From Ancient
Times, to the Middle Ages, to Early Modern Periods, the genera of movie Epic’s
typically focus on massive events in history, with historical figures at the
center stage of sweeping spectacles, and tales of grandeur. While the
high-points of the genera seem to come and go with different decades, there’s
no mistaking that both early and classic works of cinema were built on the
backs of Epic cinema. I’d never try to construct any kind of official best of
Epic movies list, but I certainly want to count down my own personal favorites
of the genera. These movies aren’t based on any kind of objective quality or
achievement … there just the films of the genera that have stuck with me the
most, and that I most fondly think back on, or re-watch.
#10 ZULU
(1964)
It’s the epic tale of a final battle against insurmountable odds, as well as the first big acting role of British talent Michael Caine. It’s January
22 1879, and a small South African outpost of British officers prepare for a
massive siege, as an army of 4000 Zulu forces march forward to massacre their
regiment. The first half of the movie is the tension and build-up, while the
second half focuses on the 12-hour long battle. Both an epic tale of a small
army holding their ground against overwhelming numbers, as well as a very human
tale of the internal battle against one’s hubris, and what it coasts. For an
early 1960’s production, this film is a showcase of both tension and spectacle.
While the event called for 4000 Zulu, only 500 were available for the shoot,
and as such, early practical effects were utilized to make the army as
tremendous as it was meant to appear ... and it still impresses all these years later.
#9 THE
TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956)
Okay, how many of you aren’t surprised to see
this film on my countdown? Cecil B. Demille’s “The Ten Commandments” set
the template for all Biblical Epics to follow, and is often regarded as one of
Hollywood’s greatest achievements. The film depicts the story of Moses, from
his birth, to his contact with God, to his grand crusade liberating the Hebrew
people from Egypt, and ultimately to the construction (and smashing) of the 10
commandments. While it deviates a little from the biblical story of Exodus, the
narrative is still consistent, and the result as a cinematic marvel with an
all-star cast, and Oscar winning visuals.
#8 TROY (2004)
Oh boy … time for a guilty pleasure of sorts to make it on my list. It’s 1193
B.C., and after the young Queen of Sparta runs off with the youngest Prince of
Troy, it sparks turmoil across both kingdoms of Grease and Mycenae, who combine
their armies in an epic invasion of the land of Troy.
The legendary battle of
Troy was actually one of the first epic tales I was exposed to at a very young
age, and by the time I reached middle school, the 2004 movie staring Brad Pitt
hit cinema, marking one of my earliest launching points of the genera. Putting
my personal feelings aside for a moment, the 2004 picture “Troy”
admittedly doesn’t reach the same objective qualities or even substance of
other epics, and is admittedly quite hammy with its delivery … but with that
said … the entertainment aspects of the film are undeniable. It’s still awesome
to see the famous battle of Troy brought to life in a big budget Hollywood
production, with an appealing cast balancing out all the spectacles. It may not
be the finest epic movie ever made, but for me, it succeeds as a straight
forward, entertainment picture.
#7 THE
LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1992)
Set during the French and Indian war of the
early 1750’s, both British soldiers, along with their Indian recruits battle
fiercely to claim ownership of the land in upper-state New York. Amidst the
fighting is a small Indian family, who are the last in a lineage of Mohican
Indians, and they wish to avoid the fighting at all coasts.
However, when the
two doubters of a British General are relentlessly pursued by a sinister
Indian, played very effectively by Wes Studi, the Mohican family find
themselves roped into the larger conflicts of the war, acting as the surgent
protectors of the two British woman. While the historical aspects of the film
are admittedly more of a backdrop to a romantic adventure following our
principal hero’s, it never the less makes for a breathless action epic, set
across gorgeous landscapes, and with just enough emotional punches to balance
out all the thrills. The cast is engaging, and director Michael Mann absolutely
succeeded in capturing an essence of the era.
#6 BEN-HUR
(1959)
Based on Lew Wallace’s novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ”, this
1950’s historical drama is largely considered one of the greatest epics of its
time. Set during the story of Christ, Ben-Hur tells the tale of a Jewish slave who
rebelled against Rome, and sought vengeance against his former best friend, who
separated him from his family.
Throughout his journey, he has several chance
meetings with Jesus Christ, which help give him the hope and strength to face
all the challenges ahead, and maybe even discover the wisdom to forgive his
enemies. Despite being one of the longest movies ever filmed, it’s well worth a
viewing, and an unforgettable experience. The movie has been immortalized for
its famous Chariot Race, and its star Charlton Heston shined in the title role,
making this his second stand-out biblical epic behind “The Ten Commandments”.
Not much even needs to be said of this one, as it’s a great classic, well
deserving of its acolytes, and walks a perfect balance between being
religiously inspiring, and a sheer spectacle to behold.
#5 GLADIATOR
(2000)
General Maximus Meridius is named “Keeper of Roam” by the dying
Emperor, only to be betrayed by Roams new ruler, and after the murder of his
family is then forced into a life of slavery. Yet, Maximus wins several
admirers as a Gladiator, and his quest for both vengeance and the liberation of
his nation has only just begun. Director Ridley Scott aimed high with his $100
Million budgeted production, in hopes to revive the genera of “Ancient Epic’s”.
