Ten Family Movies Spanning the Renaissance through Modern Times

We employ a multi-faceted approach to much of our learning. We read historical fiction, we role play what we have learned, we listen to audio books and dramas, we build scenes with LEGO blocks, and we watch movies.

Although there are numerous book lists available for every imaginable historical time period or theme, there are not very many lists of family movies. This is my own chronological list that features both American and foreign films set during the Renaissance and on through history to modern times. The time period is indicated in brackets under the title. These would go along well with a study of Volumes III or IV of The Mystery of History.

As with any media, please use your own judgement to determine if the film is appropriate for your family. This post is not an official endorsement from Bright Ideas Press of any of the listed movies.

The Divine Weapon (2008)

[1418-1450]

In Joseon Korea during King Sejong’s reign, Ming China is threatening with greater numbers.  The future of the Joseon depends on the making of the Singijeon — the divine weapon.

Luther (2003)

[early 1500s]

This movie tells much of Martin Luther’s story from becoming a monk, to the ninety-five theses of 1517, and through the Augsburg Confessional in 1530.

The Admiral (2014)

[1597]

This film commemorates The Battle of Myeongnyang, where the Joseon (Korean) admiral leads only 12 ships against the attacking Japanese force of 330 ships to an amazing victory.

Kingdom of War (2011)

[1564-1600]

An epic film portrays Naresuan the Great of Thailand — his childhood as a (privileged) hostage in Burma and his liberation of Siam from Burmese.

Taras Bulba (1962 and/or 2009)

[16th century]

Both versions of this film are loosely based on a novel by Nikolai Gogol, telling the story of a Cossack father of two sons when battles between the Poles and Turks were waged with the Cossacks and Ukraine.

Yamada Samurai of Ayothaya (2010)

[Early 17th century]

Based upon Japanese adventurer, Yamada Nagamasa’s story of being left for dead in Siam.  He becomes a bodyguard for the King, gains influence, and becomes governor of a Japanese village within Ayothaya during his later years.

1612 (2007)

[1612]

Set during the Time of Troubles and the Polish-Muscovite War with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a young serf is determined to restore the daughter of the late tsar to her rightful place on the Russian throne.

Day of the Siege {September 11, 1683} (2012)

[1683]

This movie shows conflicts of European Christianity and Turkish Islam, culminating in the second siege of Vienna by the Ottoman Turks.

Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (2011)

[1930]

The movie tells of the Wushe Rebellion, the uprising against the colonial Japanese forces in Taiwan by the native peoples, the Seediq.

Ip Man film series (2008-2016)

[1930s and onward]

Ip Man is a master of the Wing Chun style of martial arts.  He enjoys a comfortable life until the Japanese invasion of 1937. The movies follow events in his life during this turbulent time, including meeting a young boy (and future student) Bruce Lee.

Most of these movies are subtitled which makes them all the more interesting to watch. Once you find an era or people in history you’d like to know more about, search for films covering that topic, from that country.  You may find a new favorite history resource.