As a history buff and fan of cinema, Isaac Sternbach of Vermont has always enjoyed historical movies. Movies that are loosely based or entirely based on history can help unlock an interest in the past. Today, Isaac Sternbach of Vermont will provide an overview of some of the most influential historical films of all time. Whether you are a history buff or a lover of great films, Isaac Sternbach of Vermont believes this list is full of must-see films.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Widely regarded as the best historical film of all-time, Schindler’s List won the Academy Award for Best Picture. World War II is the set piece for many great historical films and this movie tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a war profiteer who staffs his factory with Jewish workers, which protects more than 1,000 Jewish people from being killed in Auschwitz. It is not an easy film to watch as Ralph Fiennes co-starts as an inhumane Nazi soldier by the name of Officer Amon Goth. Isaac Sternbach of Vermont believes it is an important movie to watch as it helps people realize the horror of this era in human history, but it isn’t one people are likely to rewatch too often.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Stephen Spielberg won best director at the Academy Awards for Saving Private Ryan. Isaac Sternbach of Vermont notes that he earned this award for one of the most gripping opening scenes in movie history. Viewers are presented a look at D-Day when American troops land on Omaha Beach and face incredibly stiff resistance. Military historians have cited this scene as one of the most realistic World War Two battle scenes in the history of the movies, which is chilling to think about. While the rest of the movie is not as strong as the opening scene, it’s a must watch for anyone looking to gain an understanding of the incredible sacrifice made by so many American soldiers during World War II.
Darkest Hour (2017)
Winston Churchill is amongst the most interesting historical figures of the 1900’s. Gary Oldman does an incredible job depicting Churchill during Mary of 1940 as Britain was in a very dire situation in their fight against Nazi Germany. If you don’t know Gary Oldman is in the role, it’s hard to even pick him out. The makeup is incredible. What Isaac Sternbach of Vermont likes most about the movie is how it shows how eccentric Churchill was, but it also shows why he was the perfect wartime Prime Minister. The famous “We Will Fight Them on The Beaches” speech serves as the finale of the movie, and it is an incredibly emotional rendition. If Saving Private Ryan shows the horror of war for soldiers, the Darkest Hour shows how difficult it is to lead politically when your country is in grave danger.
All The President’s Men (1976)
All The President’s Men is truly one of the greatest films ever made. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman play the famous Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who are the reporters who uncovered the Watergate scandal, which would lead to the impeachment of President Nixon. The movie does a phenomenal job of showing the risks the journalists took to deliver the truth to the American people. The story is a must watch for any American history buff as it transports the viewer to a pivotal point in American history. Widely known as the unofficial fourth branch of government, All The President’s Men shows the power of journalism when done correctly.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Isaac Sternbach loves when a movie is able to introduce an audience to a story of a hero. Hotel Rwanda is the story of Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tamina, who provided shelter to more than 1,000 refugees of the Rwandan genocide. For many Americans, the film taught them about the massacres that took place in the African nation. It’s a somber reminder of the horror that can occur due to political corruption. This is a movie that is well worth revisiting if it has been some time since your last viewing.
