The directors in the last century have guessed that the most interesting stories can tell the story. Of particular interest to the public are films that tell about the life of monarchs that really existed and were fictitious. Fascinating films about queens and kings always find their audience. So, with what historical pictures of powerful rulers from the past fans of the genre should certainly familiarize themselves?
Films about queens and kings: old
“The Lion in Winter” is a film directed by Anthony Harvey, which was released back in 1968, but from which it does not become less interesting. It is believed that it was the film adaptation of the work of the same name by James Goldman that led to the fashion for films about queens and kings. The main character of the film is the English monarch Henry II, who has already entered an advanced age and is forced to choose an heir. The situation is complicated by the huge number of applicants from the family of the ruler, each of whom hates everyone else.
“Lady Jane” is a fascinating movie directed by Trevor Nunn in 1985. It was this picture that brought fame to actress Helena Bonham-Carter, a beginner in those days. The main character is Jane Gray, who went down in history as the "Queen of the Nine Days." The lady, who became the heiress of the English monarch Henry the Eighth, had so few rules that she was not even officially crowned. Her life ended tragically - on the chopping block.
Film projects of the 90s
Many magnificent films about queens and kings have become adaptations of the immortal works of Shakespeare. This list also includes the painting "Richard the Third", presented to the audience in 1995. The action takes place not in the Middle Ages, as in the play, but in the early 20th century. A civil war erupts, the result of which is the death of the monarch. The throne should be inherited by the eldest son, but his younger brother Richard also claims to be an empty throne.
Viewers who are looking for entertaining films about the queens of England can be advised on the Elizabeth film, shot in 1998 by Shekhar Kapoor. The historical drama became a high point for the unknown actress Cate Blanchett, who played the famous Empress Elizabeth the First. The painting takes the audience to England in 1554. After the death of Queen Mary on the throne, she is replaced by young Elizabeth, who is forced to say goodbye to her own freedom in the name of the greatness of her country.
“Another of the Boleyn clan” (2008)
There are hardly any history buffs who have never heard of the ruler of England, Henry the Eighth. Many historical films about kings and queens illuminate the life of this bloodthirsty monarch. Among the best is such a tape as “Another of the Boleyn family”, the creator of which is director Justin Chadwick.
For the right to become the favorites of the monarch, two beauties fighting as sisters belonging to each other are fighting. The first attention of the king is managed to win Maria Boleyn, the girl gives birth to her royal lover of an illegitimate child. He is able to interest Henry and her sister Anna, who also becomes the mistress of the famous ruler. Viewers will find out which of the favorites will be able to become the queen, and then end their days on the block.
“The King Says” (2010)
Not all wonderful films about queens and kings cover events of the distant past. The painting “The King Says”, shot by Thomas Hooper, introduces viewers to the personality of George the Sixth, who is the father of Elizabeth II. The four Academy Award winners won by the tape provide indirect evidence that it really deserves attention.
The future King George does not dream about the throne, but is forced to occupy it after the abdication of his older brother. The "novice" monarch has a serious problem - he can not get rid of stuttering, which greatly complicates the delivery of speeches to the public. In desperation, George meets with a speech therapist practicing non-standard methods.
Marie Antoinette (2005)
This fascinating historical film about the Queen of France Marie Antoinette is also worth watching for all fans of history. The protagonist is the ruler, whose sad fate has been sympathetic to people for several centuries. Marie Antoinette was the daughter of the Austrian emperor; at a young age she was married to the heir to the French throne. She became the queen already in 19 years, having reigned in Versailles.
The end of the queen was terrible, she was executed by revolutionaries. The film is interesting not only for coverage of the main events of that time, but also for a non-standard look at the personality of Marie Antoinette. The creators of the picture refused to represent the main character as a near-minded woman who is indifferent to the sorrows of the people. The character turned out to be very outstanding.
Russian cinema
Films about the king and queen are also loved in Russia. An example of an excellent picture devoted to the monarchist theme is the drama Tsar, which saw the light in 2009, created by Pavel Lungin. The tape takes the audience to the second half of the 16th century, when Tsar Ivan the Terrible was the ruler of Russia. The outrages of the oprichnina, the Livonian war, hunger - all the problems of that era are touched upon in the drama.
Of interest is the painting “Romanovs. Crowned Family ”, which saw the light in 2000, the creator of which is Gleb Panfilov. Spectators will be able to learn fascinating details about the last months of life of representatives of the crowned dynasty, starting from the February Revolution and ending with the execution. Nicholas II is forced to abdicate, the Provisional Government, headed by Kerensky, seizes power.
