The English Civil War, a period of intense upheaval and transformation, has long captivated filmmakers and audiences alike. This era of history, brimming with intense political struggles and dramatic personal stories, provides the potential for various cinematic explorations. Each film on this list offers a unique window into the complexities of war, from the battlefield to the home front, and from the perspective of kings to commoners. These films, while varied in their approach, are renowned for their ability to portray the human stories at the heart of this historical conflict. They explore the trials of war, the nuances of allegiance, and the resilience of the human spirit. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best films about the English Civil War.
10. To Kill a King – Mike Barker (2003)
“To Kill a King” takes place in the transformative period immediately following the end of the English Civil War, a time full of political upheaval and societal reformation. The story revolves around the evolving relationship between Oliver Cromwell and Thomas Fairfax, two pivotal figures in British history, each embodying different ideologies and visions for the nation’s future. As the nation struggles to rebuild from the ravages of war, their once strong friendship is severely tested and strained by their divergent beliefs for England’s future. The film portrays the turbulent political landscape of the era, highlighting the intense personal conflicts and dilemmas that shape the nation’s destiny.
Mike Barker’s direction in “To Kill a King” brings a fresh perspective to this historical period, emphasizing the human elements and personal struggles within a grand historical context. The performances of Tim Roth as Cromwell and Dougray Scott as Fairfax are particularly noteworthy, as they add depth and complexity to their characters, transforming historical figures into relatable individuals. The film balances historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply engaging. It offers an interesting look at the moral and political challenges faced by leaders in a time of great upheaval, presenting a portrayal of leadership and its burdens.
9. The Scarlet Blade – John Gilling (1963)
“The Scarlet Blade” is set during the time of the English Civil War, focusing on a determined and valiant group of Royalists attempting to orchestrate a rescue of King Charles I from the clutches of the Parliamentary forces. The story focuses on Edward Beverley, known as the Scarlet Blade, a charismatic leader who spearheads the resistance against the oppressive and authoritarian Roundhead regime. His unwavering loyalty to the Royalist cause is tested when he falls deeply in love with Clare Judd, the daughter of a Parliamentary colonel. This gripping conflict between duty to his cause and his developing passion for Clare forms the core of the film’s narrative, portraying a complex web of emotional and ethical dilemmas.
Directed by John Gilling, the film is notable for its powerful portrayal of the era’s political and personal conflicts, creating an immersive picture of the period. The cast, led by Lionel Jeffries and Oliver Reed, delivers compelling and powerful performances that capture the essence of their characters’ internal and external struggles. The film blends elements of action, romance, and historical drama, creating an engaging cinematic experience that appeals to a broad audience. Its depiction of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of war offers a unique and insightful perspective on a pivotal period in British history, ensuring its place as one of the best films about the English Civil War.
8. The Exile – Max Ophüls (1947)
“The Exile” tells the captivating story of King Charles II during his period of exile following the aftermath of the English Civil War. Disguised as a commoner in the Netherlands, Charles navigates a life that is fundamentally far removed from the luury and grandeur of his royal past. The film explores his romantic involvement with Katie, a barmaid, juxtaposing his once-regal existence with this newfound, humbler reality, while he also cleverly schemes to reclaim his throne. Throughout the film, Charles grapples with the harsh and often disorienting reality of his reduced circumstances, which contrast sharply with his inherent royal identity.
Directed by Max Ophüls, this film is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the inevitability of change. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.’s portrayal of Charles II brings charisma with a sense of vulnerability, offering a deeply humanized view of the monarch. The narrative combines intense personal drama with the historical events of the time, creating an immersive experience that resonates with contemporary themes of identity and resilience. “The Exile” stands out for its character development and the insightful way it portrays a king’s challenging adjustment to a drastically different lifestyle, making it a timeless piece that speaks volumes about the human capacity for adaptation and reinvention in the face of adversity.
