The silver screen is no stranger to crafting powerful and emotionally driven films depicting different struggles against major dominating forces. Some of cinema’s finest motion pictures showcase epic battles and fierce revolts that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether the film detailsreal-life historicalrevolutions or fictionalized uprisings, this small subgenre of cinema is often action-packed and undeniably riveting for moviegoers. Ever since theRussian Revolution was depicted in 1927’s Oktober, Hollywood has picked up the mantle and utilized this storytelling premise, garnering successful and lucrative results in the process.
From a band of misfits defending their hometown from invaders, to powerful gladiators leading bloody rebellions, revolutions are a thrilling theme in cinema and remain an exciting staple. Many of film’s finest actors have starred in such flicks, such as Mel Gibson in the epic taleBraveheart, Keanu Reeves in thephilosophical sci-fi extravaganzaThe MatrixandBrad Pitt as a soap salesmanin the cult classicFight Club.Let’s take a look at the best revolutions depicted on film.
1984’s action flickRed Dawndepicts the United States on the brink of World War III, as the country has been invaded by the Soviet Union and its Cuban and Nicaraguan allies. The story centers on a group of teenagers who join forces to resist Soviet occupation and defend their town, using guerilla warfare as they fight back. With a cast of the ‘80s best (Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey), the thrilling drama showcases the motley misfits as they battle to stay alive and take back their power and freedom. Despite garnering mixed reviews from critics,Red Dawnwas a hit at the box office and helped further elevate the movie star status of its talented leads. It was a culturally and historically specific moment that reflected the fears of the Cold War, and an equallytopical remake was released in 2012, with North Korea invading the United States instead of the Soviet Union.
8Braveheart
Mel Gibson directs and stars in 1995’s classic, epic historical dramaBraveheart,which tells the story of Sir William Wallace, a late 13th century Scottish warrior who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. Though earning criticism for its numerous inaccuracies, the blockbuster received praise for its powerful performances, epic battle sequences, direction and visuals; Gibson had to work hard to tone down the gory battle scenes of the revolution to avoid an NC-17 rating.The New York Times called the film, “one of the most spectacular entertainments in years” and won five Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.According to Lin Anderson, author ofBraveheart: From Hollywood To Holyrood,the picture is credited with playing a significant role in affecting the Scottish political landscape during the mid-to-late 1990s.
7The Matrix
1999’s iconic sci-fi action flickThe Matrixdepicts a dystopian future in which humanity is unknowingly stuck inside a simulated reality, created by a vast, evil cyber intelligence that is preying on unsuspecting humans. When computer hacker Neo uncovers this shocking truth, he is contacted by a mysterious stranger and is brought into a vicious battle against the violent intelligence agents, and helps lead a massive revolt of human versus machine. Keanu Reeves famously stars as Neo, with Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss rounding out the leads as Morpheus and Trinity respectively. Directors The Wachowskis initially pitched the role of Neo toWill Smith in 1996, but the actor turned it downdue to not fully understanding the concept.The Matrixwas indeed a huge investment for Warner Bros., who put out a hefty sum with philosophical themes and challenging special effects. The gamble paid off, as the big-screen extravaganza earned over $460 million and kicked off a lucrative and highly-revered franchise;The Matrixis considered one of the best science fiction films of all time.
Related:18 Best Keanu Reeves Movies, Ranked
6The Patriot
Featuring an all-star cast including Hollywood greats Mel Gibson (in yet another revolutionary film) a and Heath Ledger, 2000’sThe Patriottells the story of Benjamin Martin (Gibson), an American colonist and peaceful farmer who is driven to lead the Colonel Militia during the American Revolution when one of his sons is murdered. Gibson’s Benjamin Martin is a composite character based on four historical men: Francis Marion, Daniel Morgan, Andrew Pickens and Thomas Sumter. OfThe Patriot,director Roland Emmerich stated,“these were characters I could relate to, and they were engaged in a conflict that had a significant outcome–the creation of the first modern democratic government.” The epic war film was harshly criticized by both historians and British critics, and caused waves in the U.K. for its themes of anti-British sentiment. Regardless,The Patriotfared well at the box office and Gibson earned critical acclaim for his moving portrayal.
