Most Historically Accurate Films/Documentaries/Video

**Arjos** · 08-24-2010, 13:18

Don't know if anybody mention it, but how about Henry V?
I find it quite accurate, giving the theatrical structure...

**Noble Wrath** · 08-25-2010, 15:19

I learnt about Valhalla Rising from this thread. I can't really comment on its historical accuracy (or its lack of it) since my knowledge of this era is sketchy, although I seems that the poverty, the brutality of the warriors and the muddy photography are closer to the truth than the usual Vikings with horned helmets and huge war axes.

About its meaning, it is deliberately left blurry and undefined; I got the impression that the historical background was just coincidental, that the same themes could be explored in, say, a science fiction movie. At some points the movie becomes rather psychedelic and the landscapes are just breathtaking. I have come to a personal interpretation of the scenario: that One-Eye is a manifestation of Odin and the journey to America is actually a journey to hell. This fits with the end when the sole survivor is a boy. It seems compatible with Nordic eschatology: the Gods perish in the Ragnarok and the only survivors are a man and a woman (in the film One-Eye actually sacrifices himself so that the boy will live).
Other interpretations are possible: the Crusaders represent the will of man to control nature (Christianity here could be conceived as a product of the urbanised Roman Empire and in definite contrast to the more naturalistic Nordic Paganism). It is notable that the expedition leader planned to colonise against all odds the new land. In this context One-Eye and the muddy Indians can be seen as forces of nature, ferocious and uncontrollable.
Or one would argue that the journey brought into the light the inner motivations of each character: the silent (that is unsociable) One-Eye, the man who was consumed by his hatred, found true meaning in sacrifice for the others, a Pagan Jesus of sorts, where as the pious Crusaders when faced with insurmountable difficulties exhibited suspicion, treachery and lust for power.

In any case the movie left a deep impression on me and I would like to thank the guy who brought it up.

**Badass Buddha** · 09-07-2010, 23:19

Originally Posted by Arjos

Don't know if anybody mention it, but how about Henry V?
I find it quite accurate, giving the theatrical structure...

The thing about Henry V (both versions) is that while they are true to the play and have good technical accuracy (but for a couple glaring flaws), as Tancred the Norman pointed out earlier, it's overly idealized and sanitized, detracting from its historical accuracy.

**Arjos** · 09-08-2010, 08:56

I know, but I think that an objective movie will be appreciated by a small community, so it won't be produced by anyone (unfortunately)...

**runes** · 01-17-2011, 06:55

reviewed the thread and i can't believe all the praise for saving private ryan.
ugh
i'm not going to start typing up all the inaccuracies with that film, but let me just say that they are GLARING and NUMEROUS. right down from typical hollywood fantasy endings with tiger tanks to the mindnumbingly poor tactical choices (why they couldn't just write a better plot defies me) and the general poor performance of hardened german soldiers.... who knows. good flick though, if pretty dated by now. wtf beach were they supposed to be landing at? ugh, so bothersome.

but anyway.

**Ca Putt** · 01-19-2011, 12:33

yeah the stormtrooper effect really makes a move take longer but is silly every time ;)

on the revived thread:

just watched "timeline" again and igronring all the obvious historical inaccuracies and stuff but wha reall made me laugh was that when the 100years war specialists(4 americans and one frenchman) get caught by the english they claim to be scots (and the french guy admits he's french duh! ) I mean c'mon!
I'm not an expert on anglo french relations
nor the 100year war
nor the 14th and 15th century

BUT I know that at all possible occasions the french were allied with the scots or at least sided with them against the English so why on earth did they have to claim that?!?!?! sure claiming you're scottish is rather smart confronted a french army but not when captured by the english.
why could they not simply say they're Welsh, or even english with their burgundian interpreter as burgundy was allied with england(at least it is in AoK :D )

a silly movie

**Andronikos** · 01-19-2011, 17:14

What do you guys think of Joan of Arc movie? I mean the better one with Leelee Sobieski as Joan and Neil Patrick Harris as dauphin. (I hope I don't mention it second time in this thread)

**wumpus** · 05-26-2011, 16:08

Originally Posted by Andronikos

What do you guys think of Joan of Arc movie? I mean the better one with Leelee Sobieski as Joan and Neil Patrick Harris as dauphin. (I hope I don't mention it second time in this thread)

I like it several times better than the other one by Milla Jovovich [where, it seems to me, she was portrayed as a psychologically disturbed person] nor the old one with the Swedish actress what's-her-name. Not one of the three appears historically accurate to me, though. Hawooh.