Reel History Shows What You Know

Load the canon, survey the battlefield and hold onto your bicorne as we take aim at Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ (2023)! Much like Napoleon’s Grande Armée in Russia, we’ve bitten off more than we can chew (in just one episode) so will be delivering up a thrilling trilogy to do justice to the triumphs and follies of the French Emperor who Churchill described as the greatest man of action since Julius Caesar.

Naturally, any person whose name alone is used to describe an entire era (1799- 1815) will divide opinion. Was he a usurping Corsican ogre hell bent on bloody conquest or a military genius and visionary civic reformer embodying the enlightenment on horseback?

Join us in this first episode as we sort fact from fiction while watching Michael and Mark’s blood boil as Ridley Scott triggers history buffs everywhere by firing a grapeshot volley through historical accuracy!

But we’re not just here to talk about Ridley’s bullish disregard for history (no matter how beautifully shot the cinematography is! As usual, we will use the film to delve deep into the compelling real life of this singular character whose whirlwind rise from the fermant of the French Revolution had the old world rulers of Europe trembling in their silk stockings.

We’ll first examine his provincial origins, family life and military upbringing before turning our attention to his genius for propaganda that propelled his meteoric rise. We will then chart his unlikely course from canny artillery officer at Toulon to rockstar republican general whose novel tactics left his opponents both political and military in a stupor… and all before he reached the tender age of 30!

Sources

– ‘Le grand Atlas de Napoléon (2021)

– ‘Napoleon The Great’ by Andrew Roberts (2014)

– ‘ Napoleon: The Man behind the Myth’ by Adam Zamoyski (2018)

– ‘Napoleonic Wars’ by Charles Esdaile (2007)

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” catapults audiences into the heart of medieval England, where the legendary outlaw Robin Hood leads a band of merry men in a daring revolt against tyranny and injustice. Directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Kevin Costner in the titular role, this epic adventure weaves together action, romance, and heroism in a timeless tale of courage and camaraderie.

OR, as Mark prefers to describe it: “Nottingham” catapults audiences into the fascinating life of the off-beat heroic Sheriff of Nottingham as he tries to hold the realm together in the face of petty criminals being led by a jealous noble who has returned from an ill-conceived war in the East which brought nothing but hardship and death.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn England ruled by the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham (portrayed by Alan Rickman in a scene-stealing performance), the film follows Robin of Locksley as he returns from the Crusades to find his homeland ravaged by corruption and oppression. Determined to right the wrongs inflicted upon his people, Robin takes up the mantle of the hooded outlaw, stealing from the rich to give to the poor!

Daring heists, exhilarating skirmishes and heart-pounding chases through the ancient forests of Sherwood. The film’s best quality is a scenery-chewing performance from Alan Rickman, so powerful Costner may as well have stayed on a ranch in the American west or whatever.

You’ve heard the legend of Robin Hood and his merry men, you’ve probably even heard the name Richard the Lionheart. But did any of this really happen? Was a Cult-leading satanist Sheriff really in charge of England, defied only by a rich man who has decided to slum it with the plebs? Join us on Reel History and find out!

Side note: The accompanying song by Bryan Adams is a crime against culture.

“That’s too much power for one man to have,” said police Captain Green when, with a mere wave of his hand, Malcolm X dispersed an entire crowd of the Nation of Islam.

It’s time we took in a Spike Lee joint!

“Malcolm X” tells the gripping story of one of the most influential figures in the American civil rights movement. Directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington in an Oscar-nominated performance, the film chronicles the transformation of Malcolm Little, a small-time criminal who becomes one of the most outspoken and polarizing leaders of his time. Born into poverty and racism, Malcolm X’s journey takes him from his troubled youth in Lansing, Michigan, to his tumultuous years in Harlem, New York. In prison, Malcolm discovers the teachings of the Nation of Islam and undergoes a profound spiritual awakening. Renaming himself Malcolm X, he emerges as a charismatic and uncompromising advocate for Black empowerment, challenging America to confront its legacy of oppression and inequality.

