http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/ The American Film Co. - Discussion Comments Feed - 10 Best American History Movies en-us Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:02:39 -0500 info@americanfilmco.com http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-669 I like Good Night and Good Luck... Very good at recreating atmosphere as well as the power of McCarthyism and the nascent role of TV... Matewan is a very accurate look at the West Virginia Coal Wars... Cinderella Man is an engaging biographical look at the Great Depression (albeit a bit distorted historically)We Were Soldiers and Born on the Fourth of July are interesting movie views on Vietnam... Band of Brothers from HBO ties in oral histories to tell the story of the 101st in WWII Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:09:51 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-669 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-660 Echoing the sentiments of "BeTheChange," I too have served as a secondary public school teacher, and it's often a struggle to find classroom-ready historical films/videos. I always thought it'd be a great idea to have altered/educational versions available on the same DVD with standards-based review questions & essay assignments developed for classroom follow-up. Perhaps you've considered this (as it is a sorely-needed service), and it could likely be an additional source of income for your company via licensing to school districts. Just a thought... Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:09:12 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-660 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-615 As a man from Paisley, Scotland, and history graduate, I am amazed at that a bio-pic has never been made of John Witherspoon, of Beith, Paisley and of course, Nassau. With a team of other film enthusiasts here, I/ we are putting together a film (not documentary) of the Scottish end of his life and times to the point of his departure. The nature of his life in the new America is too expensive for us to produce, although we do have a script that covers this period also. The drama and politics up to and around the signing of the Declaration should have historical film-makers salivating, in my view. If anybody is interested, there is a time, you know. Enjoyed The Conspirator: another warning from history (and one which helps us fix our aims for our wee film) I find it interesting that American folk were not aware of some of these goings-on, which reflects upon the teaching of history in schools. Our children here in Scotland are also quite ignorant of much of our recent history, as the taught history is mediated through the school curriculum. (Not to mention Mel Gibson) For myself, I remember growing up and knowing more than a smidgin of a distorted American history (broadbrush) via Westerns. Thankfully, writers and artists are shaking off the shackles of the past ways, and, as with The Conspirator, using it to illustrate lessons for the future. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:08:34 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-615 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-584 Ten Best American History Movies YTD: 1.) Malcolm X (the enlightenment of a soul) 2.) Amistad (the magnimity of an ex-President!) 3.) The Last of the Mohicans (a noble people treated horribly) 4.) Patton (the ultimate chess match!) 5.) To Kill A Mocking Bird (Gregory Peck/Robert DuVall!) 6.) The Crucible (Inquisitions!) 7.) We Were Soldiers (Den Ben Pugh!) 8.) The Untouchables (the Ultimate Crime Boss: DeNiro!) 9.) The Grapes of Wrath (Steinbeck!) 10.) The Conspirators (reacquaintance with the immediate aftermath of the Civil War) Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:06:17 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-584 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-562 There are two films not on here I would have put on the list, which are both of Ronald F. Maxwell's Civil War movies, "Gods and Generals" and "Gettysburg." Both do a fantastic job of bringing to life the people, places and events of the American Civil War, and are essential for anybody studying the war, and the reasons that the men of both sides fought it. I first saw "Gettysburg" when it premiered on TNT in the summer of 1994, and is the film that sparked my interest in American History. As much as I love "Gettysburg," I actually like "Gods and Generals" better on the strength of its characterization of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and a more graphic depiction of the battles shown in the movie. Next week, the extended Director's Cut comes out, which I have looked forward to for eight years now. Mon, 16 May 2011 19:05:15 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-562 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-489 Hey, why isn't Oliver Stone's JFK on this list? :D Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:04:17 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-489 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-457 As a middle school Social Studies teacher, I am very hopeful that some of the movies that will be made in the future will be ones that I can use in my classroom... or at least someone will see the value of providing an educational version. I know years ago the Civil War movie Glory was edited by I believe it was Pepsi?? Our young students are enthralled by many of these movies at home, and don't have anyone to discuss them with... being able to use them in the classroom is an incredible educational tool. Movies that are rated above PG-13 are ones that cannot be used in many mid-level classrooms. Sun, 10 Apr 2011 18:04:53 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-457 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-456 These comments might be more helpful to the filmmakers than to teachers like so many of us. I appreciate the rubric set up; it makes sense even though it eliminates several movies I would have suggested. Where are Amistad (great for Antebellum period), Matewan (Roaring 20s period), and Inherit the Wind (Roaring 20s and Early Cold War)? All seem to meet the rubric requirements, even theatrical release. I have to also agree about Seabiscuit, rather too narrow for application in a history course, more suited to English or Literature. If Seabiscuit is included, then surely it must be #10 with a lot of other films tied or close behind. Maybe AFC will expand the list to the top 20? Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:04:16 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-456 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-432 ten best historical movies 1. Glory 2 Gettysburgh 3 All the Presidents Men 4 Seabiscut 5 Secretariat 6 Pearl Harbor 7 Good Night And Good Luck 8 To Kill A Mockingbird 9 Forrest Gump 10 Titanic Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:04:57 -0400 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-432 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-335 I'm going to add another HBO movie from recent years to this list - Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. If you're looking for a film depicting the end of the Indian Wars and problems with assimilation, this version of Dee Brown's classic book is a terrific option. All US History teachers and lovers out there would serve themselves well by watching/viewing this film with today's younger generation. Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:03:19 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-335 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-286 Hard to argue w/ the web site's list. Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:02:08 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-286 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-276 My votes for Top Ten: -Glory -The Alamo -MacArthur -Gangs of New York -Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid -Zulu -How the West was Won -The Bucaneer -Jeremiah Johnson -Braveheart Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:02:57 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-276 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-270 Certainly the HBO miniseries, "John Adams", has got to be one of the great American historically accurate stories on your list. Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:01:18 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-270 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-269 For me these are top 10 movies: Some are already told: 1) Glory 2) Good Night, and Good Luck 3) Black Hawk Down 4) Seabiscuit 5) Cinderella Man 6) The Best Years of Our Lives 7) Go for Broke 8) The Great Raid 9) Gettysburg 10) All the President's Men .I watch some of movies online Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:01:48 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-269 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-268 I forgot one!!! While I wouldn't want to substitute any, We Were Soldiers is definitely up there!! Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:01:19 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-268 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-267 I'll throw these titles out there. These are not in order of best to 10th best, but rather titles just numbered. 1) Glory 2) Good Night, and Good Luck 3) Black Hawk Down 4) Seabiscuit 5) Cinderella Man 6) The Best Years of Our Lives 7) Go for Broke 8) The Great Raid 9) Gettysburg 10) All the President's Men It was very hard to pick those as a top 10!! There are so many more that I would love to list. Recently, there are also miniseries' which can be argued are albeit rather long films broken up into watchable segments. Personally, I am extremely excited that there is a Film Company dedicated to telling films on American History!! It's really great what this company is seeking to do. I can't wait to see all the projects to come out of it! I'm sure as soon as "The Conspirator" comes out I will be able to add it to my list of Top 10 Best American History Films!! Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:01:08 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-267 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-239 I feel that two movies deserve consideration into the category of 10 best American Films. The first I do not hesitate to put forth is, "The Best Years of Our Lives" depicting what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Survivors try to put themselves back into civilian life after the adrenaline pumping highs of fighting in World War II. I have a hard time watching this film because I remember watching it with my Dad, who had served in the E. T. O.. He broke down and cried like a baby. This was better for him than 100 sessions with a psychiatrist. It is hard to beat reality (film style). Thank you for your consideration. The second film is "All the President's Men". This film should be shown to all high school teens! Powers corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Wielding the reins of power can seduce the most innocent of men, or even the most jaded. Here was a man, Richard M. Nixon, who believed he had a mandate from the people. He had a warped sense of what was allowable. I read once that Dwight D. Eisenhauer did not want to ride with him to the inauguration of John F. Kennedy because he so detested the man. Sorry about the rant. the story itself is riveting, the film does not stop. I was almost out of breathe when I left the movie theater when first I watched this excellent film. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:12:28 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-239 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-236 Sorry. Song of Bernadette was not American history. I still like the film. Sat, 18 Dec 2010 07:12:01 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-236 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-235 I can think of a couple of historical movies I have always liked. "Song of Bernadette" with Jennifer Jones. "Tucker, the Man and His Dream" w/Jeff Bridges And "Lonesome Dove" although I don't know how accurate the characters are but I have always felt it held the true spirit of the times it depicted. Sat, 18 Dec 2010 07:12:07 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-235 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-230 Yes, Denzel did win the best supporting Oscar for Glory. The movie was great, even accurately showing the red pants of the 2nd S.C. Volunteers (actually formed before the 54th Mass.) who raided Darien, Ga. to the disgust of the men and officers of the 54th. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:12:40 -0500 http://www.theamericanfilmcompany.com/talk/discussion/10-best-american-history-movies/#comment-230