HIS102: History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present - Herrera

ASSIGNMENT 

For this assignment, you are to choose a film that best covers your historical time period and create a report on it. Your paper should include the title of the film, the time period you are covering, information about what the film was about, and why you chose this film and time period.  Lastly, please compare this film and time period to today and how it might be different for everyone involved? Make sure to include a Works Cited page in MLA style. Use the video resources below to locate a film within your time period.

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The period from 1700 to the present is filled with significant events that have shaped Western civilization. Here are some of the main events:

0. The Age of Enlightenment (1700-1800) - The period of intellectual ferment leading up to the French Revolution, which was distinguished by a fundamental questioning of traditional modes of thought and social organization, and sought to replace these with an exclusive reliance on human reason in determining social practices.

1. French Revolution (1789-1799): This revolution overthrew the monarchy, established a republic, and led to radical social and political changes in France.

2. Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815): A series of wars led by Napoleon Bonaparte, which reshaped the map of Europe and spread revolutionary ideals.

3. Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries): A period of major industrialization that began in Great Britain and spread to other parts of the world, transforming economies and societies.

4. World War I (1914-1918): A global war that involved many of the world's great powers and resulted in significant political changes and the redrawing of national borders.

5. Russian Revolution (1917): The overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of the Soviet Union, leading to the rise of communism.

6. Great Depression (1929): A severe worldwide economic depression that led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and significant changes in economic policies.

7. World War II (1939-1945): Another global conflict that resulted in the defeat of the Axis powers, the establishment of the United Nations, and the beginning of the Cold War.

8. Cold War (1947-1991): A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, marked by proxy wars, the arms race, and the space race.

9. Decolonization (mid-20th century): The process by which many African, Asian, and Caribbean nations gained independence from European colonial powers.

10. Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989): The event that symbolized the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the reunification of Germany.

11. September 11 attacks (2001): Terrorist attacks on the United States that led to significant changes in global politics and security policies.

12. Globalization and the Information Age (late 20th century - present): The increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, communication, and technology, leading to significant cultural, economic, and political changes.

There are several recent films that explore the French Revolution, offering a mix of historical drama, action, and unique perspectives. Here are a few notable ones:

1. "Napoleon" (2023) (DVD) - Directed by Ridley Scott, this epic film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte and delves into his rise to power during and after the French Revolution.

2. "Farewell, My Queen" (2012) (IMDB) - This film focuses on the experiences of Marie Antoinette's servants during the revolution, providing a unique perspective on the events from the viewpoint of the royal court.

3. "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (2001) (DVD) - Set during the reign of King Louis XV, this action-packed film reflects the societal tensions leading up to the revolution and features a mysterious beast terrorizing the countryside.

4. "The Affair of the Necklace" (2001) - This film tells the story of the necklace affair, which contributed to the public's disillusionment with the monarchy and helped set the stage for the revolution.

5. "One Nation, One King" (2018) - A period drama that covers key events from the storming of the Bastille to the execution of King Louis XVI, striving for historical accuracy and emotional depth.

What are some current entertainment films dealing with Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)?

There are a few notable recent films that focus on the Napoleonic Wars:

1. "Napoleon" (2023) (DVD) - Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Joaquin Phoenix, this epic film chronicles Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power and his military campaigns during the Napoleonic Wars.

2. "The Terror" (1963) (DVD) - Although not a recent film, it's worth mentioning for its historical setting. Directed by Roger Corman, it features Jack Nicholson as a soldier in Napoleon's army who ends up in a mysterious castle.

3. "Désirée" (1954) - This film stars Marlon Brando as Napoleon and focuses on his relationship with Désirée Clary, providing a romantic perspective on his life during the wars.

4. "One Nation, One King" (2018)  - A period drama that covers key events from the storming of the Bastille to the execution of King Louis XVI, including the Napoleonic Wars as part of the narrative.

While there aren't many recent films specifically focused on the Industrial Revolution, there are some notable ones that explore its impact and themes:

1. "North & South" (2004) - This British miniseries, based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel, follows Margaret Hale as she moves from the rural south of England to the industrial north, highlighting the class tensions and societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution.

2. "The Mill" (2013-2014) - A British historical drama series that focuses on the lives of workers at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire during the early 19th century, depicting the harsh working conditions and exploitative practices of the time.

3. "The Factory Girl" (2013) - Starring Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce, this film tells the story of a young woman working in a cotton mill in Lancashire during the Industrial Revolution, exploring the struggles of the working class.

4. "Hard Times" (1977) - Based on Charles Dickens' novel, this British television film examines the social and economic issues of the Industrial Revolution through the story of mill owner Thomas Gradgrind and his workers.

