Extra Credit /World History Film Project
Mr. Hopkins
2013-2014
The goal is for you to understand how films can contribute to our historical knowledge and also how they can detract
from it.
Instructions:
1. Select from the current list a film to view. The goal is for you to see how historically accurate and inaccurate
these films are; consequently, you will need to actually watch the films as you work on the project. If you have
already seen the film, you will need to re-watch it. The goal is for you to look at these films in light of what you
have learned as a result of this class, not what you remember from the last time you saw the film. Your parents
must sign the page to indicate that you watched it on the date you said you did. You are welcome to get
together with other AP World History students and watch the films together. HOWEVER, please know that your
analysis should be yours and should not simply be a re-wording of someone else’s work. The films must be
about the specified time period – it cannot be “symbolic” (ex: “Oh look, the Lord of the Rings is really an allegory
for the fall of Rome”) and it cannot just “mention it” (ex: “Gosh, Harry Potter said ‘the history of potions in the
Middle Ages’. This film is about the Middle Ages). It has to be about and take place during the specified time
period. If you have questions about your movie choices, ask BEFORE you watch.
2. Answer the questions on the historical analysis worksheets – one sheet for each film. This is the core of the
project and your answers should reflect this. There is room for serious analysis and evaluation and that is what
is expected. Please know that your grade comes from these worksheets, not from watching the movie. This
assignment counts as a test grade and your grade will be based on your answers on these worksheets. Failure to
give meaningful and thoughtful answers in this section will keep you from making a passing grade.
3. You may choose from the list of movies provided, or you may get permission from the teacher to view a film
that is not on the list. I realize that you might work together to finish your projects, HOWEVER, your work and
answers should reflect your answers. If any 2 projects have answers that are too similar I will treat the
assignment as if it has been plagiarized and you will forfeit your grade.
Please make copies of the following questions for multiple extra credit assignments.
HAPPY VIEWING!!!
Student Name: ___________________________________
Film Title _______________________________________
Date Watched ________________
Parental Signature (this film was watched on the date provided) _______________________________________
If this is a rated “R” movie, parental signature giving permission _______________________________________
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS COMPLETELY.
1. List the main characters in the film. Who were the most important? Why?
2. Briefly explain the plot/storyline of the film.
3. Choose 5 words that best explain this film.
a.
b.
b.
d.
e.
4. Name/explain one specific place in the film when the writer/director could have used more history to make the plot
better or to strengthen the “historicity” of the film. How would this have improved the historical nature of the film?
5. What was the underlying message of the film? Was it biased in some way? Did the filmmaker have an agenda that
you could detect? Was there a political, social, or religious message? What do you think the filmmaker’s purpose was in
telling this story?
6. Would you consider this film, overall, to be a “historical film” or a film that is merely set in a “historical” time period?
Why? Provide specific examples to support your reasons. Are the characters real people or just set in a historical event?
7. Personally, what did you think about the film (outside of the historical issues and questions)? Did you enjoy it? Was
it well made? Are there any serious problems? Explain your answer.
8. Describe at least one historical inaccuracy in the film. Is it particular to the story line or is it part of the setting. Be
specific.
Term 1
Term 2
Guns, Germs, and Steel (NR) 2005
The Gospel According to St. Matthew (NR) 1964
Little Buddha (PG) 1993
The 300 Spartans (PG) 1962
Julius Caesar (NR) 1953
The Message (PG) 1977
Alexander Nevsky (NR) 1939
Hero (PG-13) 2002
El Cid (NR) 1961
Kings of the Sun (PG-13) 1963
Rashomon (NR) 1950
Much Ado About Nothing (PG-13) 1993
Luther (PG-13) 2003
Cromwell (G) 1970
Roots (NR) 1977
Chinese Odyssey 2002 (NR) 2002
Ivan Groznyy (NR) 1944
Term 3
Term 4
The Scarlet Pimpernel (PG) 1982
Amazing Grace (PG) 2002
Modern Times (NR) 1936
Passage to India (PG) 1984
Khartoum (NR) 1966
Rabbit-Proof Fence (PG) 2002
All Quiet on the Western Front (PG) 1979
Lawrence of Arabia (G) 1962
Animal Farm (PG) 1955
Cave of the Yellow Dog (G) 2005
Empire of the Sun (PG) 1987
Hope and Glory (PG-13) 1987
Gandhi (PG) 1982
City of Joy (PG-13) 1992
Children of Heaven (PG) 1999
Secret Ballot (G) 2001
Hotel Rwanda (PG-13) 2005
The King’s Speech (2010) R or PG-13