Hollywood and History
There is nothing quite so awesome as a great historically based film. If you are like me, you cannot get enough of them. So, I have included a list of history movies separated by the time period in which the movie takes place. Use this list for your movie reviews or just because you need a good way to pass time. Some movies are rated PG, PG-13, or R and are denoted with an asterisk (*). Please talk with your parents before watching ANY of these films.
Ancient World
300*: The tale of the last stand of King Leonidas of Sparta and the Battle of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars. Based on a graphic novel which is based on real events. Leonidas' sacrifice allowed the Greeks to re-group and ultimately defeat the Persians and preserve Greek culture.
Spartacus: The Kirk Douglas version is a classic tale of a slave who leads one of the largest slave rebellions in Ancient Roman history.
Gladiator*: Russell Crowe is epic as the soldier who became a slave and defeated a ruthless emperor played by Joaquin Phoenix. A long movie but well worth the time investment.
Troy*: Until the last 100 years, Troy and the Trojan War was thought to be mostly a myth dreamt by the poet Homer. However, archaeologists located the ruins of this great city and proved that the story of Helen, Paris, Hector, Odysseus, Achilles, Agamemnon, and Menalaus was probably true in part. Great tale based on a great classic book, The Iliad.
Cleopatra: One of Elizabeth Taylor's greatest works tells the tale of the Greek princess who becomes an Egyptian Queen pursued by two of the most powerful men of Ancient Rome
The Prince of Egypt: The tale of the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt. Does a good job of starting to explain the complexity religion adds to the history of the Middle East and North Africa
Jesus Christ Superstar: The film version of the popular musical which tells the story of the last weeks in the life of Jesus.
Middle Ages:
Braveheart*: Mel Gibson stars in this story of the Scottish man who united a kingdom and attempted to combat the invasion of the English.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*: Kevin Costner's take on the classic tale of the English man who robbed the wealthy to provide for the poor as he battled the machinations of the Sheriff of Nottingham, played by the great Alan Rickman.
Modern Era:
Elizabeth*: Biopic of one of the greatest Queens of England as she fought to assert herself in a male-dominated political world. Cate Blanchett is amazing in the title role. Plus, if you enjoyed this one, there's an equally great sequel, Elizabeth: the Golden Age.
The Three Musketeers*: Any of the adaptations of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel is sure to be a real treat but my favorite is the version starring Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Chris O'Donnell. It is the story of the men who protect the King of France as they clash with the conniving Cardinal Richelieu.
Amadeus*: The tale of the enigmatic Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as seen through the eyes of his chief rival Antonio Salieri.
The Mission*: Moving story of two Jesuit priests and their attempt to help the impoverished indigenous people of their parish.
The Man in the Iron Mask*: Classic "what-if" story about the most famous King in modern European history, Louis XIV of France. Somewhat of a sequel to the Three Musketeers. Stars Jeremy Irons, John Malkavich, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio and is a personal favorite of mine.
American Revolution:
1776: An awesome movie musical of a stage show about the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There is nothing quite like seeing the Founding Fathers singing and dancing about liberty.
The Patriot*: Loosely based on the true story of a ruthless British general and a brash American in the South during the Revolutionary War.
Last of the Mohicans*: An adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's tale of the conflict between the Native Americans and the French and British colonists set during the French and Indian War. Also, a great opportunity to watch the fantastic Daniel Day-Lewis in action.
The Crucible*: Yet another Daniel Day-Lewis film in which he portrays John Proctor, a man accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Based on the play by the great Arthur Miller, this film adds another dimension to the mysterious happenings at Salem in 1692, and is also a commentary on the communist hunts during the 1950s.
Federal Era
John Adams Miniseries*: A wonderful adaptation of an incredible biography that traces the life of one of America's most forgotten and most important Founding Fathers. Paul Giamatti is truly amazing to watch.
Marie Antoinette: the story of France's most reviled and last queen.
