I am particularly fond of Medieval movies so I was very keen to do this list. As I progressed through my research I was shocked to realize how few of them are accurate historically. For that reason this is a list of 9 movies when I would have preferred to do 10. For the purposes of this list, the Medieval period is considered to have run from the 6th century to the 16th century. The films selected here are not always 100% accurate but are the best of all movies of this genre for being as accurate as possible; do not expect to see the Knight’s Tale here.
King Henry V of England (Kenneth Branagh) is insulted by the King of France. As a result, he leads his army into battle against France. Along the way, the young king must struggle with the sinking morale of his troops and his own inner doubts. The war culminates at the bloody Battle of Agincourt. This film is based on the Shakespeare play of the same name and it contains brilliant battle scenes.
1327: after a mysterious death in a Benedictine Abbey, the monks are convinced that the apocalypse is coming. With the Abbey to play host to a council on the Franciscan’s Order’s belief that the Church should rid itself of wealth, William of Baskerville, a respected Franciscan monk, is asked to assist in determining the cause of the untimely death. This film depicts the turmoil that the Franciscan religious order was going through at the time and – like all work by Umberto Eco – is extremely well researched.
This is a historical epic concerning the birth of the Islamic religion and the story of Mohammed, who, in accordance with the tenants of Islam, is never seen or heard (any physical depiction of Mohammed is considered a sin within Islam). In Mecca in the 7th century, Mohammed is visited by a vision of the Angel Gabriel, who urges him to lead the people of Mecca to cast aside the 300 idols of Kaaba and instead worship the one true God.
This is an epic film of the legendary Spanish hero, Rodrigo Diaz (“El Cid” to his followers), who, without compromising his strict sense of honor, still succeeds in taking the initiative and driving the Moors from Spain. While aspects of this film may be slightly off (such as calling for Victory for Spain, which – as a political entity – was of little relevance at the time), it is nearly unique in its accurate portrayal of the time of the Crusades.
Andreiv Rublev charts the life of the great icon painter through a turbulent period of 15th Century Russian history, a period marked by endless fighting between rival Princes and by Tatar invasions. Tarkovsky is well known for his beautiful cinematography and that is definitely visible in this film.
The story takes place in 16th century England. But men like Sir Thomas More, who love life yet have the moral fiber to lay down their lives for their principles, are found in every century. Concentrating on the last seven years of English chancellor’s life, the struggle between More and his King, Henry VIII, hinges on Henry’s determination to break with Rome so he can divorce his current wife and wed again, and good Catholic More’s inability to go along with such heresy. While there is a slight bit of confusion over relationships in the movie, it is an extremely accurate portrayal of the time and situation the Saint Thomas More found himself in. You would be far better watching this than any of the “Elizabeth” movies of late which lack the accuracy and integrity of Zinnemann’s work.
In this movie, Martin Guerre returns to his hometown in the middle of France after being away at war since he was a child. Nobody recognizes him, and the people who knew him suspect he is not Martin, even though he knows intimate details about his family and friends. This film is based on true events and was remade more recently as Sommersby featuring Jodie Foster and Richard Gere.
In 1183 Henry II summonses his sons Richard, John, and Geoffrey to join him and his prison-bound wife Eleanor at Chinon for a family Christmas, along with King Philip II of France and his sister Alais, Henry’s mistress. Philip is insisting Alais now marries John as agreed years before else he wants her dowry, the lands of the Vexen, back. As Eleanor has already given the province of Aquitaine to Richard, the outcome of this may decide the very future of England. Starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole, this is a film you must see.
You can’t get much more accurate than acting out the authentic court transcript of the trial of Saint Joan of Arc. This is a very old silent film, but it is ranked as number 1 for its attachment to the true story without the deviations or ulterior motives that many other portrays of St Joan have, and the fact that the lead actress (Maria Falconetti) gives what many consider to be the greatest acting performance ever recorded on film. If you haven’t seen this one, you should.
Synopses Courtesy of IMDB
I’ve never seen any of these. But I will definately look into them.
Exiledchanter: I recommend you start with the Name of the Rose – it is a riveting thriller.
I’m currently reading “A World Without End” By Follett. Name of the Rose should suppliment it quite nicely.
#8 was about as freaky a movie as you’ll see.
and I’ve been wanting to see Henry V for so long, just have never gotten to it, until yesterday when I added to it netflix. (and today its on a list, what are the odds?!) Heard so many brilliant things about it.
Exiledchanter: no need to write “levi” at the end of your posts
Speaking of Follett – I love his writing – you will definitely like Name of the Rose if you like his stuff.
islanderbst:It is definitely that – I actually just went a bought a copy before I posted the list off because I don’t own it on DVD and haven’t watched it for a while.
Oh you mean they didn’t play “we will rock you” before the joust in the Medieval period. Thought the knights tale was spot on.