5Fight Club
From the genius mind ofDavid Fincher comes the 1999 cult classicFight Club,based on the Chuck Palahniuk novel of the same name. The drama follows an unnamed insomniac office worker who forms a “fight club” with soap salesman Tyler Durden, all while becoming entangled in a romance with an impoverished woman and a mysterious anti-capitalist revolution. Fincher drew inspiration for theadaptation fromRebel Without a CauseandThe Graduate,as this was a coming-of-age film for people in their 30s that showcased the conflict between Generation X and the value system of advertising. Edward Norton and Brad Pitt famously star in the flick, with Norton as the narrator and Pitt the devil-may-care Durden. It was one of the most controversial and talked-about films of 1999, and was recognized as an innovator in cinematic style and form. Despite receiving polarizing reactions from audiences and critics alike,Fight Clubfound new life with its home video release, thus becoming the ultimate cult classic.
4V For Vendetta
James McTeigue’s 2005 dystopian political filmV For Vendettais set in a future British tyrannical state where an anarchist and freedom fighter by the alias of “V” attempts to ignite a revolution with the help of a young woman. Starring Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, the picture is based on the Alan Moore and David Lloyd DC Comics limited series.V For Vendettahighlights the struggle between freedom and state and, as observed by multiple critics and commentators, mirrors the style and elements of Gaston Leroux’sThe Phantom of the Opera.The dystopian drama earned rave reviews from both moviegoers and reviewers, with praise for its thought-provoking premise, stunning visuals and outstanding performances. OfV For Vendetta’s message and legacy,comic co-creator David Lloyd said,“The Guy Fawkes mask has now become a common brand and a convenient placard to use in protest against tyranny–and I’m happy with people using it, it seems quite unique, an icon of pop culture being used this way.”
3Spartacus
Mastermind Stanley Kubrick’s 1960 epic historical dramaSpartacusdraws inspiration from the life of the famed Thracian gladiator, who survives his brutal gladiatorial training and goes on to lead a bloody revolt against the Roman Empire. Featuring the talents of Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, and Tony Curtis, the cinema classic was the only film in which Kubrick did not have complete artistic control; he and lead Douglas were often at odds during production of the massive picture (which is probably why it’s his least strange film).Spartacuswas a critical and commercial hit, garnering rave reviews and solidifying Kubrick as a major director despite a problematic process. The thrilling picture won four Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest epic films of the genre.
2Black Panther
Marvel’s epic 2018 superhero flickBlack Pantheris undeniably one of the best MCU films ever crafted, and follows newly crowned king of Wakanda T’Challa as he is challenged by Killmonger, who wants to challenge the country’s isolationist policies and spark a global revolution. Starring the late and incredibly talented Chadwick Boseman as the famed comic book character and a supporting cast featuring Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o,Black Pantherwas a global phenomenon and earned over a billion at the box office. The comparisons between the film’s plot and the revolutionary political group it is named after are striking. The movie was praised for its powerhouse performances, direction and stunning visuals, and went on to win three Academy Awards.Black Pantheralso became thehighest-grossing picture directed by an African-American filmmaker,with the blockbuster being helmed by the gifted Ryan Coogler.A sequel, entitledBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever,is scheduled to be released later this year.
Related:Michael B. Jordan Continues to Play Coy on Killmonger Return
1Lawrence of Arabia
Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films of all time, the 1962 British epicLawrence of Arabiadepicts the story of T.E. Lawrence, an English officer who successfully united and led the often warring Arab tribes during World War I. Silver screen legend Peter O’Toole stars as thereal-life revolutionary characterthe film is named after, and is joined by an impressive cast including Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, and Anthony Quinn. Throughout the marvelous epic, Lawrence finds himself in emotional turmoil as he is torn between his loyalty to his home of Britain and his newfound Arabian comrades. The cinema extravaganza won a whopping seven Academy Awards and widespread critical acclaim, with the picture heavily considered to be a masterpiece of world cinema.
