Exploring Historical Movies That Shed Light on Overlooked Time Periods

If you're a fan of historical films, you probably have a fondness for iconic releases like The Mission. Directed by Roland Joffé and starring Jeremy Irons, this film is set in South America near the stunning Iguazu Falls, where Jesuit missionaries work to minister to the indigenous Guarani people. One of the most poignant characters in this rich story is Rodrigo Mendoza, a former slave trader who, thanks to the influence of Father Gabriel, renounces his past and commits to the Jesuits' cause.

Significance and Impact

However, beyond the heartwarming and dramatic tale of The Mission, there are many other historical movies that delve into overlooked time periods, often serving as a bridge to lesser-known histories. Here are some intriguing examples:

The Rules of the Game (1939)

The Rules of the Game offers a profound glimpse into the life of a French chateau during the early days of World War II. It brilliantly exposes the stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of the rich and the grim existence of their servants. The film explores the class divide and the impending doom that looms over the privileged by the shadow of war, making it a poignant examination of pre-war France.

Paths of Glory (1957)

Paths of Glory focuses on an event that took place during World War I, highlighting the absurdity and cruelty of war. In this film, a general accuses his own soldiers of cowardice to deflect blame for a failed mission. The commanding officer must then defend his men's honor, which brings to light the heavy burden that soldiers often bear. The movie is a stark critique of the military leadership and the immense pressure soldiers face during war.

Ivan's Childhood (1962)

Borrowing the setting of World War II, Ivan's Childhood follows the journey of a young Soviet orphan named Ivan Bondarev. After a tragedy, he joins the Soviet army as a scout and befriends three sympathetic officers. This film captures the traumatic impact of war on children, a theme often overlooked in historical narratives. Evgeny Lebedev and Aleksei Piavko star as officers who form a bond with Ivan, providing direction and solace.

Frantz (2016)

In the aftermath of World War I, Frantz tells the story of a young German woman who grieves her fiancé's death in France and finds solace in a visit to his grave. She encounters a mysterious French man who visits the grave to lay flowers. The film delves into the emotional scars and tragic loss that follow the war, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Peterloo by Mike Leigh (2018)

Peterloo takes viewers back to 1819 and recounts the tragic Peterloo Massacre, where British soldiers brutally suppressed a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Manchester. Mike Leigh's meticulously crafted film sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the working class, highlighting the political struggles and the quest for justice.

El fotógrafo de Mauthausen (2018)

Focusing on a real event, this film tells the story of Francesc Boix, a Spanish inmate in the Nazi concentration camp of Mauthausen in Austria. He works to document the horrors he witnesses, acting as an advocate for truth and justice during one of history's darkest periods. This narrative emphasizes the resilience and courage of those who documented and sought to expose the atrocities of the Holocaust.

These movies, along with The Mission, prove that historical films can serve as profound teaching tools, encouraging viewers to explore lesser-known time periods and events that have shaped our world. They offer a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences, enriching our understanding of history.

Whether you are a German, French, or American film enthusiast, these movies provide unique insights and perspectives on history. They are invaluable for those seeking to broaden their knowledge of overlooked time periods and events. As filmmaker Roland Joffé once said, 'If might is right then love has no place in the world. It may be so, it may be so. But I don’t have the strength to live in a world like that.' Each of these films represents a call to reflect on the impact of history and our responsibility as citizens in shaping a better future.