Historical dramas hold a significant role in the current film industry. That’s because no matter how far we come, we still have to hang onto our roots. Past should always be remembered; may it be positive or negative.
We are not makers of history. We are made by history. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Even if the past is painful, it tells us that we can endure any hardships and still come out strong at the end of the day. Whereas a merry past can give us the hope of how good life can be.
Similarly, there have been many historical dramas that have blessed the film industry with their own unique portrayal of the past. You can find each genre of history in these films. For instance, pain, joy, love, hope or betrayal. Nevertheless, we have made a list of some of the best historical dramas to grace the film industry over the years.
Schindler’s List (1993)
This masterclass of a movie is directed by the evergreen director, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg decided to shoot this film in black and white so he could give the viewers an actual insight on how things were during the Nazi and Holocaust era. Well the black and white portrayal makes the movie even more compelling.
The incredible true story of the enigmatic and opportunistic businessman Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. Schindler’s List chronicles the trials of one man who made a difference and the tribulations of those who survived one of the darkest chapters in human history because of his actions.
12 Years A Slave
12 Years a Slave is situated on the autobiography of Soloman Northup. He was a black man who was abducted and was forcefully put to work as a slave for 12 years.
In 1841, African American Solomon Northup, a free man, is kidnapped and forced into slavery under the name “Platt” for 12 years. He faces the hardships of being a slave under the hands of a few different slave owners. Through faith, will power, and courage Northup must survive and endure those 12 years as a slave.
The Patriot (2000)
Benjamin Martin is a South Carolina planter who is still haunted by his notoriously brutal past as a soldier in the French and Indian War. When the American Revolution comes, he chooses not to fight for the Continental Army because he wants to protect his family. But when the British Colonel Tavington threatens their welfare and kills one of his sons, he chooses to enlist. Martin becomes the leader of a makeshift militia, which consists of peasants, slaves, a minister, and assorted other irregulars. During the war Martin and his men discover that they will pay a steep personal price for their rebellion.
The Patriot portrays a beautiful sketch of how cruel war can be. And how it can create a rift between you and the people you love.
Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace. Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that in reality is stronger than any English army.
This movie features it all. Tragedy, pain, hopelessness and despair.
Dunkirk (2017)
The legendary Christopher Nolan brings back the true events of World War II in his own style in Dunkirk.
In May 1940, Germany advanced into France, trapping Allied troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. Under air and ground cover from British and French forces, troops were slowly and methodically evacuated from the beach using every serviceable Naval and civilian vessel that could be found. At the end of this heroic mission, 330,000 French, British, Belgian, and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated.