The Scarlet Pimpernel: an adaptation of the great novels which tell the story of an English noble who outwits the agents of the French Revolution to rescue innocents from the guillotine. The version with Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellan is fantastic. Plus, the Pimpernel is literature's first disguised "superhero" and therefore the grandfather of Batman and such.
The 1800s
Amistad*: A great movie based on the true events surrounding the trial of the slave ship the Amistad.
Jane Eyre: Based on one of my favorite books, any one of the adaptations is great, but my favorite are the most recent one and the mini-series from the 1980s with Timothy Dalton
The Young Victoria: Emily Blunt is amazing as the young queen who became one of England's greatest monarchs.
Les Miserables: either the movie with Liam Neeson or the movie musical with Hugh Jackman is amazing. Classic story of redemption in the face of adversity.
Dances with Wolves*: Kevin Costner stars in this story of a veteran of the Civil War who deals with the atrocities he has experienced by going out West where he comes in contact with a Native American tribe and learns some great lessons about himself and the people who have been vilified by the American government.
Antebellum America
The Civil War
12 Years a Slave*: Based on the true story of a free man, Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 years when he visited Washington, D.C. Well worth your time and one of those stories that you just cannot miss.
Gone with the Wind: Award winning film about one woman's interactions with the changing world around her in the South surrounding the Civil War. There's a little action, some adventure, some romance, and a lot of drama.
Glory*: An excellent re-telling of the actions of the 54th Regiment during the Civil War.
Gettysburg*: an epic tale of the greatest battle ever fought on American soil. A true turning point in our nation's history.
Lincoln*: Daniel Day-Lewis is absolutely fantastic as one of the greatest Presidents in a crucial moment of not only his presidency but also for the entirety of the nation.
Imperialism, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era
Anna and the King*: the story of a British woman who is hired by the King of Siam (Thailand) to teach his children English and British/European culture. Based from a true story and the diaries this woman kept and which also inspired the equally epic musical The King and I. One of my most favorite films of all time.
An American Tale: This animated classic tells the story of the immigrant experience through the eyes of a young mouse.
World Wars
Lawrence of Arabia*: the story of a British man who serves in the military during World War I in the Middle East and has an interesting conflict of interest. Peter O'Toole is fantastic in his breakout role.
Gallipoli*: Based on the true story of two young Australian men who fought in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I
Anastasia: Animated film based on the legend of the possible survival of the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas III and his wife Alexandra who were killed with their children by their own people during the Russian Revolution.
Doctor Zhivago: A story of a man who struggles to find love and meaning in his life that is set during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
The Diary of Anne Frank: based on the book which she left behind when she was sent to the Bergen-Belsen Camp during World War II. Anne Frank continues to teach the world a lesson in humility and hope.
Schindler's List*: Get your tissues ready for this tale of a brave Polish man who single-handedly combated the Nazi genocide of the Jewish population during the Holocaust. Truly a moving experience and Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes deliver amazing performances.
Saving Private Ryan*: the story of a young American who is lost behind enemy lines during the D-Day invasion and the soldiers who go to rescue him. The first twenty minutes are some of the most gripping moments in cinematic history.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas*: Another tear-jerker story about a young German boy who befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp.
Defiance*: Based on the true story of three Jewish brothers and their attempts to evade and combat the Nazi occupation of Belarus as they hide in the woods and sometimes ally with the Russian army.
The King's Speech*: Colin Firth won an Oscar for his portrayal of the British King George VI and Geoffrey Rush delivers an equally noteworthy performance as the speech pathologist to assists the King in overcoming his debilitating speech impediment.
Flags of Our Fathers*: The story of the soldiers who were behind the famous image of the flag being raised over Iwo Jima during World War II.
Empire of the Sun*: A young British boy tries to survive and adapt to life in China under the rule of the Japanese during World War II.
1920s and The Great Depression
Chariots of Fire: The story of two competitors, one Jewish and one Christian, during the 1924 Olympic Games.
Inherit the Wind*: Two lawyers argue the case of a science teacher who fights for the right to be able to teach evolution in the public school system.
The Untouchables*: Eliot Ness attempts to stop the notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone.