Viewers interested in Japanese history will appreciate the historical drama released in 2005 by Alexander Sokurov. “The Sun” is a movie about the life of a real Japanese emperor who is ready to sacrifice himself to save his people.
The Golden Age (2007)
Remembering historical films about queens, one cannot ignore the “Golden Age”, presented to the audience in 2007, who won the Oscar. The action takes place in England during the reign of Elizabeth the First. The population of the kingdom, tired of the endless war with Spain, is rebelling. An increasing number of people want to see the ruler of Mary Stuart, believing that only she can bring peace to the country.
Elizabeth in this difficult time manages to fall in love with the famous pirate Walter Raleigh, who, of course, reciprocates her. However, even in the name of personal happiness, the queen is not ready to let go of the reins. As a result, she has to make a difficult choice between the love of her life and power.
Screen versions of the works of Dumas
Calling movies about queens worthy of watching (the Middle Ages are the usual time of acting in them), one cannot forget about the film adaptation of one of the most famous novels by Alexander Dumas. Of course, we are talking about “Queen Margot” - the picture, the main character of which is Margarita Valois, daughter of Henry the Second, married to King of Navarre. The action takes place in the early 16th century, covers the period of the reign of Charles the Ninth. After watching this film, viewers will learn more about the famous confrontation between Catholics and Huguenots, which resulted in a bloody Bartholomew’s night.
The painting “Countess de Monsoro”, which has become a continuation of the aforementioned story, deserves viewing. Viewers can watch the French version of 1971 or give preference to a serial film shot in 2008 in Russia. The action takes place during the reign of Henry the Third, who inherited the French throne after the tragic death of Charles the Ninth. The powerful Giza family, in collusion with the monarch’s brother, the
Duke of Anjou, is trying to oust the king from the throne, but true friends are defending his interests. There is also a love line: the young Diana de Meridor, forcibly married to the old and ugly Count de Monsoreau, has an affair with a handsome Bussy.
Cinema about Cleopatra
Viewers who are interested in fascinating films about the king and queen can also pay attention to the drama "Anthony and Cleopatra", the plot of which is taken from Shakespeare's work of the same name. The picture was shot in 1972, but it is interesting to watch it today. Attention is concentrated on the love relationship of the famous queen and her powerful chosen one.
However, the best film about the ruler of Egypt, according to critics, was released in 1963. We are talking about the film "Cleopatra", the central role in which was received by the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor. The drama reveals some secrets from the life of the outstanding queen, talks about her reign.
The Snow Queen (2002)
The film about the Snow Queen can hardly be called historical, but it’s nice to watch a good tale with the children. The plot of the picture is borrowed from the eponymous work of Anderson. The main character of the story is young Gerda, courageously setting off in search of the kidnapped Kai. The search leads the girl to the castle of the Snow Queen, but her difficulties do not end there.
Viewers who love old Soviet films may prefer the movie Snow Queen, which was released in 1966. The role of Gerda in this fabulous story was given to Elena Proklova, young at the time.
Interesting series
Not only movies about queens will help people who are interested in history to spend time usefully. The list is worth adding to the series, telling about the everyday life of the monarchs. A vivid example is the Tudors series, which tells about the reign of Henry the Eighth. This monarch went down in history both as a gifted politician and as a bloodthirsty maniac. Some secrets of this controversial historical character of the audience and opens the series "Tudors".
“Cursed Kings” is a fascinating French series, the plot of which is taken from the famous series of works by Maurice Druon. The action begins in 1314, when King Philip the Handsome curses before execution the knight of the Order of Malta, Jacques de Molay. It covers not only the reign of Philip the Fourth, but also the reign of his descendants. Viewers will learn why the Capetians on the French throne were replaced by their close relatives of Valois.
Peter the Great is another ambiguous personality that has interested many directors. Details of the reign of the most famous of the Russian monarchs can be found by watching the multi-part movie "Young Russia", which saw the light in 1982.
"Game of Thrones"
People who are attracted to stories not only about real-life monarchs, but also fictional ones, will like the Game of Thrones. The series was a successful film adaptation of the famous work of George Martin "A Song of Ice and Fire." The action takes place in a fantastic kingdom called Westeros. On the throne sits King Robert Baratheon, who managed to wrest power from the hands of his predecessors - the Targaryen dynasty. However, not all inhabitants of Westeros are satisfied with this state of affairs, representatives of the most powerful families of the fictional kingdom are ready to start their game. The most dangerous enemy is Daenerys Targaryen, the daughter of the overthrown king, who wants revenge on his killers.