Movies About History

From Ken Russell, starring Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian
Rated R

The Devils is a 1971 British historical drama written and directed by Ken Russell. The film is based on the book The Devils of Loudun by Aldous Huxley, and is loosely based on the events of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century French priest who was convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake. The movie follows Grandier, played by Oliver Reed, as he is accused of sorcery by a sexually repressed nun, Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), and her followers. Grandier attempts to defend himself against the accusations, but is eventually found guilty and sentenced to death. Along the way, Grandier's story is punctuated by bizarre and violent scenes, as well as a commentary on the power of religion and superstition in 17th century Europe.

From Jean-Paul Rappeneau, starring Gérard Depardieu, Anne Brochet, Vincent Perez, Jacques Weber
Rated PG

Cyrano de Bergerac is a 1990 French romantic comedy-drama film based on the 1897 play of the same name by Edmond Rostand. The film follows the adventures of Cyrano de Bergerac, a master swordsman and poet, as he tries to capture the heart of his beloved Roxane, who is in love with the handsome Christian de Neuvillette. Cyrano enlists the help of Christian, and together they win Roxane’s love. Along the way, Cyrano faces many obstacles, including a duel with a villainous cad named Valvert, and a campaign by a jealous rival to win Roxane’s affections. Through his wit, courage, and charm, Cyrano ultimately wins the day and the heart of the beautiful Roxane.

From Laurent Tirard, starring Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini, Laura Morante, Edouard Baer
Rated PG-13

From Richard Eyre, starring Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Derek Hutchinson
Rated R

From Robert Eggers, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Julian Richings
Rated R

From Peter Webber, starring Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt
Rated PG-13

From Nicholas Hytner, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield, Joan Allen
Rated PG-13

From Roland Joffé, starring Gérard Depardieu, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Julian Glover
Rated PG-13

From Michael Hoffman, starring Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, David Thewlis, Polly Walker
Rated R

From Alan Rickman, starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, Matthias Schoenaerts
Rated R

From Laurence Dunmore, starring Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, Paul Ritter
Rated R

From Ben Wheatley, starring Julian Barratt, Peter Ferdinando, Richard Glover, Ryan Pope
Rated Not Rated

From Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Logan Lerman, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Milla Jovovich
Rated PG-13