5. "The Young Victoria" (2009) - While not solely focused on the Industrial Revolution, this film provides a glimpse into the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, a period that coincided with the height of the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

There are several recent films that focus on World War I, offering a mix of historical drama and unique perspectives. Here are a few notable ones:

1. "1917" (2019) - Directed by Sam Mendes, this film follows two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a message that could save the lives of 1,600 men. It's presented as a single continuous shot, creating a sense of real-time urgency and immersion.

2. "War Horse" (2011) - Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film tells the story of a young man and his horse, both of whom are swept up in the events of World War I. It highlights the bond between humans and animals during the war.

3. "They Shall Not Grow Old" (2018) - Directed by Peter Jackson, this documentary uses restored and colorized footage from the Imperial War Museum to bring the experiences of British soldiers during World War I to life. It provides a vivid and personal look at the war.

4. "Journey's End" (2017) - Directed by Saul Dibb, this film is based on the play by R.C. Sherriff and follows a group of British officers in a dugout on the Western Front as they await an enemy attack. It explores the psychological impact of the war on soldiers.

5. "The Promise" (2016) - Directed by Terry George, this film is set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire and follows a love triangle between a medical student, a journalist, and a woman, against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide and World War I.

There are several films that explore the Russian Revolution of 1917, offering different perspectives and storytelling approaches. Here are a few notable ones:

1. "Reds" (1981) - Directed by Warren Beatty, this epic film chronicles the life of American journalist John Reed and his experiences during the Russian Revolution. It provides a detailed look at the political and social upheaval of the time.

2. "Doctor Zhivago" (1965) - Directed by David Lean, this film is based on Boris Pasternak's novel and follows the life of a physician and poet, Yuri Zhivago, against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and Civil War.

3. "October: Ten Days That Shook the World" (1928) - Directed by Sergei Eisenstein, this Soviet silent film dramatizes the events of the October Revolution, using innovative montage techniques to depict key moments like the storming of the Winter Palace.

4. "The Trotsky" (2010) - A comedy film directed by Jacob Tierney, it follows a teenager who believes he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky and uses the revolutionary zeal of the Russian Revolution to explore modern socio-political issues.

5. "Anastasia" (1956) - While primarily a mystery film, it delves into the aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution, focusing on whether an amnesiac refugee named Anna Anderson is the Grand Duchess Anastasia, the sole survivor of the execution of the Romanov family.

While there aren't many recent films specifically focused on the Great Depression, there are some notable ones that explore its impact and themes:

1. "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) - Although not a recent film, this classic adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel chronicles the Joad family's harrowing journey during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, highlighting the struggles and resilience of the era.

2. "Cinderella Man" (2005) - This film tells the inspiring true story of boxer James J. Braddock, who made a remarkable comeback during the Great Depression to become a world heavyweight champion.

3. "The Green Mile" (1999) - Set in the 1930s, this film explores themes of justice, compassion, and redemption against the backdrop of the Great Depression, focusing on a death row inmate with extraordinary powers.

4. "Paper Moon" (1973) - A quirky comedy-drama about a con-artist and his young daughter during the Great Depression, offering both humor and heartfelt moments.

5. "Of Mice and Men" (1992) - Based on John Steinbeck's novel, this film delves into themes of friendship and societal displacement during the Great Depression, following two displaced migrant workers.

There are several recent films that focus on World War II, offering a mix of historical drama, action, and unique perspectives. Here are a few notable ones:

1. "Munich: The Edge of War" (2021) - This film follows two friends turned adversaries as they navigate the political landscape leading up to World War II, highlighting the Munich Agreement and its impact.

2. "The Bombardment" (2021) - Also known as "The Shadow in My Eye," this film tells the harrowing true story of a school in Copenhagen that was accidentally targeted for bombing by the British Army.

3. "Unbroken" (2014) - Directed by Angelina Jolie, this film follows the true story of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, who survived a plane crash, imprisonment in a Japanese POW camp, and brutal treatment.

4. "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" (2018) - This film is set during and after World War II and follows a writer who discovers a book club formed by the residents of the German-occupied island of Guernsey.

5. "The Forgotten Battle" (2020) - A Dutch film that tells the story of a Dutch resistance fighter and a young American soldier who come together to fight against the German occupation.

There are several recent films that explore the Cold War, offering a mix of historical drama, espionage, and unique perspectives. Here are a few notable ones:

1. "Bridge of Spies" (2015) (DVD) - Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film tells the true story of a lawyer who negotiates the exchange of spies between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

2. "The Lives of Others" (2006) (IMDB) - A German film that follows an East German secret police officer who spies on a playwright and his lover, exploring themes of surveillance and personal freedom.

