Good movies for history buffs..

[alxths]

So, I've always been into history and movies; so naturally, historical movies are a favorite of mine.. Only problem is that I've exhausted my supply of titles that i'm aware of. So far, the one's that i've particularly enjoyed are:

Spartacus, Ben Hur, 10 commandments, Barry Lyndon, The Bounty, Master and Commander, Henry V, Braveheart, Amedeus(mozart), Immortal Beloved(beethoven), Quills(though, not too many historical aspects), Glory, Ghettisburg, Last of the Mohikans(sp)

Gah, i know i'm forgetting some, but I'm wondering if anyone could recommend any other good ones? I particularly like ones set during the rennaissance through the industrial revolution.. Everything was so extravagant and people had so much class and culture(well, the aristocrats anyway). Basically, I'd recommedn any of the titles on the above list for those of you who may not have seen them..

[P-Worm]

Have you seen Patton? That one is great.

P-Worm

[iBook]

Alistair Cooke's "America." If you're American or if you believe in what potential this country still posseses and hold tightly to your faith in what it might yet become, you will love this 13-part series originally aired on PBS.

[Mr. Anderson]

Amistad was a good movie, and you can't for get Michael Cane in Zulu :D

D

[wwidgirl]

Band of Brothers
Lawrence of Arabia
Enemy at the gates (not so good though....)
The Red Violin (This movie is fantastic. I really think you'll like it)
The Piano
Count of Monte Cristo
Elizabeth
Age of Innocence
Interview with a Vampire

[alxths]

Patton eh, i've seen it in the TV guide a few times and have been meaning to check it out. I was thinking more alone the lines of pre20th century movies though. If we're gonna start listing ww2 movies, it opens up a whole other can of worms all together ;)

I'm not american, nor am i a big fan of patriotism, but i will keep an eye open for that series..

Ah, Amistad. Forgot that one.. I really liked it.

The connection to Africa reminds me of a lesser known one that i forgot: The Four Feathers... It's got it's flaws, but I enjoyed it nonethelesss..

I saw Lawrance of Arabia recently and LOVED it.. a true masterpiece, along with Bridge on the River Kwai(something like that) and Doctor zhigavo(yeah im bad with remembering spelling ;) )

I'll definately look into "The Red Violin," thanks!

[MacFan26]

I'll throw in another thumbs up for The Red Violin. I love that movie too. I'd really love The Last Samurai and Gladiator. Of course, they're sort of "hollywood" movies, but I think they're great for the most part. Oh, and speaking of Red Violin, Amadeus! That is the greatest film!

[Doctor Q]

I was thinking more alone the lines of pre20th century movies though.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060782/ :)

OK, sorry.

Serious suggestions, all of them Oscar nominees or winners, all pre-20th century, all historical:

Anne of the Thousand Days (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064030/)
Becket (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057877/)
Cleopatra (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056937/)
Disraeli (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0019823/)
Julius Caesar (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045943/)
The King and I (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049408/)
The Last Emperor (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093389/)
The Lion in Winter (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063227/)

Fictional but historical:
Dances with Wolves (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099348/)
Gladiator (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495/)
Gone With the Wind (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031381/)
The Patriot (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187393/)

20th century but a masterpiece: Inherit the Wind (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053946/)

[Savage Henry]

Ones not mentioned so far that feature on my list:

- Life of Brian (made some theologically interesting observations)
- Ridicule (more of a costume drama, but certainly worth of mention)
- Madness of King George (Nigel Hawthorne's performance is remarkable)
- Jean de Florette (sumptuous movie, but it's more rural than historical)
- Hamlet (the Branagh version, for sticking to the text)

[brap]

- Madness of King George (Nigel Hawthorne's performance is remarkable)


Absolutely.

I'd like to add Dr. Strangelove (http://imdb.com/title/tt0057012/) to the list, my favourite movie of all time by a long way.

[mcadam]

"the Draughtmans Contract" by peter greenaway.
Slightly bizarre, quite unsettling and completely fictional, but it does offer an interesting view into england an. 1694.

"Queen Margot", a french one, set in the 1570'ies ... passion, action, massacres, love....it's nice.


And then, maybe this link could be usefull ;)

http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=24:D|||685

oh f... , there is really a colon and then a D in the link, what to do :confused:

[mouchoir]

"the Draughtmans Contract" by peter greenaway.
Slightly bizarre, quite unsettling and completely fictional, but it does offer an interesting view into england an. 1694.

