Historical films will always be in great demand among viewers. Moreover, they are designed for a very wide audience, which includes people of all ages, regardless of their gender and social status.
The uniqueness of historical films lies in the fact that they narrate the most significant events that have occurred with humanity in the past, which could directly affect the development of the whole world.
List of the best historical films
To make a list of the best historical films is a very difficult task, since each viewer on this subject may have his own individual opinion. It is quite difficult to give an objective assessment of a particular picture, if not based on its own perception.
However, correctly selected films telling about the fateful events in the life of entire countries and continents can even be replaced by textbooks for children. In some films, the game of the main characters and the plot are selected in such a way that the author manages to convey the essence of the time, which is described in the work.
The list of the best historical films includes the following:
- "Troy." It mentions the life of people in antiquity and their life is very clearly shown. Everything that was expensive for the Trojans - their customs, inexhaustible desire to fight for their ideals, love for their loved ones - all this is reflected in this picture.
- "Spartacus". Despite the fact that this film was shot a long time ago (in 1960), an unusual uprising of gladiators led by Spartak is described here. It clearly illustrates the unbending will of those slaves who were supposed to die in the arena during the next entertainment of their masters, in the struggle for their own freedom and life.
- "Apocalypse". This picture could not be included in the list of the best historical films. The scriptwriter was able to harmoniously convey to the viewer all those experiences that the May civilization experienced, anticipating the imminent coming to their place of another culture - no less bloodthirsty than they themselves were.
- Waterloo. A large number of people starred in the film, so scenes with extras were used. It tells of the historical significance of the Battle of Waterloo for many European countries.
- "King". One of the best historical films tells about the controversial actions that Ivan the Terrible made in an effort to conquer new lands. The erroneous policy of the tsar, who got involved in the bloody Livonian war, which laid bare all Russia's reserves to the limit, is also shown.
Features of historical documentaries
Documentary films, in contrast to feature films, are based only on bare facts, so there is less room for the writer's imagination. And in order to put together all the petty facts and it is interesting to tell the viewer about certain historical events or about famous people, you need to have considerable talent. Very often, interesting video materials, audio recordings, photographs, which have an important semantic component, were used here. The main characters are often narrated in chronological order.
Modern documentaries and a brief description of them
If we take into account the latest developments from the world of cinema with regards to the historical genre, it is worth highlighting such works:
- "Putin." Filmed in 2018 and tells quite fully about the childhood of Vladimir Vladimirovich, covering his school years in detail. A little later - a feature of the professional activities of the current president of Russia in the service of the KGB, and his colleagues are also mentioned. And, of course, much attention is paid to Putin’s family life.
- "World Order 2018". The plot is based on the fact that V.V. Putin interviewed journalists after some key events in the life of the country.
Documentary films about the life of the USSR
Documentary films about the life of the USSR can be safely attributed to the program “The Other Day”, which was conducted by Leonid Parfyonov at one time . In each separate series, the most important events from the life and cultural development of Soviet citizens are touched here, as well as any significant discoveries in a particular field of science are presented as facts. The unique sporting achievements that athletes from the USSR have achieved are not forgotten. But, of course, the author of this unique “documentary series” does not forget to mention the political life of the state as a whole, focusing on the most significant actions of its then leaders.
The best historical films about antiquity
Modern people can learn about ancient times only from dilapidated books or obtain important information about the features of a particular era only from the results of special studies. However, a lot has been said about the life of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Indeed, in these countries, culture was transmitted through literature. Therefore, in our days preserved numerous works of poets of that time, various thinkers and philosophers.
Among the best ancient historical films can be distinguished such as “Caligula” (1979), “Pompeii: new secrets” (2016), “Odyssey” (1997).
Films about the Middle Ages - a tribute to the tradition of that time
It is difficult for a modern person, generously endowed with all the benefits of civilization, to imagine life in the Middle Ages. But it’s not so difficult to do it through the film, in any case, to feel all the drama that the director wants to convey.
Selecting the most significant art paintings about that unusual era is not easy, given how popular this variety of this genre is. However, you can add to the list of the best historical films about the Middle Ages :
- Macbeth. Filmed relatively recently - in 2015. Tells viewers how desperate for power in Scotland the queen cherishes relations with her legal spouse. Seeing other rivals as their rivals and feeling jealousy towards them, she decides to take drastic steps to eliminate them step by step.
