History on FilmWhen it comes to supplementing (and enhancing) your child’s education with films, History is one of the easier subjects for which to find relevant videos. But you will want to take care, as there is a range of accuracy for history films.

So if you choose to have your older teens watch Braveheart (with discretion, even at that age) to supplement their study of William Wallace, you will need to point out (among other things) that Scots did not wear kilts in the thirteenth century, and that Wallace’s invasion of England did not include a siege of York. (Braveheart is an excellent film, but highly inaccurate as history; it’s better viewed as an “alternate history” telling of the tale of Wallace and Bruce).

Are documentaries more accurate? Perhaps, because they don’t have the “artistic license” excuse that moviemakers invoke. But documentary filmmakers also have biases and presuppositions, and can rely on questionable sources. (Even history books can have errors, of course.)

Some films are a mixed bag: Gettysburg, considered to be a generally reliable historical movie, leans heavily on the questionable notion that Lee should have heeded Longstreet’s advice to attempt a flanking march; an idea debunked pretty thoroughly in Last Chance for Victory, a history written by Scott Bowden and Bill Ward.

So when studying history—whether via book, curriculum, Internet, or video—be sure to compare with sources you trust. [tweetthis display_mode=”button_link”]When studying history be sure to compare with sources you trust. [/tweetthis]

Historians are no more “objective” than filmmakers, really. One is reminded of Chesterton’s quip:

“It is quite easy to see why a legend is treated, and ought to be treated, more respectfully than a book of history. The legend is generally made by the majority of people in the village, who are sane. The book is generally written by the one man in the village who is mad.” (Orthodoxy)

In general, read first, watch second. And talk about it:  

What was done well, what wasn’t, and how historically accurate was it? Kids enjoy being “movie detectives” and spotting things that contradict what they learned in their studies.

To get you started, here are a few films that are considered generally accurate—not perfect, certainly, but close enough to serve as a good supplement to your historical studies, and to get a good conversation going with your children. Use discretion, as some of these may include language or violence that would not be appropriate for younger kids.

The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965; Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel)
Martin Luther (1953; Protestant Reformation)
A Man For All Seasons (1966; Sir Thomas More)
Cromwell (1970; English Civil War)
Master and Commander (2003; Napoleonic wars)
Gods and Generals (2003; American Civil War)
Gettysburg (1993; American Civil War)
Apollo 13 (1995; American space program/moon missions)

What videos could you add to the list?

Homeschool Video Viewing Tips:

  • Watch longer films in 30 minute segments over several days as you study.
  • Choose a historical film for Family Movie Night.
  • Schedule videos six weeks at a time, so you can plan accompanying special activities, food, or crafts.
  • Give kids a multiple choice or true/false test based on the characters, storyline, and history in the video.

Comments? Questions? Leave them here. We’d love to hear from you.

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