There are so many great movies based on real history out there. In this trilogy of blog posts, I am going to break down my personal favorites and I consider them worthy of my list!
Part 1
15. The Great Escape (1963)
This colossal war epic showcases the true events of a mass breakout of British and American POWs from the German war camp stalag Luft III. In 1943, 76 airmen hatched a daring escape plot that involved digging an underground tunnel unbeknownst to the Nazi captors using stealth, intelligence, and absolute secrecy. The movie mostly covers the intricate planning and tunnel building. The harrowing escape and the following dangers the men face navigating Nazi-occupied Europe make up the last-third of the film. The Great Escape is regarded today as a World War II classic. It’s renowned for its magnificent cast and artistic direction. However, many historians and veterans state it more closely resembles historical fiction than fact.
- One Great Moment
The entire third act. The beginning of this 3-hour epic is a slow-burner. It takes its time building suspense and anticipation for the escape. However, once the men are outside the camp and staring into European country littered with grey uniforms and leather boots, the movie catches fire. The final 40 minutes of this movie is worth the wait, and worth your time.
14. The Best Years of our Lives (1946)
The 2nd World War is finally over. The American men who served their country and helped rid the world of tyranny are rewarded by going home. The Best Years of Our Lives follows 3 United States veterans who after bumping into each other by chance, discover they’re all traveling to the same small Midwest town. The 3 men, Fred Derry, Homer Parrish, and Al Stephenson become friends, but they soon realize they’re bogged down in a new battle of sorts. Re-integrating into a society that has moved on from conflict. And in this milieu of post-war ecstasy and celebration there is no room for the trauma, baggage, and scars the men have brought home. They must also confront their unwelcome change in status. Fred Derry, for example attained distinction as a decorated air captain in Europe. But in America, he’s forced to trade his prestigious rank for a humiliating low paying job when financial troubles force him to move in with his parents. The Best Years of Our Lives highlights a critical turning point in America, and pays a respectful tribute to the fortitude and heroism of the men who served. The movie won 9 Oscars and is among the highest grossing films of all time.
- One Great Moment
Fred and Homer are eating ice cream in a soda shop when an unruly customer approaches them and asks if their service was worth the injuries and trauma they sustained while overseas. He pushes them harder, decrying the war effort as a myth and insists that they were the unwitting subjects of corrupt politicians from D.C. How the men respond makes for a very satisfying moment.
13 Braveheart (1995)
Mel Gibson’s magnum opus about the First Scottish War of Independence propelled him to stardom as not just a suburb actor, but also an accomplished director. The historical biopic centers around real life William Wallace. When the English oppressors brutally murder his wife, William descends into a rage and leads a town revolt against the occupying English. This act of defiance ignites several years of bloody conflict with England over control of Scotland. Braveheart won 5 Oscars including best picture and best director.
The movie is highly regarded for its visceral depictions of war and its stunning panoramic shots of Scottish countryside. However, the movie is ranked among the most historically inaccurate films ever made. I’ve read several books on the First Scottish War of Independence and the criticism regarding accuracy is… well founded. The battle of Stirling Bridge in the movie is fought on an open field instead of, you know, a bridge. Despite its flaws I still love it. And since its release tourism and interest in Scottish history has increased significantly.
- One Great Moment
Patrick McGoohan’s performance as the cruel and cold-blooded King Edward the I is nothing short of terrific. His depiction of the royal monarch is perhaps the most historically accurate part of the film. If you’re interested in learning more about Edward the Longshanks, I highly recommend Marc Morris’s book A Great and Terrible King. You can also watch Morris dissect the movie on YouTube.
12. The Patriot (2000)
The American war drama starring Mel Gibson is the best movie on the Revolutionary War in my opinion. The Patriot opens in the marshes of South Carolina in 1776 where anti-British sentiment among the colonists has reached a fever pitch. Yet unlike many of the northern colonies, the Palmetto state is filled with English loyalists who refuse to engage in rebellion which they see as an act of betrayal against the mother country. Benjamin Martin, played by Mel Gibson, is a wealthy plantation owner and a veteran of the French and Indian war. He urges neutrality because he fears the terrible cost war will bring to his home and family. Despite his misgivings, he can’t prevent South Carolina from choosing to take up arms. The turning point of the movie occurs when an act of depraved barbarism from a British officer causes Martin to join his countrymen in the fight for freedom. He leads a ruthless guerrilla war against the red coats, using the swamps of South Carolina as his base of operation.
The Patriot is mostly historical fiction that loosely follows real men and battles. The character Benjamin Martin was inspired by Brigadier General Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion, the “swamp fox.” Like Braveheart, many historians have condemned the movie for its inaccuracy and the exaggerated depiction of British cruelty. However, I personally appreciate the film’s patriotic spirit. I also believe the decision to focus primarily on the southern theater of the war was a great choice. The British waged a ruthless and brutal campaign in the south in the later years of the war after failing to decisively beat Washington up north. British generals encouraged the loyalists to revolt against their rebellious neighbors, inciting what some refer to as America’s first Civil War. It’s also true that southern militias did use guerrilla war tactics effectively against the redcoats on occasion. It’s a great movie and I wish more movies about the Revolutionary War existed.
- One Great Moment
The battle scenes in this movie. The cinematic scope of 18th century warfare is breathtaking. You won’t find this style of warfare portrayed with such lurid and visceral imagery in any other movie. I think the tomahawk ambush in the woods is one of the best action scenes in any war epic.
11. 1917 (2019)
World War I, also known as the Great War, doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves in Hollywood. Like most people, this movie caught me by surprise when it was released in theaters back in 2019. I usually keep a close eye on historical war epics in development. When I watched this harrowing depiction of the Great War, I left the theater in goosebumps. I consider 1917 as the best war film made since Saving Private Ryan. The movie opens with an English officer informing two soldiers that a British regiment near the Somme River in northern France are planning to strike a German force who appear to be retreating. The assault is scheduled to commence the next morning. But there is a problem. It turns out the German retreat was strategic. They expect the British to attack so they can slaughter the 1,600 men with a hidden artillery barrage. Will Schofield and Tom Blake (played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman respectively) must warn the regiment’s commander so he can call off the attack. But the clock is ticking. Schofield and Blake embark on a dangerous journey across no man’s land in a desperate effort to reach the doomed regiment before it’s too late.
Sam Mendes wrote and directed the film. He said in interviews that he drew inspiration from tales of his grandfather (a veteran of the Great War). 1917 is most notable for its incredible cinematography and the artistic way it was shot. Using clever production tricks, the movie gives the appearance of being filmed in one long, continuous take.
- One Great Moment
The climax is by far the most riveting scene in the movie. It’s a tremendous set piece bolstered with a powerful musical score that will leave you shaking. To avoid spoilers, I won’t reveal anymore but if you’ve seen this movie, you know exactly which scene I’m referencing.