Fantastic list, and I love every one of these movies (except The Message, never saw that)… The Passion of Joan of Arc *everyone* should see… it should be some kind of school requirement.
A Man for All Seasons helps a viewer realize what a barbaric bastard Henry VIII was…
JF: Then I won’t put Levi at the end. I’ll endeavor to be more creative with one word signitures.
Sparticus
re: #8, I should have said freaky but really good overlooked film. Glad to see you chose it.
and let’s hope no one wants Timeline included, twas so boring besides inaccurate!
The prohibition of depicting images of Mohammad began around the 16th or 17th century. There are many medieval manuscripts and murals containing his portrayal.
jfrater, awesome awesome list, you should do one like this but not just with medieval movies but all movies, like, Zodiac is really accurate, i cant think of any others right now, gotta run to class!!!!!!
“He must be the King.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because he doesn’t have ***** all over ‘em.”
Yes these movies are accurate BUT a lot of them are too clean in their look. Dental care and laundry mats were a little hard to find.
Hey J, no Braveheart?? That film is like a history lesson in two hours, they must have spent months researching their facts to get it so accurate.
Haha… Reading over that again made me laugh so much!
Great list.
Have you seen “The Passion of Beatrice”? I saw it many years ago when it came out and it’s stark realism really blew me away.
The audience, as they left the theater, were dead quiet. I think we were all a bit shell shocked.
i love the Name of the Rose
it’s one of my favorite movies. i was so excited to see it on here
Sword and the Rose. Rutger Haur. An amazing look at Lanskenect soldiers at the end of the 15th century. Seriously Must Watch film.
randall will have to approve of this list. the most recent movie is from 1989. only old, somewhat obscure, movies.
We watched three of these in my high school Medieval History class. Yay!
And not a single film with Peter O’Toole shouting at me….
The look and feel of The Lion in Winter are great, but James Goldman purposely put anachronisms in the play (wrapped christmas presents etc).
Wow, I think you mentioned The Passion of Joan of Arc in a few other lists including The Best of the Best in Movies.
I will have to check this movie out. Nice list by the way.
dangorironhide for one horrible moment I thought you meant it!
Some others mentioned this one:
Flesh and Blood, AKA The Rose and The Sword. 1985.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089153/
Of all medieval films, this is the one that delivers closer than anything else I’ve ever seen.
(I’m reading “World Without End” too. It’s great).
For Your Consideration: THE NAVIGATOR: A Medieval Odyssey
Plot
During the Black Death of 14th century England, people in a remote village listen with fear to tales of the gruesome plague that has engulfed the world. In an attempt to stave off infection, they rely upon a boy’s vision and dig a tunnel to 20th century New Zealand in an effort to place a holy cross on the steeple of “the biggest Church in all of Christendom” as an offering for God’s protection.
I thought we didn’t even have an accurate history of medieval times.
I’m surprised Dukes of Hazzard didn’t make the list. Jessica Simpson’s portrayal of Daisy Duke was both historical accurate and *****y!
I’m getting tired if this, I come home from a test about medieval times and see a list about medieval movies, great list though
socalljeff: Isn’t everything by Jessica Simpson *****y?
What about Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
I can’t believe that A Knight’s Tale isn’t on here. This list is bogus.
ITS JUST A FLESH WOUND!
Andrei Rublyov is a masterful film, no doubt. But historically accurate? Little to nothing is known/confirmed about the man’s life, most of the encounters he has in the film are entirely fictional. Soviet film is my field though, so I can’t comment on the other films. See the film, by all means, but don’t take it as gospel about the medieval period in Russia.
‘Medieval Movies’? I didn’t know they made movies back then.
Good list, but Sergei Eisenstein’s “Alexander Nevsky” and Charlton Heston’s “The Warlord” would be good additions as well.
In its own way Monty Python and the Holy Grail was actually quite accurate.
Hello, History of the world part I, duh.
From “The Civilization of the Middle Ages” by Norman Cantor, pp. 566-568:
“Here are the ten best films ever made with a medieval context, ranked approximately in order of merit. The story lines of three of them occur outside the conventional medieval era, but nevertheless describe scenes and events that are still medieval. One takes place in Japan, but in a social context that directly parallels the European situations.”
1. The Seventh Seal
2. Ran
3. Henry V
4. The Name of the Rose
5. Alexander Nevsky
6. The Return of Martin Guerre
7. The Navigator
8. Black Robe
9. The Gospels According to St. Matthew
10. The Devils
Just a Guy: it is more about the historical accuracy of the setting – so even though little is known, much is known of the time period.
What about “The Crucible”. From what I understand it is fairly accurate to the period and shows one of the worst moments in history.
posters #25 and #40 are smart. almost all of these films will give you more history about the times and places in which they were made than the Middle Ages.
And, in that vein, any list w/o The Seventh Seal on it can’t win. Also on my list of recommendations: The Sorceress. And Zefirelli’s Brother Sun, Sister Moon not too bad either. For a more trippy look, check out The Anchoress.