"Queen Margot", a french one, set in the 1570'ies ... passion, action, massacres, love....it's nice.


And then, maybe this link could be usefull ;)

http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=24:D|||685

oh f... , there is really a colon and then a D in the link, what to do :confused:


'Queen Margot' is also known as 'La Reine Margot' – it really is a good film, so much intrigue. I wasn't aware of the massive catholic protestant clashes in French history until I saw this.

[Coolvirus007]

Best three history related movies are:

Aprocalypse Now
Shindler's List
Saving Private Ryan

[question fear]

if you like extravagance and aristocracy, try les liasons dangeroux.
far better than cruel intentions.

[JesseJames]

"The Right Stuff"
"Ran" Akira Kurosawa
"Glory"
"Ride with the Devil"

[mcadam]

yeah, "ran" is cool but "seven samurais" is better :p there's even a western remake of it, but don't remember the name!

[mcadam]

yeah, "ran" is cool but "seven samurais" is better :p there's even a western remake of it, but don't remember the name! I guess other Kurosawa movies could be relevant to...!?

ooops, remove this, or even better the first one!

[mactastic]

Well if it's history you want, perhaps you should watch (if you haven't seen already) Mel Brooks' History of the World, Part I. :D

[leftbanke7]

yeah, "ran" is cool but "seven samurais" is better :p there's even a western remake of it, but don't remember the name! I guess other Kurosawa movies could be relevant to...!?

I think the remake was A Fist Full Of Dollars. It was briefly mentioned in my History Of Film course but I was trying to stay awake and I could be completely wrong. I'm such a horrible Film Major *wink*

On the topic of Kurosawa, Yojimbo was a highly entertaining movie to watch. Ikiru is a pretty good one as well, however not a Samurai flick, but it does give a pretty interesting look into Japan after WWII and the US reconstruction.

On the topic of Historical flicks, Bergman's Seventh Seal is a great film on the effects of the Plague and the Crusades on Europe.

[Doctor Q]

there is really a colon and then a D in the link, what to doCheck the "Disable smilies in text" checkbox in the post composition window. Then your colon D will be fine.

:D

Your link: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=24:D|||685

[PlaceofDis]

theres always Gulliver's Travels as well as Jane Eyre and Emma, all of which are novels that were made into movies...

[Flowbee]

Seven Samurai (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0780020685/thethrillpeddler) = The Magnificent Seven (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000059TFW/thethrillpeddler)

[JesseJames]

Also, what about "Immortal Beloved"? It's about Beethoven's love affairs. I haven't seen it but I plan on renting it.

Also, "Rob Roy". I thought this one with Liam Neeson was much better than Braveheart historically speaking. That film being a little bit too fairy tale-ish in my opinion.

[hulugu]

I think the remake was A Fist Full Of Dollars. It was briefly mentioned in my History Of Film course but I was trying to stay awake and I could be completely wrong. I'm such a horrible Film Major *wink*

On the topic of Kurosawa, Yojimbo was a highly entertaining movie to watch. Ikiru is a pretty good one as well, however not a Samurai flick, but it does give a pretty interesting look into Japan after WWII and the US reconstruction.

On the topic of Historical flicks, Bergman's Seventh Seal is a great film on the effects of the Plague and the Crusades on Europe.

The Seven Samurai became The Magnificent Seven.

[Savage Henry]

... Bergman's Seventh Seal is a great film on the effects of the Plague and the Crusades on Europe.

Man! How on Earth did I forget that one??? :eek:

An excellent film Mr Leftbanke7 and it has warmed me so much inside just to read someone recommending it. My lady loves it so, everyone else, seek it before the others!!

[MongoTheGeek]

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
History of the World Part 1

[craigdawg]

All the President's Men
The Longest Day
Monty Python's Holy Grail
Malclom X
JFK
Animal House

[blue&whiteman]

saving private ryan

there are too many to think of. I love pretty much everything the history channel plays.

[Savage Henry]

Animal House

Wasn't this meant to be more about Historical movies than movies watched in the last 7 days??! :confused:

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Belushi fan, but ... Yoiks.!?

