Movies about the ancient war: a list of the best

Directors from the very foundations of cinematography have become accustomed to being inspired by historical events. Films about the ancient war always attracted attention. Spectators sympathize with the heroes, whose names have long gone down in history thanks to their exploits. Such films also feature an exciting story, stunning shooting quality and a well-chosen cast.

What films about the ancient war like viewers?

Each year, a large number of historical films are shot, most of which are devoted to various wars of antiquity. Among them there are good films, and substandard tapes that allow a lot of inaccuracies and shortcomings. It is sometimes difficult for a normal viewer to define a quality project without looking at it. Therefore, we offer to familiarize yourself with several paintings that have won the love of both critics and ordinary people. Classics of the genre, as a rule, consider the following films:

• "Troy" (2004);
• "Alexander" (2004);
• "300 Spartans" (2007);
• "300 Spartans: The Rise of the Empire" (2013);
• "The Gladiator" (2000);
• "The Kingdom of Heaven" (2005);
• "Braveheart" (1995);
• "The Battle of the Red Rock" (2008).

Let's take a closer look at the list of the best films about ancient wars, which are worth seeing to all lovers of history.

"Troy"

Many films about the ancient wars of Greece are based not only on reliable historical facts, but also contain stories from legends. "Troy" is a historical drama based on the work of Homer's Iliad. The plot tells of the war between the Greeks and Trojans. The cause of the conflict was the beautiful Elena, the wife of the Spartan king, who was abducted by the Trojan prince Paris. At the head of the Greek army stands the legendary hero Achilles, who, according to legend, was the son of the sea goddess Thetis. In the film he was played by the famous actor Brad Pitt.

Filming began in 2002. Noteworthy is the fact that the scenario for the "Three" was written at that time by the not known David Benioff, who would later become the creator of the series "The Game of Thrones." The budget of the film was 170 million dollars. In the "Three" also starred Orlando Bloom (Paris), Eric Bana (Hector), Sean Bin (Odyssey) and Diane Kruger (Elena). The film received mixed reviews of critics who noted a large number of historical inaccuracies. The audience, on the contrary, fell in love with him for the epic battle scenes, beautiful costumes and high-quality acting.

"Alexander"

Perhaps, the most famous project, which is celebrated, remembering films about the ancient war. The list of the best of them, of course, will not do without "Alexander", narrating about the great commander and his grandiose victories. The director and scriptwriter focused on the personality of Alexander the Great, his inner world, and also on relations with his friend Hephaestion. It was not without epic battles, including with the participation of real Indian elephants.

Movies about the ancient war almost always are box office leaders, but "Alexander", released in 2005, at the box office completely failed. The audience was confused by the detailed description of the bisexual connections of the great commander, who, by the way, were confirmed by many ancient authors. Did not save the project and the chic actors: Angelina Jolie (Olympics), Jarred Leto (Hephaestion) and Colin Farrell (Alexander). The film budget cost the creators $ 155 million, and at the box office around the world, he earned only 167 million.

"300 Spartans"

Another significant historical battle is described by the tape "300 Spartans". The film is a free interpretation of the Battle of Thermopylae, which took place in 480 BC. E. He tells of the feat of 300 soldiers from Sparta, who at the cost of their lives kept a huge army of the Persian king Xerxes. Throughout the film, viewers can see the numerous scenes of the battles of Tsar Leonid and his Spartans, who over and over again reflect the attacks of the Persians. Heroes fought to the last, trying to get out of the enemy's environment, but everyone died.

Films about ancient wars, whose rating would have been incomplete without "300 Spartans", are often based on literary works. This film was shot on the comic of Frank Miller, who, in turn, was inspired by historical facts. The film was directed by Zack Snyder, and the main roles were performed by Gerard Butler (Tsar Leonid), Lena Hidi (queen of Gorgo), Rodrigo Santoro (Xerxes). The project received huge box-office fees, but was banned in Iran. The authorities of the country considered that the film offends Persian history, exposing it in a perverted light.