But as Malcolm’s influence grows, so does the resistance against him. The master begins to fear the apprentice as Elijah Muhammad wonders if he has found a star much brighter than his own. Painful revelations about the supposed prophet drive Malcolm to question much, bringing him to a breaking point with the Nation of Islam whereupon he eventually takes his place among the greatest civil rights leaders of the century. Denzel Washington delivers a tour de force performance as Malcolm X, capturing his charisma, intellect, and inner turmoil with impressive nuance.

So, join 3 white Europeans as we discuss this gripping and thought-provoking exploration of race and identity in 20th Century America.

In episode 4 of Season 4 we’re diving into the 2004 film adaptation of King Arthur, marketed as the epitome of historical accuracy but leaving much to be desired. With a star-studded cast led by Clive Owen and Keira Knightley, the film aimed to elevate the Arthurian legend to new heights but ultimately stumbled in its execution. Join us as we dissect the discrepancies between cinematic portrayal and historical reality, using this film as a launchpad to explore the enigmatic legend of King Arthur.

From the very first frame, where the claim “Historians Agree” sets the stage, we debunk the notion of consensus around the Arthurian legend and scrutinize the film’s depiction of native peoples, dubbed “Wodes,” even though they’re clearly Picts. Venturing beyond the silver screen, we delve into the origins of the Arthurian myth, tracing its evolution from ancient folklore to modern-day interpretations. Through discussions on Roman conquests, the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, and the tumultuous fall of Roman Britain, we unearth the historical foundations upon which the legend of King Arthur is built.

Sources

“The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon

“The Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius





“The First Kingdom: Britain in the Age of Arthur” by Max Adams

This is a Patreon preview – find the full Rasputin Special at patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast

We delve deep into the world of Grigori Rasputin, the Siberian mystic whose influence over the last Tsar of Russia and his family altered the course of history. Adding onto our Anastasia episode on the main feed, the Rasputin Special takes you on a journey through the life, legends, and controversies surrounding one of history’s most enigmatic figures.

Join us as we explore Rasputin’s humble beginnings in a small Siberian village, his rise to power within the Russian court, and his role as the confidante of Tsarina Alexandra. We’ll dissect the myths and unveil the truths behind his supposed mystical powers, his political influence, and his notorious lifestyle that both fascinated and scandalized the Russian aristocracy.

This is our PATREON’S CHOICE of Season 4 – a vote was put to our Patrons and Anastasia was the top pick! If you want to influence future topic selection, and get a Fabergé egg’s worth of bonus episodes for a mere 3 rubels, head to patreon.com/reelhistorypodcast

Step into the fantastical world of animated royalty and historical intrigue as we take on the tall tale of Anastasia Romanov. Hold onto your tiaras, because this isn’t just a fairy tale – we’re diving deep into the tumultuous history of the Romanov dynasty and the seismic events that led to their downfall.

We can’t resist the allure of rewinding all the way to the origins of Russia as a country – trust us, it’s relevant! To grasp the significance of the Romanovs and their iron-fisted reign, we need to take a step back, since this royal house held absolute sway over the Russian Empire for an astounding 300 years. We’ll explore a complex web of political unrest, economic disparity, and social upheaval, uncovering the myriad factors that contributed to the Romanovs’ downfall.

But amidst the opulence and power, there’s a lingering mystery that has captured imaginations for decades – the conspiracy theory of Anastasia Romanov’s survival. We delve into the fascinating lore surrounding Anastasia’s alleged escape from the clutches of revolutionaries, and why relatively recent historical evidence debunks this myth. Join us as we go beyond the animation into the annals of history and uncover the truths, myths, and mysteries surrounding one of the most fascinating dynasties in European history.

Oh, and if you think we forgot about Rasputin, please stay tuned for next week. 😉