Films about the Black Death explore the devastating impact of the bubonic plague that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, wiping out millions of people and reshaping the course of history. These films often depict the fear, chaos, and despair that accompanied this deadly pandemic.
“Black Death”, 2010
Director: Christopher Smith
Set in medieval England during the outbreak of the Black Death, this film follows a young monk who is sent to investigate rumors of a remote village untouched by the plague, only to discover a dark and sinister secret.
Starring: Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Carice van Houten, John Lynch, Tim McInnerny, Kimberley Nixon, Andy Nyman, David Warner, Johnny Harris, Emun Elliott;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: detective, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Black Death” on the website imdb.com
“Flesh and Blood”, 2020
Director: Louise Hooper
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this film is set in the 16th century during the Hundred Years' War and the outbreak of the Black Death, following a group of mercenaries who resort to brutal and desperate measures to survive in a world plagued by disease and violence.
Starring: Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis, Claudie Blakley, Russell Tovey, David Bamber, Lydia Leonard, Stephen Rea, Karan Gill, Mia Lloyd, Sharon Small;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, crime, detective;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Flesh and Blood” on the website imdb.com
“The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey”, 1988
Director: Vincent Ward
While not a traditional Black Death film, this fantasy drama follows a group of 14th-century villagers who tunnel through the earth to escape the Black Death, only to emerge in a strange and disorienting modern-day world.
Starring: Bruce Lyons, Chris Haywood, Hamish Gough, Marshall Napier, Noel Appleby, Paul Livingston, Sarah Peirse, Mark Wheatley, Tony Herbert, Jessica Cardiff-Smith;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: fantasy, action, thriller, drama, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
“Films about the black death offer a haunting and visceral portrayal of one of the darkest periods in human history. Through powerful storytelling and compelling visuals, these films transport audiences back to a time of fear, despair, and loss. By shedding light on the devastating impact of the black death, these films serve as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering. They are a testament to the enduring power of cinema to educate, provoke thought, and evoke deep emotions in viewers, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits roll.”
