Movies:If you haven’t seen these….
Hello, there, Facebook friends and fellow movie buffs.
The Oscars and other awards shows are over. Following nominated films closely and seeing as many as we can is a semi-hobby my husband and I adopted over the years. On awards nights, we discuss our critiques with that of the movie industry. Yes, we even talk back to the tv screen. I do wish, however, the winners would just shut up, accept the award, say thank you, and go sit back down.
Over the past few years, I have been collecting a list of movies under general categories which I find worth watching. Should you be looking for something to stream or order from Netflix or use your on demand, here are my recommendations for the category HISTORY – Fact and Fiction from the Revolution through the Civil War. If you like this listing of what Glenne recommends, periodically I will slide in different lists.
I selected this arbitrary time period because this is often the way schools teach U S History. The Civil War ends the first semester and the second semester gets all the rest. Not all are good movies, not all stay true to the facts, but together they give an overview of how to remind oneself or educate your family and friends about the high and low points of our history.
U.S. History--The first half
1776 The beginning of the nation. This is a fictionalized account of the 2nd Continental Congress and the debate about whether to declare independence. The film makes John Adams obnoxious, but the singing is wonderful. This is a great movie that makes one want to google historical facts. If you want a comparison, try HBO’s 2008 John Adams miniseries which covers the period from the Boston Massacre to the Revolutionary War. I still love the Broadway show and the movie although I know its faults.
Sad to say but this little movie is not very entertaining. It does, though, give a realistic portrayal of Washington crossing the Delaware and how the course of American history changed because of it.
The young adult novel turned into a Disney movie in 1957. This is family movie of an apprentice silversmith who becomes a patriot and joins “The Sons of Liberty.” Also, this is a good introduction to Paul Revere.
Hamilton
This is the hit Broadway show I am sneaking in to see if you are paying attention. Good luck on getting tickets, but this show covers Hamilton, Burr, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Lafayette, Madison and the early 1800s. Even King George III gets to ask “what happens next?” [Tickets start at $177/person]
Produced in 1958, baby boomers will like this old movie of the War of 1812. Charlton Heston plays Andrew Jackson and Yul Brenner is the flamboyant pirate Jean Lafitte. It is based on true events and, even if a bit campy, it’s worth watching.
The John Wayne one, not the 2004 remake. It’s 1836 and the Santa Anna’s Mexican Army is invading Texas. Learn about General Sam Houston (Richard Boone), Jim Bowie (Richard Widmark) and Davy Crockett (John Wayne). The resistance at the Alamo mission spurred Texas toward freedom.
In 1839 the slave ship Amistad sets sail from Cuba to America during which there is a slave uprising. The slaves are held in prison in Connecticut. Free slave Joadson (played by Morgan Freeman) recruits a property lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) to help with the case. Powerful! Foreshadows the Civil War.
Note: Selections 8, 9, and 10 are my Civil War choices. The movie database (IMDb) lists 71 Civil War era movies. The three following are my favorites. I look forward to hearing from you as to why I should have chosen others or that you agree.
Okay, okay! I know it’s very fictionalized, but the characters are so memorable – Rhett, Scarlett, Mammy, et al. The burning of Atlanta and the wounded on the railroad tracks are forever etched in my mind.
The Spielberg 2012 movie I believe to be the best portrayal of Lincoln I have ever seen as he works to obtain passage of the 13th Amendment banning slavery. Daniel Day-Lewis is superb in the role.
Apparently this sad movie is factual. It tells the tale of the first official black regiment in the Civil War. Following the Battle of Antietam, the 54th Voluntary Massachusetts Infantry fights their own battles to be allowed to move from menial tasks to war. With Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, this is a powerful movie.
Pop the popcorn! Enjoy. We’d love to hear from you.
No comments:
Post a Comment