Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of The Woman King, we’re counting down our favorite historical epics! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
Few historical epics pack quite the punch of Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto. Set in the jungles of Mexico at the time of the Mayans, Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young hunter, fights to get back to his family after being taken prisoner by another tribe. At times, overtly using a director to try to sell a film can seem a bit pretentious or a mere marketing ploy (and, yes, not having a marketable star probably did play a role here), but here it’s warranted, as Gibson’s directorial choices are what really elevate this. The choice to use Mayan people in a lot of roles, and the use of Mayan language for the film, help immerse the viewer into the world that Gibson is trying to portray. In his screen debut, Youngblood, an actor of Comanche and Cree descent, is superb. As is the case with some Gibson films, there’s a brutality to this film that may not be for everyone. However, Gibson’s shot-making is in top form and the film is beautiful to look at — even if some of the scenes are rough to watch. (Jake Bourgeois)
When discussing historical epics, most would look toward older movies. But this year, a truly epic film was released in The Northman. Robert Eggers brings us this historical epic which is based loosely on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and is wrapped in Norse and Viking mythology. Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) as a child is a witness to the murder of his father King Aurvandil War-Raven (Ethan Hawke) by his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang), and once he reaches adulthood, he sets out on a journey to seek his revenge. Eggers has a history of telling interesting tales that you need to watch without any distractions because you might miss something important. He brings great detail to the historically accurate sets and props, making it feel like you are actually there. Skarsgård is always a plus for me — whether he’s playing Eric Northman or Tarzan, he puts his all into every role. Along for the journey come Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Defoe, and others who round out a truly fantastic cast. I missed this one in theaters, and I wish I could have seen it on the big screen. It truly is a great epic — one for the ages. I can’t wait to see what Eggers does next. (Austen Terry)
Following a string of Hollywood projects that didn’t quite come off, director John Woo returned to the Chinese market. His first project was the historical epic Red Cliff. Starring Tony Leung, the film chronicles the Battle of Red Cliff in the period of Chinese history known as the Three Kingdoms in the third century. The emperor of the Han Dynasty declares war on two other kingdoms, who are forced into an unlikely alliance. The set pieces are absolutely massive and showcase the stylistic excess you’ve come to expect from Woo. It was a return to form for Woo and was a tale so epic, it couldn’t even be contained in one part. (Jake Bourgeois)
It is a good thing the topic is just “historical epics” rather than “accurate historical epics,” as Braveheart would not have made that list. And here is where we need to differentiate between historical facts and fiction, or “movie magic,” if you wish. Braveheart makes for a terrible film when considering other elements (historical accuracy, Mel Gibson’s persona). But if you accept the movie on its own, and the fact every film ever “inspired or based on historical events” is not historically accurate, you might enjoy it. Hell, you might even love it, as Braveheart has a lot going for it. From the stunning locations in Scotland (but I might be biased, given that is where I have lived for the last 11 years now) to the base of the story, that is true. Braveheart, for a while, was the “ultimate” example of how to make a kick-ass historical film full of action, some laughter, and where you almost do not notice it’s almost three hours long. Now, in 2022 it’s probably aged a bit more (especially with Gibson and his persona), but… If you can separate that, you might enjoy this Best Picture winner (I always forget this movie won five(!) Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director) and re-discover how beautiful and universal that story of freedom is. Also, how beautiful Scotland is. (Luke Burian)
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a visceral experience, as a sense of foreboding permeates throughout, and the tilting of the camera forces you to feel the tide. The beautiful scenery, classical music performances, and sea shanties are a great contrast to the wariness of life at sea. You feel the terror of being shot at through deliberately chaotic action sequences. It’s not always a pleasant experience, but it’s always enthralling. With many shots on the open sea and others on location in the Galapagos Islands, the Best Cinematography Oscar was well earned, as was the Best Sound Editing victory, which is highlighted by booming canon shots. Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany provide undeniable charm as Captain Jack Aubrey and surgeon Stephen Maturin, respectively. They delight as best friends who make great music together, tell difficult truths, and always have each other’s back despite disagreeing. The captain’s hubris and misguided determination keep you questioning whether he’s a protagonist worth rooting for, but their friendship always brings you around. However, stealing the show is Max Pirkis as young Midshipman Lord William Blakeney, who loses an arm in battle and never skips a beat. His steadfast courage, determination, intelligence, and empathy make him one of my favorite child characters ever. I’d gladly watch an entire movie of Stephen and William exploring the Galapagos Islands. The movie excels as realistic historic fiction, as the novels by Patrick O’Brian it is based on are inspired by real events from the Napoleonic Wars. (Jason Mack)