"300 Spartans: The heyday of the empire"

The film of 2014 was the continuation of the sensational "300 Spartans". The plot narrates about the events that go in parallel with the battle at Thermopylae, where Leonid died. Greeks from all policies are united against the king Xerxes and Artemisia, who led his fleet. The central episode of the narrative was the naval battle of Salamis. The Greeks, led by Themistocles, dealt a crushing defeat to the Persians and for a long time stopped their offensive plans.

Work on the film began in 2008. Filming took place in 2012 in Bulgaria. Like other films about the ancient war, "300 Spartans: The Rise of the Empire" was filmed using a "green screen". The director of the film was Noam Murro, and Zack Snyder this time acted as a screenwriter and producer. Lena Hidi and Rodrigo Santoro returned to their roles. They were joined by Eva Green, who played Artemisia, and Sullivan Stepleton, who tried on the role of Themistocles.

"Gladiator"

Let's move forward for several centuries and tell about another major historical project, telling about the times of the Roman Empire. The film "Gladiator" tells about the fate of the Roman commander Maximus, who is engaged in a protracted struggle with the Germanic tribes. Emperor Marcus Aurelius, after his death, wants to transfer power to the Senate and asks Maximus to monitor the fulfillment of his will. But their conversation was overheard by the ruler's son, Commodus, who kills his father and becomes ruler of Rome. Maximus, too, had to die, but he survived, falling into slavery at the same time. His family is killed, and he himself becomes a gladiator who is forced to fight for his life every day.

"Gladiator" came out earlier than the above films about the ancient war. The list of his awards has turned out to be much more impressive. In 2000 he received 5 Oscar awards, including for the best film and best male role. The director of the project was Ridley Scott, and the main role was played by Russell Crowe. The main villain was chosen Joaquin Phoenix, who played the Roman emperor Commodus.

"Kingdom of heaven"

In 2005, another historical drama, Ridley Scott, was released, which this time tells the story of the Crusades. In 1187, Jerusalem was under the rule of Catholics, ruled by King Baldwin IV. But because of the negligence of his vassals who want to get rich in the war, Jerusalem is drawn into a war with the Arab states. The main character of the film, the blacksmith Balian, takes part in a serious military conflict, where he displays his best qualities with valor.

Filming began in 2004. The main role in the film was played by Orlando Bloom (Balian). King Baldwin on the screens embodied the actor Edward Norton. Also in the picture played many eminent Western actors: Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson, David Thewlis and others. Movies about the ancient war are not always successful. Unlike Gladiator, Ridley Scott's second project at the box office failed. The director himself justified the failure by the forced reduction of the "Kingdom of Heaven". The cinemas showed a shorter version of the film, from which it was cut about an hour's time.

"Braveheart"

In May 1995, there is a major historical film about the Scottish struggle for independence. The action takes place in 1280. Scotland was unable to resist England, which wanted to fully control the north of the island. Then the army was led by the national hero William Wallace. His family was killed by the British, so he yearns for revenge and freedom for his country. He inflicts several crushing defeats on the British, but the Scottish nobility, frightened by Wallace's influence, betrays him to his enemies. The trial of the leader was held in London, where he was sentenced to death.

The role of William Wallace was performed by the famous Mel Gibson. He also directed the picture. "Braveheart" was warmly received by film critics and spectators, and also received an "Oscar" for the best film of the year.

"The Battle of the Red Rock"

Stand out are films about the ancient war of China. The most interesting among them can be called the tape "The Battle of the Red Rock", released in 2008. It tells the story of the battle that occurred in the era of the Three Kingdoms. The battle is often called "Chinese Troy". The emperor, wishing to unite China, declares war on two independent kingdoms. They can not withstand a huge army in battle, but they are ready to defeat the rival with cunning.

The film was shot by John Woo on motives of historical events. Due to the great timing (about 5 hours), the film was divided into two parts. However, in the United States, a combined and shortened version was shown, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. In Western countries, the film was adopted rather dryly, but in Asia, he managed to recoup costs and take several prestigious awards.

Movies about the ancient war, the rating, the photos of which are presented above, can be safely called the most spectacular projects of the film industry. Sometimes they do not achieve success with the ordinary spectator, but they should definitely be seen by all lovers of ancient history.