7. Winstanley – Kevin Brownlow, Andrew Mollo (1975)
“Winstanley” focuses on Gerrard Winstanley and the Diggers, a group advocating for social change and equality during the aftermath of the English Civil War. The film chronicles their determined efforts to establish a communal farming settlement on common land, a bold move that directly challenges and seeks to dismantle the prevailing class structures of the time. As Winstanley leads this radical movement with unwavering commitment, they face escalating and formidable opposition from both the landowners and the government. The plot emphasizes the Diggers’ relentless struggle for equality and their inspiring vision for a fairer and more equal society.
The direction by Kevin Brownlow and Andrew Mollo is noted for its authentic and detailed representation of the period. The film is celebrated not only for its historical accuracy but also for the remarkable performances of its largely amateur cast, particularly Miles Halliwell in his portrayal of Winstanley. It successfully conveys the fervor and idealism of the Diggers, along with the often brutal realities of their fight for change. “Winstanley” is a profound reflection on the universal themes of justice, equality, and the relentless pursuit of societal change, making it one of the best films about the English Civil War.
6. Forever Amber – Otto Preminger (1947)
In “Forever Amber,” the plot revolves around Amber St. Clare, an ambitious woman who uses her wits and charm to ascend the social ladder during the times of the English Civil War and the subsequent Restoration period. Her journey, which begins as a simple country girl, soon escalates as she finds herself navigating the complexities of court life, along with a series of romantic entanglements. Amber’s relentless pursuit of wealth and elevated status leads her through a series of challenging relationships, including a one with the charismatic cavalier Bruce Carlton. The film captures her fierce determination and resilience as she strives to overcome the constraints and limitations imposed by her birth and the societal norms of her time.
Directed by Otto Preminger, “Forever Amber” is particularly notable for its immersive portrayal of 17th-century England, bringing to life the complex social dynamics of the era. Linda Darnell’s performance as Amber is powerful, offering a compelling depiction of a woman far ahead of her time, unafraid to defy the conventions and expectations of her society. The film combines elements of drama, romance, and a grounded sense of historical reality, presenting a narrative that is as captivating as it is visually stunning and historically evocative. It stands out for its deep exploration of themes such as ambition, love, and resilience, set during a time of profound turmoil and change.
5. Fanny Lye Deliver’d – Thomas Clay (2019)
“Fanny Lye Deliver’d” is set on a secluded Shropshire farm in 1657, following the story of Fanny Lye, a woman living a life defined by puritanical restraint and conventional norms with her husband John and their young son Arthur. Their uneventful world is turned upside down with the unexpected arrival of two strangers, who not only challenge their deeply held views but also upend their once tranquil and predictable existence. The film explores themes of personal liberation and transformation as Fanny grapples with new ideas and desires that conflict with her long-established beliefs. It tells a tale of awakening and significant change amidst the backdrop of a country experiencing its own transition.
Thomas Clay’s direction brings a fresh and introspective look at the period, focusing on exploring the psychological depths of its characters. Maxine Peake’s portrayal of Fanny Lye is both powerful and emotional, masterfully capturing the internal struggles of a woman on the brink of a life-altering personal revolution. The film blends elements of drama, thriller, and historical narrative, creating a thought-provoking cinematic experience that engages and challenges the audience. “Fanny Lye Deliver’d” stands out for its ability to combine the journey of personal evolution and discovery with the broader context of social and political upheaval, making it one of the best films about the English Civil War.
4. Red Shift – John Mackenzie (1978)
“Red Shift” offers a unique narrative that explores three different time periods, including the era of the English Civil War. The film follows the lives of three young men, each living in a distinctly different era, but all connected by the presence of a mystical and enigmatic amulet. During the segment set in the Civil War, the story focuses on a young soldier who is navigating the intense chaos and harrowing brutality of the conflict, portraying his struggles and resilience. The amulet’s mysterious influence forms a powerful link between him and the other characters across time, suggesting a deeper, almost otherworldly connection between these seemingly unconnected lives.
Directed by John Mackenzie, “Red Shift” stands out for its groundbreaking storytelling approach and the way it brings together different timelines into a cohesive narrative. The film challenges and redefines traditional narrative structures, creating a complex story that explores themes of love, war, and the mysterious connections that transcend time. The performances throughout the film are executed with subtlety yet have a significant impact, capturing the essence of each era’s unique struggles. “Red Shift” is a thought-provoking piece that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional historical drama, offering a unique perspective on how history, human experiences, and the mystical aspects of life come together.