The 1950s
Evita*: A musical biopic based on a musical that was based on the life of Argentina's most famous female leader, Eva Peron, wife of ousted former President Juan Peron. "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina..."
Vietnam Era
Saving Mr. Banks: Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star in this excellent story of the woman who wrote the story of Mary Poppins as Walt Disney sought to turn this story into one of his most beloved films.
Thirteen Days*: Kevin Costner is awesome in this story of the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the moments in which the United States and Soviet Union almost launched nuclear warfare.
Apollo 13*: Based on the true story of the astronauts who fought valiantly to return to Earth when their shuttle malfunctioned while on a mission to the Moon.
All the President's Men*: Based on the true story of the two reporters who uncovered the Watergate Scandal, one of the greatest presidential blunders that resulted in the resignation of Richard Nixon and the ruination of his reputation.
The Killing Fields*: The story of a journalist who became trapped in Cambodia during the rule of Pol Pot and witnessed the events surrounding the execution of millions of people who were considered "undesirable" by the government.
Civil Rights Movement
Gandhi*: Biopic of the famed Indian activist whose advocacy of non-violent protest not only helped India gain independence but also continues to influence the long battle for people around the world to gain equality.
Malcolm X*: Biopic of the great American civil rights activist who fought hard to bring civil rights to the millions of African Americans in the United States.
The Help*: A young white woman defies the societal pressures and writes an expose about the treatment of the African Americans who are hired to care for the white children in the South and assists with bringing more attention to the Civil Rights Movement. Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Emma Stone are fantastic in the lead roles.
Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom*: Based on the autobiography of the great Nelson Mandela as he fought for decades while imprisoned to bring equality, freedom, and democracy to the nation of South Africa and taught the world a lesson in forgiveness.
Post-Vietnam Era
The Last King of Scotland*: Tale of the brutal Ugandan leader Idi Amin as seen through the eyes of his doctor during the 1970s.
The Iron Lady*: Story of the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher.
Black Hawk Down*: The story of the brave soldiers who combated the Somalian renegade army in their pursuit of two of its leaders.
Zero Dark Thirty*: The story of the hunt for notorious terrorist leaders Osama bin Laden in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.
Ancient World
300*: The tale of the last stand of King Leonidas of Sparta and the Battle of Thermopylae during the Persian Wars. Based on a graphic novel which is based on real events. Leonidas' sacrifice allowed the Greeks to re-group and ultimately defeat the Persians and preserve Greek culture.
Spartacus: The Kirk Douglas version is a classic tale of a slave who leads one of the largest slave rebellions in Ancient Roman history.
Gladiator*: Russell Crowe is epic as the soldier who became a slave and defeated a ruthless emperor played by Joaquin Phoenix. A long movie but well worth the time investment.
Troy*: Until the last 100 years, Troy and the Trojan War was thought to be mostly a myth dreamt by the poet Homer. However, archaeologists located the ruins of this great city and proved that the story of Helen, Paris, Hector, Odysseus, Achilles, Agamemnon, and Menalaus was probably true in part. Great tale based on a great classic book, The Iliad.
Cleopatra: One of Elizabeth Taylor's greatest works tells the tale of the Greek princess who becomes an Egyptian Queen pursued by two of the most powerful men of Ancient Rome
The Prince of Egypt: The tale of the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt. Does a good job of starting to explain the complexity religion adds to the history of the Middle East and North Africa
Jesus Christ Superstar: The film version of the popular musical which tells the story of the last weeks in the life of Jesus.
Middle Ages:
Braveheart*: Mel Gibson stars in this story of the Scottish man who united a kingdom and attempted to combat the invasion of the English.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*: Kevin Costner's take on the classic tale of the English man who robbed the wealthy to provide for the poor as he battled the machinations of the Sheriff of Nottingham, played by the great Alan Rickman.
Modern Era:
Elizabeth*: Biopic of one of the greatest Queens of England as she fought to assert herself in a male-dominated political world. Cate Blanchett is amazing in the title role. Plus, if you enjoyed this one, there's an equally great sequel, Elizabeth: the Golden Age.
