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Movies & History

How well do you think most movies about some historic event do in depicting what really happened?

History and Movies

Most of the movies I've seen based on history mix a lot of fiction or maybe just assumption with only the basic historic facts. I would even go so far to say that most times they use the history as just the background for some other story they want to push.

Movies & History History & Civil Business Politics

I've heard many amateur historians protesting that it's impossible to enjoy historical movies because there are so many errors in them. Although inaccuracies are rampant in film, I remember reading an article in an academic journal asking the professionals opinion on historical film. These leaders of the field had no problems enjoying Braveheart, Name of the Rose, Beowulf and the rest - they didn't think them very accurate and didn't mind. Possibly there are films that portray history accurately, but movies raison d'etre is to entertain not educate.
(They chose The Lion in Winter a the best mix of entertainment and medieval accuracy).

History and Movies

Possibly the only 'movies' that concentrate on accuracy are documentaries. You also have docu-movies that they keep accurate and use amateur actors for certain parts.

History and Movies

You're right - there are some historical re-enactment societies that work as extras in films and documentaries and these guys often work very hard to get everything perfect.
It's not a movie by any stretch - maybe a re-enacted piece of historical art - but the Luttrell Psalter by the WAGScreen is the best presentation of medieval village life I've come across on film. Its idealised in its cleanliness - like the art that inspired it - but otherwise spot on.

Movies & History

No major acting or academy awards when there are reenactments for a documentary I tend to get very engrossed by them. That mixture of historical facts and a visual representation that it might have happened 'this' way is really a delight.