Films That Get History and Reality Wrong

Throughout the landscape of cinema, some films stand out for their inaccuracies and misinterpretations of events or situations. From the Singaporean film series Ah Boys to Men to historical epics and battle sequences, filmmakers often face the challenge of balancing artistic license with factual accuracy. This article will delve into three highly inaccurate films that, despite their pop culture appeal, falter when it comes to historical accuracy and realistic portrayals.

The Ah Boys to Men Film Series, or Why Military Accuracy Matters

One of the most infamous series of films that receive widespread criticism for their historical inaccuracies is the Ah Boys to Men film series. Based on the experiences of new conscripts in Singapore’s National Service, this series attempts to provide an insider’s look at the lives of young men undergoing military service. However, its accuracy falters significantly, particularly in the second and third films.

Take, for example, the second film where conscripts are encouraged to fight a gang of offenders, only to be praised for their actions despite starting the altercation by throwing human waste at them. This acts as a direct contradiction to the real-life teachings of conflict de-escalation in military training. Similarly, the third film perpetuates the myth of desertion as an acceptable action to resolve personal problems, which is a far cry from the stringent discipline and duties enforced in military structures worldwide.

While the first film in the series may have somewhat balanced historical events with artistic narrative, the subsequent movies fail to maintain this equilibrium, leading to a shrinking circle of watchful eyes and a diminishing fan base.

The Battle of the Bulge: The Discrepancies in Historical Accuracy

Another notable and highly criticized inaccuracy in film is the portrayal of a tank battle in the The Battle of the Bulge. This movie, while evocative, sets the stage for a series of inaccuracies that can be traced back to the fundamental aspects of the battle. The film’s portrayal of the actual tank battle does not align with the historical record and overlooks the complexities of the real events surrounding the battle.

Additionally, historical films often rely on visual elements to capture the essence of real events. However, when these elements do not match reality, it can lead to a sense of disbelief among the audience. For instance, the film's depiction of events occurring on a specific date, June 5th, 1962, is off by several days, making the whole narrative less credible. The supposed Friday was actually a Tuesday, a critical detail that highlights the importance of accuracy in filmmaking.

The Untouchables: Mamet's Masterpiece and Its Unfortunate Detractions

Finally, no discussion of historically inaccurate films would be complete without a nod to The Untouchables. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on the novel by Michael Cox, this film is often praised for its thrilling and dramatic plot. However, its most significant downfall lies in its historical inaccuracy, particularly in the character development and historical events depicted.

David Mamet's screenplay introduces several fictional characters who play crucial roles in the narrative. For instance, the invention of three characters—along with the murder of a well-known historical figure, Frank Nitti, who did not die until years after the events portrayed in the film—substantially deviates from established historical facts. This creative license undermines the film's credibility and makes it difficult for viewers to trust its narrative, despite its compelling performances and visual flair.

Conclusion: The Impact of Inaccuracy on Audiences

The impact of such inaccuracies in films is significant, as they can perpetuate misinformation and create a distorted lens through which historical events are perceived. Films that prioritize entertainment over historical accuracy not only fail to provide an educational value but also run the risk of alienating knowledgeable audiences. As film critics, historians, and fans, it is essential to maintain a vigilant eye on such inaccuracies to ensure that cinema remains both entertaining and informative.