The Three Musketeers*: Any of the adaptations of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel is sure to be a real treat but my favorite is the version starring Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Chris O'Donnell. It is the story of the men who protect the King of France as they clash with the conniving Cardinal Richelieu.
Amadeus*: The tale of the enigmatic Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as seen through the eyes of his chief rival Antonio Salieri.
The Mission*: Moving story of two Jesuit priests and their attempt to help the impoverished indigenous people of their parish.
The Man in the Iron Mask*: Classic "what-if" story about the most famous King in modern European history, Louis XIV of France. Somewhat of a sequel to the Three Musketeers. Stars Jeremy Irons, John Malkavich, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio and is a personal favorite of mine.
American Revolution:
1776: An awesome movie musical of a stage show about the days leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There is nothing quite like seeing the Founding Fathers singing and dancing about liberty.
The Patriot*: Loosely based on the true story of a ruthless British general and a brash American in the South during the Revolutionary War.
Last of the Mohicans*: An adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's tale of the conflict between the Native Americans and the French and British colonists set during the French and Indian War. Also, a great opportunity to watch the fantastic Daniel Day-Lewis in action.
The Crucible*: Yet another Daniel Day-Lewis film in which he portrays John Proctor, a man accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Based on the play by the great Arthur Miller, this film adds another dimension to the mysterious happenings at Salem in 1692, and is also a commentary on the communist hunts during the 1950s.
Federal Era
John Adams Miniseries*: A wonderful adaptation of an incredible biography that traces the life of one of America's most forgotten and most important Founding Fathers. Paul Giamatti is truly amazing to watch.
Marie Antoinette: the story of France's most reviled and last queen.
The Scarlet Pimpernel: an adaptation of the great novels which tell the story of an English noble who outwits the agents of the French Revolution to rescue innocents from the guillotine. The version with Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellan is fantastic. Plus, the Pimpernel is literature's first disguised "superhero" and therefore the grandfather of Batman and such.
The 1800s
Amistad*: A great movie based on the true events surrounding the trial of the slave ship the Amistad.
Jane Eyre: Based on one of my favorite books, any one of the adaptations is great, but my favorite are the most recent one and the mini-series from the 1980s with Timothy Dalton
The Young Victoria: Emily Blunt is amazing as the young queen who became one of England's greatest monarchs.
Les Miserables: either the movie with Liam Neeson or the movie musical with Hugh Jackman is amazing. Classic story of redemption in the face of adversity.
Dances with Wolves*: Kevin Costner stars in this story of a veteran of the Civil War who deals with the atrocities he has experienced by going out West where he comes in contact with a Native American tribe and learns some great lessons about himself and the people who have been vilified by the American government.
Antebellum America
The Civil War
12 Years a Slave*: Based on the true story of a free man, Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 years when he visited Washington, D.C. Well worth your time and one of those stories that you just cannot miss.
Gone with the Wind: Award winning film about one woman's interactions with the changing world around her in the South surrounding the Civil War. There's a little action, some adventure, some romance, and a lot of drama.
Glory*: An excellent re-telling of the actions of the 54th Regiment during the Civil War.
Gettysburg*: an epic tale of the greatest battle ever fought on American soil. A true turning point in our nation's history.
Lincoln*: Daniel Day-Lewis is absolutely fantastic as one of the greatest Presidents in a crucial moment of not only his presidency but also for the entirety of the nation.
Imperialism, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era
Anna and the King*: the story of a British woman who is hired by the King of Siam (Thailand) to teach his children English and British/European culture. Based from a true story and the diaries this woman kept and which also inspired the equally epic musical The King and I. One of my most favorite films of all time.
An American Tale: This animated classic tells the story of the immigrant experience through the eyes of a young mouse.
World Wars
Lawrence of Arabia*: the story of a British man who serves in the military during World War I in the Middle East and has an interesting conflict of interest. Peter O'Toole is fantastic in his breakout role.