Needless to say, under his shinning direction, and bonded by a strong cast …
this is the sword and shield classic that made the genera achieve its title of
“EPIC”! At face value, it would almost seem that “Gladiator” had an
easier time winning over both audiences and critics … but it actually had a lot
to prove for itself, as the story is admittedly an amalgamation of various
other epics. Yet, through the films approach and presentation, it never once
felt like a run-of-the-mile action flick … at least not to me. I’ve seen
countless other movies throughout the millennium try to replicate the same
crowd pleasing, Oscar approving, adrenaline pumping power of “Gladiator”,
and not one of them captured the same effect that both Ridley Scott and lead
star Russel Crow delivered in that film. Beyond its brilliantly staged Gladiatorial
combat, there’s something at the core of “Gladiator” that’s always felt
human, and genuinely inspiring … “are you not entertained!”
#4 HAMLET
(1996)
Set in the 19th Century, Prince Hamlet of Denmark is shaken
over the revelation that his father was slain by his uncle Claudius, along with
the aid of his mother, in an effort to take ownership of the Kingdom.
Out for
revenge, and eager to reveal the truth of his corrupt family, Hamlet accidently
kills the father of his love interest Ophelia … setting a series of events in
play, that will eventually culminate in the Princess tragic death. It was only
natural for an adaption of William Shakespeare’s most classic story to make it
on my list … and among the many different film versions … none have stuck with
me more than Kenneth Branagh’s 1996 epic film version. Despite being set in 19th
Centuries Victorian Era, as opposed to the 15th and 16th
Century Renascence Era of the play, this film version of “Hamlet” never
the less was the first unabridged, theatrical movie to follow the events of the
source material closer than any other film version … clocking in at 246 minutes
as a result … as well as an unmistakable masterpiece all around. Under Kenneth
Branagh’s brilliant direction, as well as star stealing performance in the lead
role, this film hits all the dramatic marks of its source material with finely
textured detail, is a visual marvel to behold, and an A-list cast bring all the
iconic stage characters to life masterfully. Derek Jacobi in particular brings
a complex and even sympathetic dimension to the villain Claudius. It’s all
around my favorite Epic theatrical retelling of one of Shakespeare’s greatest
Epic tales.
#3 BRAVEHEART
(1995)
Set in 13th century Scotland, freedom fighter William Wallace leads an
uprising against the tyrannical reign of Edward the Longshanks. What can be
said about one of the 90’s most respected and successful films. Well, let me
start by saying that, when I first saw “Braveheart”, I was still very
young … in fact, it was one of the very first R ratted movies I ever saw, which
intimidated me at the time.
While I wasn’t one for intensely violent films,
there was something powerful and magnetic at the center of “Braveheart”
that hooked me in at a young age, and carried me through both the excessive
violence and lengthy runtime. While the concept of a rugged hero inspiring a
rebellion has always been a favorite of mine, “Braveheart” was the first
to introduce me to the epic tragedy of Martyrdom, in which the climax isn’t a
massive battle spectacle, but a single man refusing to surrender his beliefs or
his freedom as he’s slowly being tortured to death. It’s really no surprise
that Mel Gibson would go on to direct “The Passion of the Christ” less
than a decade after this. Mel Gibson naturally shines in the leading role, but
this was also his first time directing, and I feel it remains the Gold Standard
of both his talents on screen and behind the camera. The film also delivers all
the sweeping action, compelling drama, and touching romance to match the
pictures grand ambitions … even if it’s not a perfect historical retelling. It
was one of those special movie experiences that left me with chills all over
after my first viewing, and the only thing I could think of was … “Wow, I just
saw a really good movie!” Even after all these years, and repeated viewings, “Braveheart”
still continues to leave an impression on me, and it’s personally my favorite
movie to win the Academy Award for Best Picture!
#2 HENRY
V (1989)
In a noble effort to end the 100-year war between England and
France, King Henry the Fifth is determined to claim the kingdom of France, and
with his marriage to the Princess, bring peace to the two waring countries.
only
28 years old at the time … brings a sense of grandeur and passion both in front
of and behind the camera, that I feel can’t be replicated. His speech before
the eve of battle on St. Crispin’s day is the stuff of legend, and still
conveys something meaningful for everyone to hear. It’s plain and simply my
favorite of Shakespeare’s written work, brought to life in my favorite of
Shakespeare’s Epic movies.
Before I
reveal my personal, number one favorite, here are some quick honorable mentions
that I regrettably couldn’t fit on my list …
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
THE ROBE (1953)
LAWREENCE
OF ARABIA (1962)
THE
MISSION (1986)
JOAN OF
ARC (1999)
#1 THE
PASSION OF THE CHRIST (2004)
The early 2000’s marked a resurgence of
sorts for epic movies, and in 2004, we saw the long-awaited return of biblical
epics, with the biggest event of all being "The Passion of the Christ".
I don’t think any other biblical movie has had more controversial debate or mixed reception then Mel Gibson’s epic drama revolving around the drawn-out death and crucifixion of Christ. It’s admittedly hard to watch Jesus suffer for two and a
half hours, but it also highlights how honorable Christ was as he willingly
sacrificed himself through lots of suffering and pain, in order to save everyone
else from their sins. It’s basically the essential film to watch on “Good
Friday”, as it’s a time to reflect on his passionate death, and what Christ had
to endure in order to save his fellow man. If you can look past how brutal and
relentless the violence gets, you may notice some truly beautiful moments that
are among some of the most inspiring scenes I’ve ever viewed in a motion
picture. Definitely not a film for the faint of heart, but a powerful and
moving experience all the same, and despite all the controversies surrounding
the film … I feel it's the most impactful Epic movie I’ve ever seen … and truly
deserving of the title.
Thanks for
reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the epic stories you love!
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