3. "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) (DVD) - While not recent, this James Bond film is set during the Cold War and features a collaboration between Bond and a Soviet agent to thwart a villain's plans.

4. "The Hunt for Red October" (1990) (DVD) - Based on Tom Clancy's novel, this film follows a Soviet submarine captain who attempts to defect to the United States, highlighting the tension between the superpowers.

5. "WarGames" (1983) (DVD) - A teen romance film set against the backdrop of potential nuclear war, where a young hacker accidentally accesses a U.S. military supercomputer and nearly starts World War III.

6. "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007) (DVD) - Starring Tom Hanks, this film follows a Texas congressman who plays a key role in arming Afghan rebels during the Soviet-Afghan War, a significant Cold War conflict.

7. "Hidden Figures" (2016) (DVD) -  Is about three African-American women mathematicians at NASA who overcame racial and gender barriers to contribute to space missions, including John Glenn's orbital flight.

While there aren't many recent films specifically focused on decolonization, there are some notable ones that explore its impact and themes:

1. "The Battle of Algiers" (1966) (DVD) - This classic film depicts the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial rule, highlighting the tactics and sacrifices of the resistance movement.

2. "Outside the Law" (2010) (IMDB) - A drama about the Algerian struggle for independence from France after WWII, focusing on the lives of three brothers who join the fight for freedom.

3. "Gandhi" (1982) (DVD) - Although not recent, this epic film chronicles the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his nonviolent campaign for India's independence from British rule.

4. "Concerning Violence" (2014) (DVD) - A documentary based on Frantz Fanon's "The Wretched of the Earth," it explores the struggles for liberation in the Third World, including decolonization movements.

5. "Lumumba" (2000) (DVD) - This film tells the true story of Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his efforts to lead the country to independence from Belgium.

While there aren't many recent films specifically focused on the Fall of the Berlin Wall, there are some notable ones that explore its impact and themes:

1. "Good Bye Lenin!" (2003) - This German tragicomedy follows a young man who goes to great lengths to maintain the illusion that East Germany still exists for his mother, who falls into a coma just before the fall of the Wall.

2. "The Lives of Others" (2006) - Set in East Berlin during the 1980s, this film explores the oppressive surveillance state of the German Democratic Republic and the emotional turmoil experienced by both the watchers and the watched.

3. "Bridge of Spies" (2015) - Directed by Steven Spielberg, this Cold War drama follows an American lawyer negotiating the release of a captured American pilot, with the backdrop of the Berlin Wall's construction and eventual fall.

4. "The Berlin Project" (2019) - A documentary that delves into the events leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, featuring interviews with key figures involved in the process.

There are several notable films that explore the events and aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Here are a few:

1. "United 93" (2006) (DVD) - Directed by Paul Greengrass, this film provides a real-time re-enactment of the passengers' courage on the hijacked flight United 93.

2. "World Trade Center" (2006) (DVD) - Directed by Oliver Stone, this film stars Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña, focusing on the true survival story of two Port Authority officers trapped in the rubble.

3. "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" (2011) (DVD) - This film follows a young boy who lost his father in the attacks and embarks on a journey to find a message left by his father.

4. "The Report" (2019) (IMDB) - Directed by Scott Z. Burns, this film delves into the intelligence-gathering aftermath of 9/11, focusing on the Senate Intelligence Committee's review of CIA materials.

5. "Worth" (2020) (IMDB) - Starring Michael Keaton, this film tells the story of the lawyer tasked with calculating the compensation for the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund.

While there aren't many recent films specifically focused on globalization and the Information Age, there are some notable ones that explore themes related to these topics:

1. "The Social Network" (2010) (DVD) - This film tells the story of the founding of Facebook and the legal battles that followed, highlighting the impact of social media on modern society.

2. "The Circle" (2017) (DVD) - Starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks, this film explores the dark side of a powerful tech company that develops a new social media platform, raising questions about privacy and surveillance.

3. "Her" (2013) (DVD)- Directed by Spike Jonze, this film imagines a future where artificial intelligence has advanced to the point of forming emotional connections with humans, exploring themes of technology and human relationships.

4. "The Intern" (2015) (DVD) - Starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, this film follows a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion retailer, showcasing the generational divide and the impact of e-commerce.

5. "The Big Short" (2015) (DVD) - While primarily focused on the 2008 financial crisis, this film also touches on the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the role of technology in finance.