Hollywood and History
A critical analysis of historically-based movies
Over the years, Hollywood filmmakers have produced a large number of movies based on specific historic
events or a particular time period in history. Some filmmakers are more historically accurate in their
portrayal of events and/or periods than others, and the great majority of these movies have been produced
to convey some underlying message or theme to the movie-going public.
Students can earn bonus points (5 for Honors, 10 for O.L.) added to their unit tests by viewing one film per
Unit and completing a Critical Analysis Worksheet for each movie. Movies must be for the Unit currently
being studied, and Worksheets must be completed and turned in no later than the day of the Unit Test. Use
discretion when deciding which movies you wish to view as they have different ratings. If you know of a
historical film that you would like to watch and do not see it on the list below, you must get approval from
Mrs. Hedges before moving forward. These must be turned into www.turnitin.com. Instructions can be
found on the blog.
Any plagiarism on extra credit will result in losing the privilege to earn any extra credit for the semester.
Unit 1: Colonial America
1492—The Conquest of Paradise (1992)
The Broken Chain (1993
Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)
The Crucible (1996)
The Scarlet Letter (1995)
Units 3: Expansion and Reform
Tripoli (1950)
Buccaneer(1958)
Amistad (1997)
A Woman Called Moses(1978)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1987)
The Alamo (1960 or 2004)
Unit 2: Creating the American Republic
April Morning (1988)
The Crossing (2000)
The Patriot (2000)
1776—The Musical
4: Civil War and Reconstruction
Gods and Generals (2003)
Gettysburg (1993)
Gangs of New York (2002)
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Andersonville (1996)
Glory (1989)
Birth of a Nation (1915)
Lincoln (2012)
Unit 5: Industrialization of the United States
Hard Times (1994)
Dances with Wolves (1990)
The Great Sioux Massacre (1965)
Crazy Horse (1996)
Sitting Bull (1954)
Critical Analysis Worksheet
Answer the following questions thoroughly. All analysis information must be typed for credit.
1. What is the title of the film reviewed?
2. What historical period or event is the movie based on?
3. What underlying theme (s) or message did the filmmakers intend to convey in this movie?
4. How did the filmmakers attempt to portray this theme or message?
5. Write a synopsis of the movie, including any personal observations or reactions. (1/2 to 1 page)
6. Comment on the historical accuracy of the film. (requires research) In your opinion, how accurate
were the filmmakers in portraying the actual events or persons represented in the movie? (For
support, give at least 2 specific examples of historical accuracies AND inaccuracies in the film).
7. Would you recommend this film to another HISTORY student? Explain why or why not? How
did this film enhance your understanding of the time period being studied? (1/2 to 1 page)