Originally posted in Nov 2012. This new update includes a rubric references using AI tools in the review and editing process.

To see other movie and book recommendations and a list of resources, read more here.

Students may watch one of the following movies and write a 500-750 word historical perspective on the movie. You must provided reference to at least two profession movie reviews and explain how the movie relates to this class. Be sure to post a before/after of your writing based on if you use ChatGPT or BardAI to help you write your review. This is suppose to be from your point of view of history and the movie relationship to that point of view. No student is required to watch a movie that would make them uncomfortable and all students should have a dialog with their parents/guardians before watching any movie independently for a class assignment. See Rubric after the movie list.

• Frankenstein (1931) (PG) An Adaptation all of its own but a great beginning to classic Hollywood Horror
• Wizard of Oz (1939)(PG) Movie adaptation of the metaphoric novel by L Frank Baum
• Gone With the Wind (1939) (PG) Epic Civil War drama based on Margret Mitchell’s revisionist novel
• High Noon (1952) (PG) First gunslinger Western and set the standard
• North by Northwest (1959) (PG) A great Hitchcock spy movie
• On the Beach (1959) (PG) US Sub reacts to a Nuclear Strike
• Who shot Liberty Valance (1962) (NR) Considered by many to be the best western ever.
• The Manchurian Candidate (1962) (PG) Secret Spy and a US Coup
• Seven Days in May (1964) (PG) Military Coup in the US
• The Green Berets (1968) (PG) Only movie about Vietnam made during Vietnam Conflict
• Three Days of the Condor (1975) (R) CIA Spy movie
• Norma Rae (1979) (PG) Focuses on the suffering of workers trying to unionize
• The Right Stuff (1983) (PG) Beginnings of NASA
• Platoon (1986)(R) A post-war “liberal” perspective of Vietnam
• The Living Daylights (1987) (PG) James Bond and Soviet-Afghan War
• Gettysburg (1993) (PG) Best Civil War movie made that is not about politics but the realities of war
• Black Hawk Down (2001)(R) US Intervention in Somalia
• Behind Enemy Lines (2001) (R) Yugoslavian Civil War and Genocide
• Master and Commander (2003)(PG13) Naval war movie about a British ship during Napoleonic War
• Hotel Rwanda (2004) (R) African Genocide
• Casino Royale (2006)(PG13) Jame Bond focusing on the economics PostColdWar Global Terrorism
• Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) (PG13) Anime about politics of war, PTSD, and personal sacrifice
• Batman Begins (2005) (PG13) Ravages of Urban Violence
• Wall-E (2008) (G) Futuristic view of the human race and climate change.
• Midnight In Paris (2011) (PG13) Owen Wilson in a time hopping Parisian comedy

Rubric:

• Introduction (5 points)
  • (1 point) – The introduction provides a clear and engaging opening to the review.
  • (2 points) – The introduction introduces the historical context of the film.
  • (2 points) – The introduction includes a concise thesis statement that outlines the purpose of the review.
• Historical Accuracy (10 points)
  • (2 points) – The review discusses the film’s faithfulness to historical events, settings, and characters.
  • (2 points) – The review analyzes any notable historical inaccuracies and their impact on the film’s overall quality.
  • (2 points) – The review addresses the portrayal of the time period and the historical authenticity of costumes and props.
  • (2 points) – The review provides evidence or examples from the film to support assessments of historical accuracy.
  • (2 points) – The review offers critical insights into the director’s decision to stay true to history or take creative liberties.
• Plot Summary (5 points)
  • (1 point) – The review briefly summarizes the film’s plot without giving away major spoilers.
  • (2 points) – The summary is organized and effectively conveys the film’s storyline.
  • (2 points) – The summary integrates key historical events or themes central to the movie’s plot.
• Character Analysis (5 points)
  • (1 point) – The review discusses the development and portrayal of major historical figures.
  • (2 points) – The analysis delves into the characters’ motivations, challenges, and historical significance.
  • (2 points) – The review evaluates the actors’ performances and how well they capture the essence of their historical counterparts.
• Cinematic Elements (10 points)
  • (2 points) – The review assesses the film’s overall production quality, including cinematography, editing, and sound.
  • (2 points) – The review analyzes the use of symbolism, visual motifs, and soundtrack in conveying historical themes.
  • (2 points) – The review comments on the pacing and narrative structure of the film.
  • (2 points) – The review evaluates the use of historical artifacts, locations, and sets to create an immersive historical atmosphere.
  • (2 points) – The review considers the director’s choice of cinematic techniques to enhance the historical narrative.
• Historical Significance (5 points)
  • (2 points) – The review explores the historical events or themes depicted in the film and their broader significance in the context of the time period.
  • (2 points) – The review discusses the impact of these historical events on society, politics, or culture.
  • (1 point) – The review highlights any lessons or insights that contemporary audiences can draw from the historical context presented in the film.
• Conclusion (5 points)
  • (1 point) – The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points of the review.
  • (2 points) – The conclusion restates the thesis and offers a final evaluation of the film’s historical accuracy and overall quality.
  • (2 points) – The conclusion leaves the reader with a thought-provoking insight or reflection related to the film’s historical content.
• Grammar and Writing Style (10 points)
  • (5 points) – The inclusion of proof of the use of editing tools such as ChatGPT and/or BardAI
  • (2 points) – The review is well-written, with clear and concise sentences.
  • (2 points) – Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling are observed.
  • (1 point) – The writing style is engaging and maintains the reader’s interest.

Total Points: _______/55

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