Gallipoli*: Based on the true story of two young Australian men who fought in the Battle of Gallipoli during World War I
Anastasia: Animated film based on the legend of the possible survival of the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas III and his wife Alexandra who were killed with their children by their own people during the Russian Revolution.
Doctor Zhivago: A story of a man who struggles to find love and meaning in his life that is set during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution.
The Diary of Anne Frank: based on the book which she left behind when she was sent to the Bergen-Belsen Camp during World War II. Anne Frank continues to teach the world a lesson in humility and hope.
Schindler's List*: Get your tissues ready for this tale of a brave Polish man who single-handedly combated the Nazi genocide of the Jewish population during the Holocaust. Truly a moving experience and Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes deliver amazing performances.
Saving Private Ryan*: the story of a young American who is lost behind enemy lines during the D-Day invasion and the soldiers who go to rescue him. The first twenty minutes are some of the most gripping moments in cinematic history.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas*: Another tear-jerker story about a young German boy who befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp.
Defiance*: Based on the true story of three Jewish brothers and their attempts to evade and combat the Nazi occupation of Belarus as they hide in the woods and sometimes ally with the Russian army.
The King's Speech*: Colin Firth won an Oscar for his portrayal of the British King George VI and Geoffrey Rush delivers an equally noteworthy performance as the speech pathologist to assists the King in overcoming his debilitating speech impediment.
Flags of Our Fathers*: The story of the soldiers who were behind the famous image of the flag being raised over Iwo Jima during World War II.
Empire of the Sun*: A young British boy tries to survive and adapt to life in China under the rule of the Japanese during World War II.
1920s and The Great Depression
Chariots of Fire: The story of two competitors, one Jewish and one Christian, during the 1924 Olympic Games.
Inherit the Wind*: Two lawyers argue the case of a science teacher who fights for the right to be able to teach evolution in the public school system.
The Untouchables*: Eliot Ness attempts to stop the notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone.
The 1950s
Evita*: A musical biopic based on a musical that was based on the life of Argentina's most famous female leader, Eva Peron, wife of ousted former President Juan Peron. "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina..."
Vietnam Era
Saving Mr. Banks: Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star in this excellent story of the woman who wrote the story of Mary Poppins as Walt Disney sought to turn this story into one of his most beloved films.
Thirteen Days*: Kevin Costner is awesome in this story of the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the moments in which the United States and Soviet Union almost launched nuclear warfare.
Apollo 13*: Based on the true story of the astronauts who fought valiantly to return to Earth when their shuttle malfunctioned while on a mission to the Moon.
All the President's Men*: Based on the true story of the two reporters who uncovered the Watergate Scandal, one of the greatest presidential blunders that resulted in the resignation of Richard Nixon and the ruination of his reputation.
The Killing Fields*: The story of a journalist who became trapped in Cambodia during the rule of Pol Pot and witnessed the events surrounding the execution of millions of people who were considered "undesirable" by the government.
Civil Rights Movement
Gandhi*: Biopic of the famed Indian activist whose advocacy of non-violent protest not only helped India gain independence but also continues to influence the long battle for people around the world to gain equality.
Malcolm X*: Biopic of the great American civil rights activist who fought hard to bring civil rights to the millions of African Americans in the United States.
The Help*: A young white woman defies the societal pressures and writes an expose about the treatment of the African Americans who are hired to care for the white children in the South and assists with bringing more attention to the Civil Rights Movement. Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Emma Stone are fantastic in the lead roles.
Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom*: Based on the autobiography of the great Nelson Mandela as he fought for decades while imprisoned to bring equality, freedom, and democracy to the nation of South Africa and taught the world a lesson in forgiveness.
Post-Vietnam Era
The Last King of Scotland*: Tale of the brutal Ugandan leader Idi Amin as seen through the eyes of his doctor during the 1970s.
The Iron Lady*: Story of the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thatcher.
Black Hawk Down*: The story of the brave soldiers who combated the Somalian renegade army in their pursuit of two of its leaders.
Zero Dark Thirty*: The story of the hunt for notorious terrorist leaders Osama bin Laden in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.