- Home
- Good Movies For Movie Night
- Historical Drama Films
Historical Drama Films That Entertain But Also Explore Interesting Historical Themes
Historical drama films are the films that you watch when you are looking for something that will leave you thinking. They are generally films that inspire you with the stories of true figures and their struggle to make life choices that would affect their entire nation.
Historical Drama Films
1. The Queen
2. Reagan
3. The King's Speech
4. Cabrini
Each of the films on our list speaks of inspiring figures from history and looks at the good things these figures did as well as some of the things that perhaps they could have done better.
We can certainly argue that some of the political figures portrayed made mistakes in their lives, but the purpose of these historical drama films is to tell about their lives especially through key moments of their lives.
Each film is a tribute to the figure's life especially through the choices they made on tough decisions they were faced with.
1. Covering The Tragic Story Of Princess Diana’s Death And The Royal Family’s Struggle To Cope In The Queen
The Queen follows the lives of Queen Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Prince Philip, and Prince Charles the week following the death of Princess Diana.
The movie portrays the human feelings which any sensible person would feel in each of these character's positions.
Helen Mirren does a great job portraying Queen Elizabeth's emotions while she struggles to see how she should react to such a catastrophe.
Should she bend to the will of the people and host a public funeral, or should she conform to the wishes of Princess Diana's family and let it be done quietly at home?
A very good and feeling movie which compassionates the royal family during such a hard time for all of them.
Points to Consider: The subject of living with a person one is not married to is discussed, though never shown and always referred to as a bad thing.
We were a little concerned when, before watching the movie, we saw that it was rated PG-13 for brief strong language. That being said, "f*ing" is said in this movie, but in a British way.
Prince Philip is a little coarse as well, saying things that show how little he cares what anybody thinks. During the funeral plans, he announces disdainfully that someone who is going to be in the funeral is a "homosexual".
However, I do not find this offensive because I feel that those who are committed to such sins against chastity and nature must be spoken of in an unflattering light so as to show the true ugliness of the sin.
2. Reagan The Movie, A Tribute To An American Hero
Reagan is a tribute to the life of a well beloved American politician. Directed by Sean McNamara and staring Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller, this film hits the mark when it comes to entertainment value and appealing to universal human emotions.
Although I do not remember Ronald Reagan’s presidency, much of his story was familiar to me as I am sure it is to all Americans. This tribute to the life of Ronald Reagan successfully spanned several decades by employing a clever storytelling technique that I felt really worked.
Most of Reagan took place in Hollywood and Washington but also had scenes taking Reagan to Reykjavik, Iceland to negotiate with the USSR’s Mikhail Gorbachev. The story revolves around the Cold War on the entertainment and later political stage.
I’m sure that this movie was difficult to get to my small town for the same reasons movies like Sound of Freedom were intentionally suppressed. It is important to globalists that America is not a strong nation and with an election coming up in November it is imperative that there is no connection made between Donald Trump and Ronald Reagan. It is as simple as that.
I'd recommend this movie but advise that there were some sour notes.
3. The King's Speech Tells The True Story Of King George VI And His Struggle To Overcome His Speech Impediment
In The King's Speech, Bertie (Collin Firth), as “only his family calls him”, has a stammer. But it’s okay since he’s the younger brother in the royal family and will never be called upon for public life.
His father has given up on him long ago, but his wife, Elizabeth, continues to try to help him find a cure. Her final attempt leads her to Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech therapist.
Bertie is resistant to try another therapist, but goes to please his wife. He is astonished to find that he does improve, even reading clearly when he can’t hear himself.
His father’s death and his brother’s abdication suddenly throw Bertie onto the throne and he is forced into the public life he always dreaded and avoided.
World War II is just breaking out, and Bertie is expected to deliver a speech to his nation, rallying them to defend the world they know and love against the invasion of Hitler.
This is the true story of King George VI and his sudden rising to the throne, how he overcame his fears with the help of a fearless friend, and was still able to give The King’s Speech against all possible odds.
Do you have a WWII enthusiast in your home? Read these reviews to find great World War Two books to read...
Watch The King's Speech On Amazon Now!
Please take a moment to read the points to consider before streaming this film with the full family.
Points to Consider: Since Bertie has a hot temper, he can only speak and get what he wants to say out when swearing. That being said, there is quite a bit of F words and other strong slang words used in a British way.
Also, although not glorified in any way, there is an unmarried couple portrayed as living together. There aren't any scenes, it is just discussed in disgust by Bertie's father.
4. The Historical Drama Film CABRINI Follows The Saint's Life As A Purely Political Endeavor
On the surface, CABRINI was a powerful telling of St. Frances Cabrini's amazing determination and perseverance. A big mistake I have often seen in saint films is trying to tell the story of the saint from birth to death.
This was definitely not the case with CABRINI.
This film told a focused story about Mother Cabrini's work in New York, beginning with her appeal to Pope Leo XIII. It touched a little on her childhood and past and wrapped up with talking about her other missions, but for the most part, the film was focused and concise.
The cinematography was another strength of the film, as I had a friend comment that any frame could be paused and turned into a beautiful painting.
And yet the film fell short with the portrayal of Mother Cabrini as a faithful Catholic nun. I was disappointed to see that she showed no submission to authority except perhaps obeying the Holy Father when he sent her to America instead of China. Mother Cabrini was never seen praying but rather drawing on her own strength as a woman for her work.
There was also a prostitute character who appears to repent and Mother Cabrini just tells her that they are the same: "survivors". Never is mentioned the need for sacramental confession for the prostitute to be reconciled to God.
From a purely viewer standpoint, the film was hard to follow since it was in what felt like 30% Italian with English subtitles. It is extremely hard to enjoy a film when you are constantly reading and trying to make sure you aren't missing anything.
Overall, the film lost whatever it had going for it in beautiful filmmaking to bad storytelling choices and the ignoring of Mother Cabrini's real Faith and trust in God.
By becoming an Industrious Family Films Sponsor you directly support the movement which is rebuilding Christian art.
I'd like to advertise with Industrious Family.
We Respect Your Privacy.
What's New At The Studio
