Film opinion: Five of the best historical dramas - Oppenheimer, Schindler’s List and more

Historical films can easily fall into the trap of becoming just another biopic, or just another war film, returning a satisfactory revenue and a handful of awards. 

But some avoid this pitfall, exploring new themes or a different perspective altogether.

Film News Blitz explores five of the best historical dramas that cinema has to offer.

5. Judgment at Nuremberg 

Released in 1961, Judgment at Nuremberg tells a fictionalised story set during the Nuremberg Military Tribunals that occurred after World War II. 

With a cast led by Spencer Tracy as the trials’ judge, the film explores themes that are very different to other war films, focusing more on the post-war scenario in which German officials were questioned on their responsibility for the crimes committed as a part of the Nazi war machine. 

Judgment at Nuremberg is a great example of a fictional film that still holds much historical credibility. 

Whilst the characters involved did not exist, the themes are nevertheless extremely pertinent to any discussion surrounding the real trials that the film is based on. 

The film tackles many issues that are not considered in others and does it with significant class, leading the viewer to consider such a famous historical event in a different lens. 

4. Oppenheimer 

Bringing Christopher Nolan his first and only Academy Award for Directing (so far), Oppenheimer is the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s quest to develop the first nuclear weapons in the years of the Second World War. 

The film includes a star-studded cast and has received much critical acclaim since its release in July 2023. 

On the surface, the film ought to be recognised for the impressive cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema, who has worked with Nolan on several films, including Interstellar and Dunkirk. 

Nonetheless, this biopic stands out amongst other war films for the message it preaches; the second half of this epic considers more the impact of the events on Oppenheimer’s mental state, and the guilt he must contend with in the wake of his creation. 

Oppenheimer does not try and spin the story of war to paint America and Britain as victors but instead improves the viewer’s understanding of the realities of war, and for that reason will be considered a modern classic in years to come. 

3. 12 Years a Slave  

With yet another stellar cast, led by Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years A Slave tells the story of the life of Solomon Northup, an African American man who was sold into slavery for 12 years. 

The film follows Northup’s journey from Washington down to the American South in Louisiana until he is freed and can return to his wife and children, now grown with a child of their own. 

This film includes award-winning performances from many of its cast, with the standout being Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Patsey. 

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Nyong’o delivers a heartbreaking performance and one that will be remembered as one of the greatest in film history. 

What 12 Years A Slave does so magnificently is give agency to the enslaved African Americans who were subjected to the violence of white slaveowners, rather than merely seeing them as just another part of the evil institution of slavery. 

The film reminds us of the strength and character of the victims of such a system, and for that reason makes this list. 

2. Lawrence of Arabia 

David Lean’s epic Lawrence of Arabia tells the true story of T.E. Lawrence and his journey throughout the Ottoman Empire. 

Not only must Lawrence traverse dangerous Arabian provinces, but he must navigate his way through feelings of guilt and angst as he wages war on communities in Aqaba and Damascus. 

The film was nominated for several awards throughout 1963, winning Best Picture at the Oscars, Best Motion Drama Picture at the Golden Globes, and the BAFTA for Best Film. 

Famous for its long shots and expansive scenery, the film is an “epic” in every sense of the word, including its run-time. 

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Nonetheless, despite totalling at a daunting 228 minutes, the film does not bore the viewer and only includes scenes that add to its complex plot and message. 

Lawrence of Arabia includes themes of the brutality of war, including the moral battle surrounding these motifs. 

The viewer is told of Lawrence’s fractured identity due to war, which is portrayed stunningly by the late Peter O’Toole. 

There is much historical value in focusing on these themes, giving audiences the chance to consider the wider effects of war and the consequences of conflict on the human psyche. 

Lawrence of Arabia is a classic in film history and will no doubt remain that way. 

1. Schindler’s List 

A film that is seen by many as the best of Steven Spielberg’s illustrious career, Schindler’s List tells the story of businessman Oskar Schindler, who, whilst initially exploiting the Nazi war machine for his own purposes, saved the lives of over one-thousand Jews during the years of the Holocaust. 

The film includes gut-wrenching performances from all members of its cast, with notable appearances from Liam Neeson as the titular character and Ralph Fiennes as the crazed Nazi Officer, Amon Göth. 

Fiennes’ depiction of the SS Officer was said to bring victims of Nazi violence to tears upon watching the film. 

The film received specific praise for its cinematography and black-and-white presentation, adding realism to the story and avoiding an aestheticisation of the Holocaust. 

This also allows for the devastating moment when Schindler finds the clothes of ‘The Girl in the Red Coat’, reminding us that the tragedies depicted affected the lives of people of all ages. 

The reason Schindler’s List tops this list is for the way in which it deals with an extremely delicate topic in such a sensitive manner, telling not only a greatly accurate tale of events, but also situating it within contemporary life, with the film ending with colour footage of survivors laying flowers on the grave of the man they owe their lives to.

When combined with John Williams’ beautifully written score, this film is certain to bring a tear to any viewer’s eye. 

Schindler’s List was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, of which it won 7, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

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