to the fact that National Treasure delves into history and has enough and more historical references, the film is also of educational value. Despite its primary focus on action and adventure, the movie touches on interesting historical facts that may work to increase one’s curiosity. The appeal of the film is also aided by the message it communicates. The movie highlights elements such as the importance of teamwork, perseverance in the face of defeat, and the value of national history and heritage. The fact that Ben and his team emerge victorious despite facing numerous challenges also establishes a sense of national pride. As such, the film sets an uplifting, motivational tone that goes hand in hand with the celebratory, nationalistic nature of the 4th of July.

Despite making its debut 20 years ago, National Treasure may be more beloved today than ever before. It is perfectly suited for the 4th of July due to its dynamic cast, clever plot, and suitability for all ages. The film’s primary focus on American history and patriotism, multiple plot twists, riddles that have to be decoded, thrilling chases, and adventure-dominated storyline make National Treasure an ideal watch for a holiday dedicated specifically to commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. National Treasure is streaming on Disney+.