Of the ones I’ve seen, (Henry V, El Cid, Lion, All Seasons), The Name of the Rose has the best ***** scene.
I’ve never seen any of these, or at least I don’t think so.
Braveheart is the greatest movie ever….but it ain’t historicaly accurate
looks like some good movies here. I’ve only seen about half thanks.
Winslow Theramin : yeh, I was thinking of Black Robe and The Devils . Both great movies.
I would like to see The Message and maybe The Return of Martin Guerre.
Has anybody seen Stuart Gordon’s version of The Pit and the Pendulum? It’s been a while of a time, but I recall thinking it’s depiction of the inquisition was gritty enough to what would imagine it to really be….but, I’m no historian and I knew less when I saw it .
I just thought I would mention it, so if anybody knows.
Great List Mr. Frater – The movies I’ve seen that appear on the list are all great. Classics even.
Definitely going to have to see The Passion of Joan of Arc. I saw a movie produced in the 50′s with Ingrid Bergman as Joan. It was terrific too.
I like Ken Follet also. Have read his short stories and most of his novels. Going to go get the Pillars of the Earth sequel – Thanks for the remind Exiledchanter.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your point of view, these movies can only be so accurate. Rotten teeth and wavy stink lines won’t sell at the theatre.
For all you folks who loved The Name of the Rose, go read the book. Excellent.
Dangorironhide; I thought you were serious too. Damn near spit my coffee in my keyboard.
How about “Ivan the Terrible, Part 1″? Sergie Eisenstein… absolutely brilliant movie. As to its accuracy, I can’t attest… but certainly a thrill and a delight to watch, all the same.
You do realize the difference between a “tenet” and a “tenant”.
I always though Ivanhoe was a good movie. My history teacher showed it to us, so i’m guessing its somewhat accurate.
Let me explain why ‘MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL’ should be on this list.
(Ahem… SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!111ONE)
At the end of the movie, the police stop the filming of the movie, thus revealing that what had been happening was not in the middle ages but in modern times. So, the film is historically accurate by demonstrating the time it was truly made, unlike the rest of the movies here, which pretend to be showing the middle ages instead of admitting that what they are showing occurs in modern times. That’s historical FRAUD, not accuracy. Shame on them.
So, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is ‘HISTORICALLY ACCURATE’ because it honestly presents the moment in history that it filmed. And it’s a ‘GREAT’ movie. And it’s about ‘MEDIEVAL’ times. And it’s a ‘MOVIE’.
Ergo, it should be on the list.
How can “The Message” be accurate when it won’t even show the man who started the war loving religion of Islam??
Kingdom of heaven retained a high level of historical accuracy; except for the whole overtly peaceful Muslim-Christian relations. Too bad it was an appalling movie most the time.
Josh — So, the Crucible eh? Which century did that occur in again? =)
Add me to the list of those who recommend The Devils (or Ken Russel’s The Devils of Louton).
It makes absolutely no sense to me that you can get almost every Ken Russell film but that one. He has done some real stinkers.
Yes, The Seventh Seal and (the very different) The Navigator. Also, not to miss: Anchoress.
But people in the middle ages had crooked but healthy teeth–before the sugar trade developed!
Henry V blew me away the first time I saw it. I had to go see it again about a week later since it was stuck in my brain to the point that I couldn’t concentrate on anything else (not good since I had a term paper due that week). Then I went to see it again about two weeks after that. I was quit annoyed when it finally came out on video and was aimed at the rental market and priced at $99.
The friend I took with me the first time I saw it hated it largely because of the attention to detail. All the actors had their teeth blackened to look like people with little or no dental care and that grossed her out.
It’s a nice list, but historically accurate is such a tough term. Everyone jokes about Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but their Jabberwocky was even better. The best jousting footage ever (Knight’s Tale a close second).
And if we’re not going to be eurocentric, how can you not include Seven Samurai? Beats every one of these movies hands down (but I’ve never seen Passion of JA, so I’ll reserve judgement on that film until I do).
Lion in Winter is an AWESOME movie, positively brilliant and historically accurate as far as I know, except for one thing: Christmas Trees. They appear in the film, but did not exist at the time. They were invented by the Germans and did not arrive in England til Queen Vicky’s German beau brought over.
When I was a teenager, I loved to read historical biographies. When I saw “Anne of the Thousand Days”, I felt that, although some details were jazzed up a bit in order to entertain, it was true to the recorded events. The “Anne” in the title is Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and the first to lose her head.
sityr: ah! I forgot about seven Samurai – that would have been my tenth addition if I had remembered about it – it features on some of our lists.
Henry the V with Kenneth Branagh is one of my favorite movies. The music especially is wonderful and the speach given on St. Crispin’s Day has got to be one of the best acting performances ever. Made me want to fight if I had been there!