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HistoryHotline.com - Exclusive Information on History
Exclusive History Information
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Learning History Through Film Great Events and Eras Make Great Films Published February 15, 2006 by Abe
Did you know?Denzel Washington was nominated for an Oscar for playing two real-life figures Steven Biko and Malcolm X
TakeawaysHistorical movies often depict war - from Gladiator to PlatoonHistorical movies also depict changing times: like the civil rights movement in the USHistorical movies can focus on important individuals, people like Patton, Muhammad Ali or Mozart
Some of the greatest movies ever made involve depictions of historical events. Historical movies have long been fan favorites, helping us visualize both the near and distant past with their heroes, villains, conflicts and victories. Here is a very short list of just some of the many well-made historical movies in the pantheon of film. Some of these movies are based on real people and events while others are period pieces set against historical significant backdrops.
"Do you like movies about Gladiators?" This line from the famous comedy "Airplane" (not historical) can be used to introduce three great historical films - Spartacus, starring Kirk Douglas as the ancient slave rebel, Ben Hur, starring Charlton Heston and the most famous chariot race of all times, and Gladiator, starring Oscar-winner Russell Crowe as a fictional ancient Roman warrior. These movies go back to the dawn of Western Civilization, but resonate with viewers today.
War and warriors are among the most popular of all historical movie topics:
Gone With The Wind: one of the greatest films of all time, this multiple-Oscar-winning 1939 film, based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel, tells the story of the Antebellum South and the Civil War from a decidedly Southern and romanticized point of view, but still manages to depict the loss and struggle of its main character, the immortal Scarlet O’Hara (Vivian Leigh). It’s production values and design were remarkable for the time. A less spectacular, but still powerful contemporary Civil War film: Glory starring Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington
Lawrence of Arabia – 1962 film directed by David Lean. Considered one of the alltime great films, this movie tells the story of T.E Lawrence, and English soldier who became enveloped in the politics and upheaval of the Middle East.
Associated film: Lean’s Bridge on the River Kwai,
In Patton: George C. Scott dominates and was Oscar-awarded for his role in this 1970 biography of the legendary WWII general. The film, which won Best Picture, won Francis Ford Coppola of Godfather fame an Oscar for co-writing the screenplay. Other films depicting the WWII era: A Thin Red Line (Terence Malik), Saving Private Ryan, The Best Years of OurLives, A League of Their Own, Hope & Glory, Mrs. Miniver.
The Killing Fields: This 1984 movie tells the horrific story of the war in Cambodia through the experiences of an American caught there, and his Cambodian associate (Oscar winner Haing S. Ngor) . The American presence in Southeast Asia is the subject of many classic films: Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, The Deer Hunter and Born on the Fourth of July.
War is only part of the story in time-travelling Forrest Gump: Tom Hanks won (another…) Oscar for playing the title character, a mentally challenged Southern man who, throughout his life, has been present (and according to the story, based on a novel) at many historical events. His life takes him through pre-Vietnam through the war and the peace movement all the way to the AIDS epidemic of the 80s. Gump Won the best picture Oscar 1991.
Many great historical movies depict changing times and the tumolt that comes with these changes. The Heat of the Night: this 1967 film didn’t depict history when it as released, but reflected its own times, times where race relations were in a state of flux. Because of that, this fictional story of an African American FBI agent and a down-home white sheriff provides contemporary audiences with a gripping look back at the deep South in the 60s. Powerful acting from Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, the latter of whom won an Oscar for his role. The film itself won best picture. Another powerful movie about racism in the 60s south: Mississippi Burning with Gene Hackman
Dances With Wolves: This 1990 western epic tells fictional story of John Dunbar, an calvary soldier who leaves behind white America for an outpost on the frontier while it still exists. He bonds with the Native American tribe living there. Amazing scenery, human depictions of both White and Native American characters. The movie won Best Picture and Best Director for Kevin Costner, who also starred as Dunbar. (Other historical movies set in the West: Gunfight At The OK Corral (1957) Tombstone, The Alamo (1960, Best Picture Oscar Nomination) )
The Last Emperor: Epic 1987 movie depiction of the life of China’s last monarch, Pu Yi (John Lone) through his reigning years and eventual fall to Japan. Won best picture in 1988 and many awards for it’s sweeping visual effects.
Gandhi (1982) – Another film long in length and wide in scope. This film, starring Ben Kingsley in the title role, takes viewers from India to Africa then back to India as it tells the story of Mohandas K. Ghandi, one of the most influential spiritual and political leaders in modern history as he worked for Indian independence. Directed by Richard Attenborough, who, with Kingsley, was awarded the Oscar.
As is the case with Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi, The Last Emperor, and many other movies, historical movies often focus on real people's lives. Other great historical films about or based on the lives of historical figures: The Untouchables (starring Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness); Ed Wood (starring Johnny Depp), Malcolm X (starring Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington); LaBamba (starring Lou Diamond Philips as ), Ali (Oscar-nominated Will Smith stars); Unsinkable Molly Brown (Debbie Reynolds in the title role); Norma Rae (Sally Field); Raging Bull (Robert DeNiro as Jake LaMotta); Goodfellas (with Ray Liotta as mobster Henry Hill) Elizabeth (starring Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I) The Pride of The Yankees (with Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig) Amadeus (about Mozart) ; Spielberg’s Oscar winning Schindler’s List; Richard III (Shakespeare, starring Ian McKellan); Cry Freedom about South African Activist Steven Biko.
Whether we are remembering or imaginging, we can learn from history, be engaged and entertained and enlightened by it's depiction on film. Many of the greatest movies of all time are historical in nature, perhaps because filmmakers and audience both know that many of the greatest stories are the real ones.
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