Impossible to tear yourself away: the best historical films about ancient civilizations

One of the best ways to learn about history is to watch genre films. To get acquainted with facts and events, you should choose documentaries, and for emotions, impressions, and immersion in the atmosphere, fiction films are also suitable.

OBOZ.UA has compiled a rating of the best films about the history of ancient world civilizations. From the brave Wallace to the invincible Mulan, everyone will find a story to their taste.

Gladiator

• Year: 2000.
• Director: Ridley Scott.
• Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Gunsou.

Maximus Meridius is a general close to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. After the war with the Germanic tribes, Maximus wants to return home to his family, and the emperor is ready to transfer power to the Senate. The son of Marcus Aurelius has his own plans – he betrays his father and takes his throne, wanting to usurp power. Maximus' family is killed, and he is made a gladiator slave. Even in this state, he will find a way to take revenge on the new emperor...

Troy

• Year: 2004.
• Country: USA, Malta, Great Britain.
• Director: Wolfgang Petersen Schultz.
• Cast: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Brandon Gleeson, Diane Kruger.

A classic adaptation of the most famous ancient epic. The peace between Sparta and Troy has been broken because the Trojan prince Paris has kidnapped the beautiful Helen, the wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta. King Agamemnon and Menelaus unite and go on a campaign against the Trojan king Priam. The war is led by Achilles, who hates Agamemnon...

Braveheart

• Year: 1995.
• Country: USA.
• Director: Mel Gibson.
• Actors: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus MacFadyen, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine McCormack.

The late 13th century is a dark era in the history of Great Britain. Among the mountains is Scotland, a country of freedom-loving highlanders. The Scots have been fighting for the existence of their clans since Roman times. During the reign of King Edward, Scotland was enslaved and turned into one of the provinces of England. Folk hero William Wallace leads the struggle for the freedom of his land.

Agora

• Year: 2009.
• Country: Spain, Malta, Bulgaria.
• Director: Alejandro Amenabar.
• Cast: Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Ashraf Bargom, Michael Lonsdale.

The story begins in Alexandria in 391. Hypatia is a female philosopher who teaches astronomy, mathematics and philosophy. She is loved by two men, her student Orestes and her slave Davus. The political power of the Christians begins to gain strength, and Hypatia realizes that the institution of education as she knows it may not survive. After 20 years, Orestes became prefect of Alexandria and agreed to a peace treaty with the Christians. Hypatia will look for her place in the new world.

Mulan

• The year: 2020.
• Country: USA, Canada, Hong Kong.

• Director: Nicky Caro.
• Cast: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Jet Li, Jason Scott Lee, Yeosung Ahn.

The brave Mulan decides to take part in the fight against the Huns who came from the north and attacked China. Mulan disguises herself as a man and joins the army, thus replacing her sick father, the brave Hua. Mulan will achieve glory on the battlefield and become one of the greatest heroines in the country's history.

Apocalypto

• Year: 2006.
• Country: USA, Great Britain, Canada.
• Director: Mel Gibson.
• Cast: Rudy Janblad, Dalia Hernandez, Jonathan Brewer, Morris Byrdellovead, Carlos Emilio Baez.

The film tells the story of the Mayan civilization and reveals unexpected details of their life: wars, brutal sacrifices, and worship of the gods. The film's authors carefully studied historical documents and sacred texts to show the fate of the civilization in the most realistic way. The events begin in 1502. The main storyline is about a peaceful hunter, Paw Jaguar, who, together with his tribe, was captured by a group of invaders.

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