Historical Drama Films That Entertain But Also Explore Interesting Historical Themes

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.

Read the full Reagan review here!

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.