[mcadam]

My brother, studying history, suggested "Spartacus" - for it's precise picture of America in the 50's !?! :D

[Krizoitz]

Tora Tora Tora

no question, great movie

[parrothead]

Off the top of my head some good historically based movies are:

The Bounty
Where Eagles Dare
Das Boot (The Boat)
Apollo 13
The Right Stuff
13 Days
Exodus
10 Commandments
Ben Hur
Rabbit Proof Fence
The Patriot
Last of the Mohicans
Pearl Harbor
The Thin Red Line
The Great Escape
Papillion
Seabiscuit
And Many more..

[blackfox]

I think the remake was A Fist Full Of Dollars. It was briefly mentioned in my History Of Film course but I was trying to stay awake and I could be completely wrong. I'm such a horrible Film Major *wink*

On the topic of Kurosawa, Yojimbo was a highly entertaining movie to watch. Ikiru is a pretty good one as well, however not a Samurai flick, but it does give a pretty interesting look into Japan after WWII and the US reconstruction.

On the topic of Historical flicks, Bergman's Seventh Seal is a great film on the effects of the Plague and the Crusades on Europe.
Fist full of Dollars was a remake of Yojimbo (so you were half-right)
As far as historical movies go, I will add (for the sake of controversy)
The last temptation of Christ
Caligula
Barry Lyndon
Othello
Amen

[alxths]

Wow i've got one hell of a list of movies to check out now, thanks. some of these have really sparked my interest..

it just occured to me that I've forgotten one of my favorites: Black Robe. It's about a missionary trying to 'save' the natives in 17th century New France(or something equivilent, anyway)..

[LethalWolfe]

Wow i've got one hell of a list of movies to check out now, thanks. some of these have really sparked my interest..

it just occured to me that I've forgotten one of my favorites: Black Robe. It's about a missionary trying to 'save' the natives in 17th century New France(or something equivilent, anyway)..


That reminds me. Check out "The Mission" (De Niro and Jeremy Irons). I didn't like it very much but most people do.


Lethal

[Krizoitz]

Off the top of my head some good historically based movies are:

The Bounty
Where Eagles Dare
Das Boot (The Boat)
Apollo 13
The Right Stuff
13 Days
Exodus
10 Commandments
Ben Hur
Rabbit Proof Fence
The Patriot
Last of the Mohicans


Ok so far...


Pearl Harbor


You're kidding right? For one thing, as far as good history movies go, it missed the mark on that one by a LONG shot. And on top of that it wasn't even a GOOD movie.

[takao]

You're kidding right? For one thing, as far as good history movies go, it missed the mark on that one by a LONG shot. And on top of that it wasn't even a GOOD movie.

have to agree with you Krizoitz.....pearl harbour was awfull.... tora tora tora is so much better...
and for other ww2 movies: 'stalingrad' was pretty good

[P-Worm]

The best history movies?

Definately the Back to the Future trilogy. :D

P-Worm

[craigdawg]

Strictly historical samurai flicks (aren't Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Rashomon, etc. period pieces?):

Miyamoto Musashi (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047444/) aka Samurai, a trilogy on the life of Japan's greatest swordsman starring the legendary Toshiro Mifune.

Chushingura (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055850/) aka 47 Ronin, the story of a clan of samurai avenging their master's death.

[wwidgirl]

hahahaha I remember watching excerpts of Black Robe in elementary school. I'm pretty sure it's about Canada (Quebec= "new france")

Wow i've got one hell of a list of movies to check out now, thanks. some of these have really sparked my interest..

it just occured to me that I've forgotten one of my favorites: Black Robe. It's about a missionary trying to 'save' the natives in 17th century New France(or something equivilent, anyway)..

[Westside guy]

Reading the thread topic I thought it was referring to movies with some basis in fact, but i guess not in all cases! :D I think a more accurate description in this case might have been "period pieces".

But anyway here are a couple that do have at least some connection with reality...

Gallipoli
Midway
Becket (how could I have forgotten this one?)

Oh, and to follow-up Lethal's comment regarding a "period piece" movie: I loved "The Mission". The cinematography was great, and the writing and acting were superb - but I really appreciated the way it presented those characters that were trying to follow Christ. The characters were actually believable and not one-dimensionally perfect or evil, which is usually the way it goes.

Edit: Added Becket. Gotta love Burton and O'Toole!