3. A Field in England – Ben Wheatley (2013)
“A Field in England” is set during the time of the English Civil War and follows a group of deserters fleeing from the chaos of a raging battle. Their harrowing journey, fraught with uncertainty and fear, leads them to a mysterious and seemingly otherworldly field where they find themselves captured by an alchemist. Under the disorienting influence of powerful hallucinogens, the men are manipulated into a bizarre and increasingly surreal search for a hidden treasure, believed to be secretively buried within the depths of the field. The film blends haunting elements of horror, psychedelia, and folkore, creating a captivating experience that reflects the characters’ descent into a whirlpool of madness.
Directed by Ben Wheatley, “A Field in England” is notable for its audacious and experimental approach to storytelling. The film’s black-and-white cinematography enhances the eerie, otherworldly, and unsettling atmosphere, capturing sense of psychological turmoil experienced by the characters. The performances throughout the film are intense and immersive, contributing to the film’s hallucinatory quality. “A Field in England” stands as a unique cinematic work due to its ability to blend the historical context with avant-garde storytelling techniques, making it one of the best films about the English Civil War.
2. Cromwell – Ken Hughes (1970)
“Cromwell” is a historical drama that centers on the life and times of Oliver Cromwell, who emerged as one of the most pivotal and controversial figures in the English Civil War. The film chronicles his ascent from a relatively obscure member of Parliament to becoming the resolute leader of the Parliamentary forces in their bitter struggle against King Charles I. It portrays Cromwell’s intense struggles and his unwavering commitment to his principles, all set against the larger backdrop of the war and the web of political intrigue that defined the era. The film explores Cromwell’s crucial role in shaping the future of England, portraying his profound impact on British history and the course of British democracy.
Directed by Ken Hughes, “Cromwell” is known for its attention on the complex political dynamics of 17th-century English. Richard Harris’s performance as Cromwell is both commanding and emotional, capturing the intensity, conviction, and multifaceted nature of this historical figure. The film blends dramatic storytelling with a detailed examination of 17th-century English politics, presenting a narrative that is as educational as it is compelling. Standing as a significant work in the genre of historical cinema, “Cromwell” offers viewers a deeper understanding of a transformative period in English history and the remarkable man who stood at its center, shaping events that would echo throughout the ages.
1. Witchfinder General – Michael Reeves (1968)
“Witchfinder General,” set during the English Civil War, follows the dark and notorious figure of Matthew Hopkins, a self-proclaimed and merciless witchfinder. The film depicts his brutal campaign across the troubled landscapes of East Anglia, where he exploits the disarray and fear wrought by the war to incite further terror and commit heinous acts of violence under the guise of witch-hunting. In the role of Hopkins, Vincent Price delivers a chilling performance, embodying the cruelty and disturbing fanaticism of his character. Alongside this central narrative, the story also follows the journey of a young soldier, Richard Marshall, who becomes entangled with Hopkins.
Directed by Michael Reeves, “Witchfinder General” is renowned for its unflinching and harrowing portrayal of violence and the depths of moral corruption. The film’s grim and oppressive atmosphere is heightened by its authentic period setting and the atmospheric ambience it creates. “Witchfinder General” is celebrated for its examination of the exploitation of power and the widespread hysteria surrounding the witchcraft trials of the era. It is a deeply thought-provoking film, offering a reminder of the human capacity for cruelty under the guise of righteousness, ensuring its place as one of the best films about the English Civil War.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best films about the English Civil War:
- To Kill a King – Mike Barker (2003)
- The Scarlet Blade – John Gilling (1963)
- The Exile – Max Ophüls (1947)
- Winstanley – Kevin Brownlow, Andrew Mollo (1975)
- Forever Amber – Otto Preminger (1947)
- Fanny Lye Deliver’d – Thomas Clay (2019)
- Red Shift – John Mackenzie (1978)
- A Field in England – Ben Wheatley (2013)
- Cromwell – Ken Hughes (1970)
- Witchfinder General – Michael Reeves (1968)