- “Robin Hood” (2010). This story is about one of the archers from the army of Richard the Lionheart, who decided to fight against the Norman invaders, taking away material values from those.
- "Tristan and Isolde" (2005) - one of the best historical films about the Middle Ages. This is a fascinating story of a love relationship between Princess Isolda and Tristan - a warrior of the British army. Actions on the plot take place after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Films about the Great Patriotic War
It is difficult to imagine a more significant and bloody event for our country than the Great Patriotic War, which killed millions of people. Therefore, films shot on this subject will always hurt the audience to the core with their unusual plot. A lot of films shot on this subject have become a real classic of historical cinema.
Of the many diverse paintings about the fight against fascism, you can add to the list of the best historical films:
- “Only old people go into battle” (1973). We are talking about brave military pilots who in desperate battles destroy the Nazis in the blue sky. In their free minutes they have fun in their leisure time, joking at each other. The director managed to betray all the simplicity of the Soviet guys, which was inherent in them, but also at the same time show how they remain faithful to their homeland until the very end.
- “And the Dawns Here Are Quiet” (1972). The picture is deservedly included in the list of the best historical films. She is about the fearless anti-aircraft gunners who entered the fight against fascist saboteurs. The story is very moving and sad. She has not left indifferent any spectator.
- “They fought for their homeland” (1975). This work shows very clearly the feat of the Soviet soldier, who defended his land from a stubborn enemy. His last role in this film was played by actor Vasily Shukshin, who died suddenly during the filming.
About the exploits of the scouts
The high-quality work of the intelligence service allowed us to win the largest battles and prevent possible human losses. Therefore, the exploits of these people filmed a lot of popular films. The most famous among them is the series "Seventeen Moments of Spring", filmed in 1973.
It tells of the main character - the Soviet intelligence officer Isaev, who successfully works behind enemy lines under the name of Shtirlitsa. It’s not an easy task for Stirlitz to report to the USSR leadership about which of the highest leaders of the Reich secretly is negotiating a possible peace with England and the United States.
Features of historical series
In historical series, events are described in more detail than what happens in films. Perhaps, thanks to this fact, a person is better able to understand the essence of everything that happened once.
Among the most popular series of this genre are the following:
- Versailles The serial film tells about how the formation of the “sun king”, which dreamed of achieving absolute anarchy, was carried out.
- "Isabel". No wonder this picture is included in the list of the best historical films. "Isabella" is a story about the whole life of the Spanish Queen of Castile, which clearly shows the civil war within the state, as well as the war with Granada.
- The Vikings. It tells about the numerous raids of the ancient Vikings on the territory of modern England.
The best historical films made in 2017
In 2017, a lot of interesting historical films were shot that deserve the attention of the audience. The following films can be added to the list of the best historical films of 2017:
- "Gold". Events take place in 1538. It was then that the Spanish king calls on all the best warriors to fulfill their will and sends the army into the jungle in search of the lost city.
- The Mohawks. In 1812, American soldiers carried out massacres, robbery and violence, not at all afraid of retaliation for their similar actions. The reprisals against the inhabitants of the conquered territories for them is becoming commonplace.
- "Taxi driver". The dictator wholeheartedly despises those who fight by organizing rebellion against his power. Therefore, all peaceful student demonstrations run into armed opposition.
The role of historical films in modern culture
It is hard to underestimate the role of all historical films in the development of the culture of modern society. It is impossible to be a wise person, without knowing the sad experience of their predecessors. So it is necessary to do with history. And in order not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations many times, it is necessary to learn important lessons from them and move on. After all, progress does not stand still, and the knowledge that was previously obtained by our ancestors helps constant improvement. Therefore, all the good that they have achieved must be preserved, and if possible, improve it!
How viewers perceive historical films
The viewer can perceive one or another historical film completely differently, taking into account his political or religious convictions. However, the only thing he should understand is the main idea of the director of a particular film production, what exactly he wanted to convey to the general public with his film.
You can discuss various historical facts for hours, but at the same time everyone will remain with their views on important facts from the life of mankind. Therefore, films are not able to change a person’s philosophy, but to present useful information for him is quite!
In this regard, a wise person watches and perceives any historical films as a source of information. Indeed, from them he can draw something new, useful for him, to develop his own horizons!