Historical films
The Bruce (1996)
Directed by Bob Carruthers and David McWhinnie
British production and cast including Oliver Reed and Brian Blessed. Features
a battle of Bannockburn sequence that was the largest filmed reconstruction
of medieval battle ever staged in Britain.
Braveheart (1995)
Directed by Mel Gibson
Well known for historical inaccuracies, Gibson's film has been praised
for its realistic battle scenes, including the use of the shiltron.
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this film
Edward II (1991)
Directed by Derek Jarman
Loosely based on the 1592 play by Christopher Marlowe, this is Jarman's take
on the gay relationship of the English king and his favourite Piers Gaveston.
Henry V (1989)
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Darker version of Shakespeare's play than Olivier's. Branagh was
27 when he made this – the same age as Henry V at Agincourt.
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this film
Ivanhoe (1982)
Directed by Douglas Camfield
UK TV mini-series. Cast includes James Mason, Anthony Andrews, Olivia Hussey
and Lysette Anthony. Well reviewed when first shown, particularly for acting
and battle scenes.
Excalibur (1981)
Directed by John Boorman
Lush interpretation of
the Arthurian legend.
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this film
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Classic humour from the Python stable, sending up medieval sagas and its own
limited budget.
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this film
The Lion in Winter (1968)
Directed by Anthony Harvey
British production set in the late 12th century with Katharine Hepburn (Eleanor
of Aquitaine), Peter O'Toole (Henry II) and Anthony Hopkins (Richard) depicting
the intra-familial disputes of the Plantagenet family.
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this film
The Dark Avenger (1955)
Directed by Henry Levin
Errol Flynn as Edward, Prince of Wales – the Black Prince – during
the early part of the Hundred Years War. Its tagline: 'Flaming with the barbaric
cruelties and infamous conquests of the Dark Age of terror!' US title: The
Warriors.
Henry V (1944)
Directed by Laurence Olivier
Olivier's take on Shakespeare's play, played for wartime patriotism.
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this film