[ecche]

Spartacus, Ben Hur, 10 commandments, Barry Lyndon, The Bounty, Master and Commander, Henry V, Braveheart, Amedeus(mozart), Immortal Beloved(beethoven), Quills(though, not too many historical aspects), Glory, Ghettisburg, Last of the Mohikans(sp)


Historical? Might as well go for 'The Lord Of The Rings Pts I-III?

[parrothead]

Ok so far...



You're kidding right? For one thing, as far as good history movies go, it missed the mark on that one by a LONG shot. And on top of that it wasn't even a GOOD movie.


Yeah, that one was a joke. I live in Honolulu for pete's sake. It was the most horrifyingly stupid blend of pseudo-history and romance I have ever seen. I mean come on, I love you, no I love you, no wait I love you instead. Sheesh. :rolleyes:

For whoever mentioned the Mission. I can't believe I forgot that one. That is a great movie. The soundtrack is incredible. I love using it as a background for slideshows of beautiful scenery.

[sushi]

have to agree with you Krizoitz.....pearl harbour was awfull.... tora tora tora is so much better...
and for other ww2 movies: 'stalingrad' was pretty good
Pearl Harbor is a Hollywood flick. Some great scenes but very inaccurate. For example, the planes flying down Battleship row. If you have ever seen Battleship row, then you know that is a complete impossibility.

Tora Tora Tora is okay.

But historically, I would suggest that you take a look at Midway. Very good.

On the Japanese side, Heaven & Earth is a great historical flick.

Some others that you might enjoy:

Remember the Titans -- Inspiring.

We Were Soldiers -- Love the helicopter assaults. Just remember that between each tracer that you see are 4-5 bullets that you don't!

61* -- Great movie for all you baseball fans out there.

Geronimo, An American Legend -- Very well done and very historical in nature.

Go Tell the Spartans -- Interesting perspective on the Vietnam conflict.

The Pentagon Wars -- Hollywood and somewhat humorous. But still follows history a bit. Very interesting on the politics of procurement.

Sushi

[sushi]

Some others that you might enjoy:
Oops, a couple more to add:

The Tuskegee Airman -- Very good and historical.

Night Fighters -- See The Tuskegee Airman first. Then watch this flick. It contains actual interviews with some of the pilots.

Sushi

[sushi]

Off the top of my head some good historically based movies are:

The Right Stuff
The Right Stuff is a good flick for sure. It is even somewhat historical.

If you really like the flick, then I would suggest that you read the book. There is so much more in the book than is covered in the flick that you might find really interesting.

Sushi

[MacFan26]

61* -- Great movie for all you baseball fans out there.


I second that. I think it's one of the greatest baseball movies out there. It's definitely one of the most accurate, if you listen to Billy Crystal's commentary you can see how much they tried to get it all right.

[sushi]

I second that. I think it's one of the greatest baseball movies out there. It's definitely one of the most accurate, if you listen to Billy Crystal's commentary you can see how much they tried to get it all right.
So true.

On a funny note, love the scrambled egg scene.

Sushi

[MacFan26]

So true.

On a funny note, love the scrambled egg scene.

Sushi

:D me too

[Frohickey]

Historical movies:

Patton
The Longest Day
Tora Tora Tora
Longitude
The Patriot
The Crossing
Glory
Gods and Generals
Lawrence of Arabia: The Battle for the Arab World (the PBS special, not the Peter O'toole one)
The 50 Years War: Israel and the Arabs (PBS special)
Tuskegee Airmen (the movie where Morpheus gives the blue pills to all Luftwaffles) ;)
The Alamo (the John Wayne movie)
Fat Man and Little Boy

In the Hollywood movie versions, the writers took license and spruced up the boring bits to make it into a movie.

True history buffs will steer towards the bonafide documentaries and PBS specials.

[Frohickey]

Historical? Might as well go for 'The Lord Of The Rings Pts I-III?

my preciousssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

:p

[Amani]

Reds--about the Bolshevik revolution in the Soviet Union, but also about a more progressive era in the U.S.

Panther, a Melvin Van Peebles movie, that though it's not grand work of art, it does introduce to young viewers what the Black Panther Party was trying to do.

[sushi]

True history buffs will steer towards the bonafide documentaries and PBS specials.
Agreed.

The History channel is very good and they have some very interesting topics.

Sushi

[takao]

Agreed.

The History channel is very good and they have some very interesting topics.

Sushi


boy i really wish i had the history channel...sadly not available here... (but perhaps it is better this way...i wouldn't be learning enough for my exams)