Best films set during the English Civil War
by unabomb | created - 05 Apr 2016 | updated - 11 Apr 2016 | PublicMy favourite films set during the English Civil War. Any recommendations for other films dealing with this subject would be welcome.
1. To Kill a King (2003)
Not Rated | 102 min | Biography, Drama, History
A recounting of the relationship between General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, as they try to cope with the consequences of deposing King Charles I.
Director: Mike Barker | Stars: Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Olivia Williams, James Bolam
Votes: 3,321
An excellent production (distributed by Film 4) that focusses upon the relationship between Oliver Cromwell and Sir Thomas Fairfax against the back drop of the English Civil War. Well cast, with Tim Roth as Cromwell, Dougray Scott as Fairfax, Olivia Williams as Lady Fairfax and Rupert Everett as Charles. The first film of the twenty-first century that deals substantially with the high politics of the mid-17th century.
2. Winstanley (1975)
Not Rated | 95 min | Biography, Drama, War
Winstanley explores the attempt by Gerrard Winstanley who formed 'The Diggers' and with a group of followers attempted to form a small farming community in one of the first proto-Communist attempts at collective agriculture.
Director: Kevin Brownlow | Stars: Miles Halliwell, Jerome Willis, Terry Higgins, Phil Oliver
Votes: 377
The greatest strength of this film its portrayal of the radical popular politics or Gerard Winstanley, the diggers and, to a lesser extent, the ranters (read Christopher Hill's 'The World Turned Upside Down' for further insight into radical politics of the period). The themes and characters of the film provide a refreshing contrast to other Civil War films that focus on the high politics of the Crown and Parliament (i.e. To Kill a King and Cromwell). A great film whose small budget and simplicity are perfect for the introduction of hugely important and largely overlooked episode in English history.
3. Cromwell (1970)
G | 139 min | Biography, Drama, History
Puritan statesman Oliver Cromwell leads England in a civil war against the absolutist and Catholic-sympathetic King Charles I.
Director: Ken Hughes | Stars: Richard Harris, Alec Guinness, Robert Morley, Dorothy Tutin
Votes: 6,780 | Gross: $1.37M
I enjoyed this film far more than I expected. A historical biography of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, it is epic in scale and includes some of the key players and major events of the conflict. Furthermore, it is well cast with Richard Harris as Cromwell and Alec Guinness as King Charles I. In many ways it is reminiscent of Waterloo (1970); released during the same year, it focusses on a major and complex historical figure, notions of power and politics and, of course, it has some massive (non CGI) battles scenes. Naturally, it is very much of its time and there is plenty to pick at in terms of historical accuracy, however, it is a great starting point for anybody wishing to learn about the subject or work their way through filmography of the Civil War.
4. A Field in England (2013)
Not Rated | 90 min | Drama, History, Horror
Amid the Civil War in 17th-century England, a group of deserters flee from battle through an overgrown field. Captured by an alchemist, the men are forced to help him search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field.
Director: Ben Wheatley | Stars: Julian Barratt, Peter Ferdinando, Richard Glover, Ryan Pope
Votes: 13,735 | Gross: $0.03M
Took a couple of attempts to get into this film (distributed by Film 4). The early part is fairly straight forward and focusses on the meeting and interaction of the intriguing protagonists. Following their bizarre meeting with a new character - O'Neill, the remainder of the film progresses into an hallucinogenic, nightmarish trip. Stick with it, the two moods contrast well and serve those who like sober and gritty historical drama and those who enjoy weird, trippy experiences, or both. Loads of symbolism and subtexts which I haven't worked out/had explained to me yet, so I'll certainly watch again.
5. Witchfinder General (1968)
Unrated | 86 min | Drama, Horror
A young soldier seeks to put an end to the evils caused by a vicious witch-hunter when the latter terrorizes his fiancée and kills her uncle.
Director: Michael Reeves | Stars: Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy, Rupert Davies, Patrick Wymark
Votes: 11,888
A dark and disturbing portrayal of the witch hunting exploits of Mathew Hopkins. Lots of sadism, paranoia, cruelty, desperation and a slightly trippy, psychedelic feel as Hopkins (Vincent Price) takes advantage of chaos and social breakdown during the English Civil War.
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