Oddly enough, for such a seminal event in American history, Hollywood has done a consistently poor job of using the American Revolution as a setting for films. And the films that have been made...well...let's just say that they are "unique." Or perhaps "special" is a better word...Below are a list of films that have been about the American Revolution. (There's even a musical!)
For students who are interested in film and film studies, you may watch a movie and write a review of the film as an extra paper mark. (This should not keep you from doing the regular work for the unit! It is an extra!) In your review, you must do the following things:
1) Summarize the plot of the film.
2) Identify the actors and the characters they play
3) Critique the actors' performances--were they believable as the character?
4) Critique the plot of the film for historical accuracy--how much does the film appear to get right?
5) Offer a recommendation for the film--should people see it or not and why?
Film reviews will be due at the same time as the rest of the work for the projects are due, which is by the end of the class on October 20th. They should be typed and double spaced and submitted via google docs. No paper submissions will be accepted!
Films:
1776 (released in 1972) a musical about the Declaration of Independence
Guns Along the Mohawk (released in 1939) about a couple living in upstate New York who must contend with Native American raids instigated by the British
The Howards of Virginia (1940) A couple with different views on the question of revolution
The Patriot (2000) Mel Gibson goes berserk on the British in South Carolina
Revolution (1985) a trapper drafted into the Continental army and a Loyalist girl who is rebellious
Sweet Liberty (1965) a comedy about a movie company's attempt to adapt a history professor's novel about the revolution.
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