From the very beginning of the cinema, directors are accustomed to being inspired by historical events. Films about ancient wars have always attracted attention. Spectators sympathize with the heroes whose names have long gone down in history thanks to their exploits. These films also feature an exciting storyline, stunning shooting quality and a well-chosen cast.
What films about ancient wars do viewers like?
Each year, a huge number of historical films are made, most of which are devoted to various wars of antiquity. Among them are good films and low-quality films, which allow a lot of inaccuracies and shortcomings. It is sometimes difficult for an ordinary viewer to determine a quality project without looking at it. Therefore, we offer to get acquainted with several paintings that have won the love of both critics and ordinary people. As a classic of the genre, as a rule, consider the following films:
- Troy (2004);
- "Alexander" (2004);
- 300 Spartans (2007);
- 300 Spartans: The Rise of an Empire (2013);
- The Gladiator (2000);
- The Kingdom of Heaven (2005);
- Braveheart (1995);
- "The Battle of the Red Rock" (2008).
Let us consider in more detail the list of the best films about ancient wars, which are worth watching for all history buffs.
Troy
Many films about the ancient wars of Greece are based not only on reliable historical facts, but also contain stories from legends. Troy is a historical drama based on the work of Homer's Iliad. The plot tells about the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. The cause of the conflict was the beautiful Elena, the wife of the Spartan king, who was abducted by the Trojan prince Paris. At the head of the Greek army stands the legendary hero Achilles, who, according to legend, was the son of the sea goddess Thetis. In the film, he was played by the famous actor Brad Pitt.
Filming began in 2002. It is noteworthy that the script for Troy was written at that time by the unknown David Benioff, who would subsequently become the creator of the game Game of Thrones. The budget of the film was $ 170 million. Orlando Bloom (Paris), Eric Bana (Hector), Sean Bean (Odyssey) and Diana Kruger (Elena) also starred in Troy. The film received mixed reviews from critics who noted a large number of historical inaccuracies. The audience, on the contrary, fell in love with him for epic battle scenes, beautiful costumes and high-quality acting.
"Alexander"
Perhaps the most famous project that is celebrated when recalling films about ancient wars. The list of the best of them, of course, will not do without “Alexander”, which tells about the great commander and his grand victories. The director and screenwriter focused on the personality of Alexander the Great, his inner world, and also on relations with his friend Hephaestion. Not without epic battles, including with the participation of real Indian elephants.
Films about ancient wars are almost always the box office leaders, but Alexander, released in 2005, completely failed at the box office. The audience was confused by the detailed description of the bisexual connections of the great commander, which, incidentally, were confirmed by many ancient authors. The chic actors did not save the project: Angelina Jolie (Olympics), Jarerd Leto (Hephaestion) and Colin Farrell (Alexander). The budget of the film cost the creators $ 155 million, and at the box office around the world, he earned only 167 million.
300 Spartans
Another significant historical battle is narrated by the 300 Spartans ribbon. The film is a free interpretation of the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 BC. e. He talks about the feat of 300 warriors from Sparta, who, at the cost of their lives, restrained the huge army of the Persian king Xerxes. Throughout the film, viewers can see numerous battle scenes of Tsar Leonid and his Spartans, which over and over again reflect the attacks of the Persians. Heroes fought to the last, trying to break out of the enemy’s encirclement, but all died.
Films about ancient wars, the rating of which would be incomplete without the “300 Spartans,” are often based on literary works. This film was shot on a comic strip by Frank Miller, who, in turn, was inspired by historical facts. The film was directed by Zach Snyder, and the main roles were played by Gerard Butler (Tsar Leonid), Lena Headey (Tsarina Gorgo), Rodrigo Santoro (Xerxes). The project received huge box office, but was banned in Iran. The authorities considered that the film offends Persian history by exposing it in a perverted light.