Gladiator is one of those best Oscar-winning movies that when I first saw in theaters, I knew it would be the best movie of the year. Whether it’s those amazing action sequences, or the masterful performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, Gladiator is such a memorable movie. I quote it weekly, constantly asking people, “are you not entertained?” Those special effects of the Colosseum are great (admittedly for the time), as they capture the scope of how much of a spectacle it was during its heyday. Maximus (Crowe) does a little bit of everything in this movie. He’s a family man, a soldier, and a warrior. The thing that makes him such a great character as well is that he’s an underdog through and through. He’s someone you want to root for because his cause is just. He’s fighting for freedom, but he’s also fighting for his family as well. Gladiator was one of the first DVDs that I bought, and I had the poster for a long time. It’s also one of my favorite movies of all time. (Mike Hilty)
When I was younger, my family was one of those many families who gathered around the TV during Easter to watch The Ten Commandments.It was an annual holiday occurrence on par with watching A Christmas Story at least once during Christmas, or Independence Day for the Fourth of July. I also remember owning the VHS tapes in their two-tape case because the movie was so long. What I love about this movie is how truly unique it was when it was made. Cecil B. DeMille made something one-of-kind here that captures the idea of the biblical story of Moses’ (Charlton Heston) struggle to free the Israelites from the grips of the Rameses (Yul Bruner). The effects are dated. but the parting of the Red Sea scene alone makes this worth the watch. (Mike Hilty)
Famed director, Michael Mann showcases the tumultuous time period in which the French and Indian War takes place with the film The Last of the Mohicans. In the midst of this chaotic confrontation, Chingachgook (Russell Means), Uncas (Eric Schweig), and Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) stumble upon two daughters of a British Colonel and are inclined to protect them. Through this experience, a romance buds between Hawkeye and Cora (Madeleine Stowe) despite unfortunate circumstances occurring around them. Stowe is fantastic — she plays opposite Day-Lewis superbly, and you really buy into their developing romance. Day-Lewis as the titular character placed a great deal of effort into his performance via his method acting. To prepare for the film, he spent time surviving off the land, hunting and fishing. It grants his character a large amount of authenticity, and he is a joy to watch on screen in both the calmer moments, as well as the more action centric screens. Historical epics can get lost in the spectacle, but The Last of the Mohicans has no issues embracing the quieter moments. (Joe Vargas)
Cursed with a troubled production along with inevitable comparisons to the previous year’s Ben-Hur, Spartacus remains something of a Hollywood miracle. Spartacus is the most under-discussed entry in Stanley Kubrick’s impressive filmography, though it is easy to see why given the film’s nearly three-and-a-half hour runtime. Even so, one can not deny the epic, sweeping scale of this incredibly well-shot film. Despite living under the shadow of the longer and epic-er (to use the technical term) Ben-Hur, the influence of Spartacus can be seen for decades, most obviously as a spiritual predecessor to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator in 2000. Fans of classic cinema will also recognize that Spartacus contains one of the most impressive ensemble casts ever assembled. Led by Kirk Douglas as the title character, the film stars Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, and Tony Curtis, along with a handful of other Oscar-nominated stars of the time. Not only is Spartacus an incredibly worthy entry to this list, it remains one of a half-dozen films that defined our conception of the genre for years to come. (Foster Harlfinger)
What film is more epic than William Wyler’s Ben-Hur? This is a sprawling tale of emotion, pride, faith, and vengeance. This is a towering tale of one man’s search for revenge that turns into a morality tale about the significance of faith. Few films (and plenty try way too hard) can portray the healing power of faith and the significant impact that it can make on a person. Wyler takes us on a journey, as we see the fall of a proud prince-turned-slave who pulls himself up through sheer will and fire to take revenge on his former best friend. Ben-Hur boasts some of the most incredible action sequences of all time, including the iconic chariot scene. Charlton Heston gives one of the most commanding performances to ever grace the silver screen. If you want an epic to be anchored in power and raw emotion, Heston was the king. This classic of cinema is one of the most decorated films of all time and earns every accolade. The production, the costumes, the acting, the direction… it all serves it main purpose. This is The Tale of the Christ. (Shane Conto)
