History in Pictures

What better way to capture the wars, conspiracies, romances and violence of history than with a good film. 

1. Dunkirk; Christopher Nolan Click here to see trailer

In my opinion this is the best war movie out. Thrilling, terrifying, epic, dramatic, triumphant, and realistic - it's no wonder veterans were watching this film in tears. Told from three different versions of the same tale - from sea, air, and land, by three different people - a soldier, a pilot, and a civilian. This is the true story of how 330,000 French, British and Dutch soldiers were safely evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk amidst bombings, drownings, and illness. With not a lot of dialogue this story is told through the film score and cinematography, and with a surprise appearance from Harry Styles, this is the best film to come out of 2017.

2. The Young Victoria; Jean-Marc Vallee Click here to see trailer

Detailing the politically controlled life of a teenage heir to the throne in 19th century England and showing a lighter more flirty side to an otherwise very serious life. Victoria (Emily Blunt) meets Prince Albert and instantly has an attraction - yes even though they're cousins - and go on to have a long romance as King and Queen. 

3. 12 Years a Slave; Steve McQueen Click here to see trailer

It's hard to believe such a horrible story is actually based on true events. Solomon (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a free black man in the 1850s who is a very talented violinist. He is kidnapped by slave traders and taken from his family, friends, and career and forced to work for a malicious rich white family lead by Epps (Michael Fassbender). This film is both accurate and disturbing, and can only show us a glimpse of the true horror African American people had to endure. 

4. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford; Andrew Dominik Click here to see trailer

This film is highly unusual - either confusing or boring audiences as it is so long and artsy, but equally as intriguing as it tells the tale of infamous outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt) and, as the title suggests, his death at the hands of a jealous Robert Ford (Casey Affleck). This has one of my favourite 'shooting' scenes as the lead up to it is so intense and highly anticipated, it's almost a relief when Jesse James dies - even at the hands of someone we hate. 

5. Memoirs of a Geisha; Rob Marshall Click here to see trailer

Based on the novel of the same name, this film shows a large part of Japanese culture which a lot of people associate with glamour, riches, and respect, and how it actually impacts the young women involved, especially as World War 2 is looming and threatening the peaceful lifestyle of the Geisha. 

6. Schindler's List; Steven Spielberg Click here to see trailer

Get your tissues ready for a truly epic and unapologetic film. When Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson) joins the Nazi party during the most active point of the holocaust, he saves his Jewish workers in his factory by putting them on a list ensuring they would continue to work, and live. At first he does this for monetary reasons, but soon realises how his factory is literally saving innocent peoples' lives. Schindler is now a hero of the holocaust and has made an impact wider than he could have imagined. 

7. Public Enemy; Michael Mann Click here to see trailer

Infamous bank robber and murderer John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) escapes arrest and still maintains his cult following thanks to his charming personality and blatant cockiness. This film follows his romance, escapades, and police stand-offs as well as a very brazen walk through a police station where not one person recognises him as America's most wanted man. 

8. The Help; Tate Taylor Click here to see trailer

A little more modern history than the rest of this list, this film shows how women, especially black women working for white families, were treated. Aibileen (Viola Davis) has finally had enough of having to walk through horrible storms just to use a bathroom, to be rejected from bus seats, and to cater to every whim of a spoilt and awful boss. This movie gave a new meaning to the phrase "eat shit" and I love it.