300 Spartans: The Rise of an Empire
The 2014 film was the sequel to the acclaimed 300 Spartans. The plot tells of events that go hand in hand with the Battle of Thermopylae, where Leonid died. Greeks from all policies are united against King Xerxes and Artemisia, who led his fleet. The central episode of the story was the naval battle of Salamis. The Greeks, led by Themistocles, inflicted a crushing defeat on the Persians and permanently stopped their offensive plans.
Work on the film began in 2008. Filming took place in 2012 in Bulgaria. Like other films about ancient wars, 300 Spartans: The Rise of an Empire was filmed using a green screen. The director of the film was Noam Murro, and Zack Snyder this time acted as a screenwriter and producer. Lena Headey and Rodrigo Santoro returned to their roles. They were joined by Eva Green, who played Artemisia, and Sullivan Stapleton, who tried on the role of Themistocles.
"Gladiator"
Fast forward several centuries and tell you about another major historical project that tells about the times of the Roman Empire. The film "Gladiator" tells about the fate of the Roman commander Maximus, who is engaged in a protracted struggle with the Germanic tribes. Emperor Marcus Aurelius after his death wants to transfer power to the Senate and asks Maximus to follow up on his will. But their conversation was overheard by the son of the ruler, Commodus, who kills his father and becomes the ruler of Rome. Maximus also had to die, but he survives, while falling into slavery. His family is killed, and he becomes a gladiator who is forced to fight every day for his life.
"Gladiator" was released earlier than the above films about ancient wars. The list of his awards turned out to be much more impressive. In 2000, he received 5 Academy Award, including for Best Film and Best Actor. The director of the project was Ridley Scott, and the main role was played by Russell Crowe. The main villain was chosen Joaquin Phoenix, who played the Roman emperor Commodus.
"Kingdom of heaven"
In 2005, another historical drama, Ridley Scott, was released, which this time tells the story of the Crusades. In 1187, Jerusalem was ruled by Catholics ruled by King Baldwin IV. But due to the negligence of his vassals who want to get rich in the war, Jerusalem is drawn into the war with the Arab states. The main character of the film, the blacksmith Balian, takes part in a serious military conflict, where he shows his best qualities with valor.
Filming began in 2004. The main role in the film was played by Orlando Bloom (Balian). King Baldwin on the screens embodied by actor Edward Norton. Also, many famous Western actors played in the film: Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, David Thewlis and others. Films about ancient wars are not always successful. Unlike the Gladiator, Ridley Scott’s second project at the box office failed. The director himself justified the failure by the forced reduction of the Kingdom of Heaven. In cinemas, a shortened version of the film was shown, from which about an hour of timing was cut.
"Brave Heart"
In May 1995, a major historical film was released telling about the Scottish struggle for independence. The picture unfolds in 1280. Scotland was unable to resist England, which wanted to completely control the north of the island. Then the army was led by national hero William Wallace. The British killed his family, so he longs for revenge and freedom for his country. He inflicts several crushing defeats on the British, but the Scottish nobility, frightened by the influence of Wallace, betrays him to his enemies. The trial of the leader took place in London, where he was sentenced to death.
The role of William Wallace was played by the famous Mel Gibson. He also directed the picture. "Braveheart" was warmly received by film critics and viewers, and also received an Oscar for the best film of the year.
"Battle of the Red Cliff"
Films about the ancient wars of China stand apart. The most interesting among them is the Battle of the Red Rock film, released in 2008. It tells the story of the battle that took place during the Three Kingdoms era. The battle is often called the "Chinese Troy." The emperor, wishing to unite China, declares war on two independent kingdoms. They are not able to withstand a huge army in battle, but are ready to defeat an opponent by cunning.
The film was shot by John Wu based on historical events. Due to the large timing (about 5 hours), the film was divided into two parts. However, in the United States a unified and shortened version was shown, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. In Western countries, the film was adopted rather dryly, but in Asia, he managed to recoup expenses and take several prestigious awards.
Films about ancient wars, rating, photos of which are presented above, can be safely called the most spectacular projects of the film industry. Sometimes they do not succeed with the average viewer, but they should definitely be watched by all lovers of ancient history.