The King
Can I interest you in a medieval period piece starring Timothée Chalamet? Co-written by Joel Edgerton and director David Michôd, The King mixes fact, fiction, and Shakespeare to chronicle the rise of Henry V as he matures from spoiled prince to titular king. Chalamet captures perfectly what is needed for the role as a young man struggling with the massive responsibility suddenly placed on his shoulder. Challenging Henry is a character known simply as The Dauphine (Robert Pattinson). Questionable wig and accent aside, he makes for a compelling villain and a character you love to hate. Aside from those two, the rest of the cast is filled with a collection of recognizable faces, like Sean Harris, Ben Mendelsohn, and Thomasin McKenzie. The film was released on Netflix at a time when the streaming service was investing in possible awards contenders. While it didn’t get the acclaim they’d hoped, it’s still a medieval tale filled with compelling characters and brutal battle sequences worthy of its “epic” descriptor. (Jake Bourgeois)
300
Fun fact, I saw 300 five times in the theaters. Not because I thought it was an amazing movie, but because I just resonated with the message that you can stand up for yourself in the face of immeasurable odds. When this came out on Blu-ray, I tested it with my new surround sound system. This movie has a special place in my heart, in addition to being a fun action movie. Zack Snyder directs this larger-than-life tale of washboard abs and slow motion fight sequences. Gerard Butler crushes the role of King Leonidas of Sparta, and this was my first real introduction to Lena Headey, pre-Game Of Thrones. David Wenham proves he can be an amazing narrator, and Michael Fassbender does a great job of delivering epic lines about fighting in the shades or dying with honor. 300 is one of Zack Snyder’s better movies, and his introduction to the comic book genre would eventually lead him to Watchmen and the DCEU. (Mike Hilty)
Cleopatra
Honestly, the historical epic is one of my favorite genres of film, with grandiose scale and bold actions occurring on the screen. One film I had yet to get around to watching in this genre was the 1963 epic Cleopatra, depicting the life of the last Queen of Egypt from Caesar’s arrival in search for Pompey to her death at the end of the ancient Egyptian Empire. To see a film about someone who was deeply involved in some of the most well-known and important turning points of ancient history is truly a sight to see, with fantastic acting coupled with a deep and broadly intertwining story. Not only that, but this film hits the idea of an epic drama right on the head, with massive set pieces, a sweeping story, and absolutely phenomenal moments from start to finish. While a long film, as any good historical epic is, it truly builds itself well from start to finish, and should be a film you need to cross off your watch list. (Joseph Davis)
Troy
How can you tell a story about The Iliad,but make it entertaining? Director Wolfgang Petersen did just that with Troy, which covers the decade-long Trojan War, but condenses it down into several weeks. It’s not your typical mythical tale — it speaks the language of the time, but modernized for the early aughts. It stars Brad Pitt as Achilles, Greece’s greatest warrior, to be forever glorified with a weak ankle (stating facts), along with Eric Bana and Orlando Bloom, as Prince Hector of Troy and Prince Paris, respectively. To round out the cast, you have the late, great Peter O’Toole, Brendan Gleeson, Diana Kruger, and of course, Brain Cox as the King you hate to love, Agamemnon. The film doesn’t follow The Iliad truly, but Troy is a good, bloody time, especially the showdown between Prince Hector and Achilles because you don’t know who to root for, even when you know the outcome. Troy is one of those movies that hasn’t lost its entertainment value almost 20 years later. This historical film is about power, honor, love, and being remembered. It’s by far one of my favorite tellings of this epic Greek poem. (Chantal Ashford)
Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom Of Heaven is one of Hollywood’s ultimate what-ifs? Had they released the Director’s Cut in theaters, I think it would have been better received because it would have given some much needed context to certain characters and people. Director Ridley Scott presents a truly epic tale of the Crusades, and Orlando Bloom stars as Balian of Ibelin, who becomes the savior of Jerusalem. It’s a gorgeously shot movie with amazing characters and truly great action pieces. The performances all around are great, particularly a pre-Taken Liam Neeson, who proves he can fight with the rest of them. Kingdom Of Heaven is starting to fade into obscurity, but give this one a chance, especially the Director’s Cut. (Mike Hilty)
Also See: Elizabeth, Outlaw King, Exodus: Gods and Kings