Reel History

‘REEL’ HISTORYEXAMPLES OF HISTORICALLY INACCURATE FILMS

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (1998)

Historical Inaccuracy Example:The film creates an alternate universe in which William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is inspired by his own experience of forbiddenlove. Although Screenwriter Marc Norman never pretended that the film was complete fact, it naturally mislead a number of viewers regarding Shakespeare’s life.

Credit: screenrant.com

GLADIATOR (2000)

Historical Inaccuracy Example:Whilst the narrative and lead-protagonist is indeed fictional, there are a number of historical figures misrepresented. For instance, in Gladiator, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is killed by Commodus, his son. In reality, he actually died of chickenpox.


BRAVEHEART (1995)

Historical Inaccuracy Example: In Braveheart, William Wallace seducesKing Edward II’s Wife, Isabella of France: theresult of which was the birth of Edward III. However, according to the history books, Edward III was not born until 7 years after Wallace’s death.


APOCALYPTO (2006)

Historical Inaccuracy Example:In the film, the Mayans are portrayed as merciless, radical savages, which was more akin to the Aztecs. In actuality, the Mayans werereasonably peaceful people and did not performany form of human sacrifice.


MARIE ANTOINETTE (2006)

Historical Inaccuracy Example: As well as failing to touch upon any politics, in the film, Marie Antoinette and Louis-Auguste share a bed together, which they never did. Furthermore, her seduction took only few months on screen whereas it took seven years in real life.


THE LAST SAMURAI (2003)

Historical Inaccuracy Example:During the period in which the film is set, Samurai fought to stay atop of the social classes. However, the film portrays them as Nobleman fighting for a greater cause


10,000 BC (2008)

Historical Inaccuracy Example:Firstly, not only does the film depict woollymammoths living in the desert, they also help to create the pyramids: incredible constructions which were not even built until around 8,000 years after the film is set.


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