“Black Robe”, 1991
Director: Bruce Beresford
This film explores the early 17th-century encounter between the indigenous peoples of Canada and European colonists through the journey of a Jesuit missionary in New France. It presents a nuanced view of the complexities and cultural clashes between Indigenous communities and Europeans.
Starring: Lothaire Bluteau, Aden Young, Sandrine Holt, August Schellenberg, Tantoo Cardinal, Billy Two Rivers, Lawrence Bayne, Harrison Liu, Wesley Cote, Frank Wilson;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, adventure, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Black Robe” on the website imdb.com
“Passchendaele”, 2008
Director: Paul Gross
Set during World War I, this film focuses on the Battle of Passchendaele, one of the war’s most brutal battles, which involved Canadian forces. It's a poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and the horrors of war, contextualized within a crucial episode in Canadian military history.
Starring: Paul Gross, Michael Greyeyes, James Kot, Jesse Frechette, Rainer Kahl, Landon Liboiron, Caroline Dhavernas, Patricia Benedict, Hugh Probyn, Jim Mezon;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Passchendaele” on the website imdb.com
“Heritage Minutes”, 1991
Director: Richard Ciupka, Grant Harvey, Jean-Claude Lebrecque, Tess Girard
While not a single film, this collection of over 90 short films tells various stories from Canada's history, covering a wide range of topics from Indigenous history and key historical figures, to significant events and cultural achievements. Each minute-long film intends to educate and foster a deeper understanding of Canada’s heritage.
Starring: Aidan Devine, Katherine Trowell, Steve Cumyn, Denis Lacroix, Jean L'Italien, John Evans, Patrick Watson, Jean Marchand, William Samples, James Bradford;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: short film, drama, history;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Heritage Minutes” on the website imdb.com
“The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz”, 1974
Director: Ted Kotcheff
Based on Mordecai Richler's novel, this film offers a glimpse into the life of a young Jewish man in post-World War II Montreal. It explores themes of ambition, identity, and the immigrant experience in Canada.
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Micheline Lanctôt, Jack Warden, Randy Quaid, Joseph Wiseman, Denholm Elliott, Henry Ramer, Joe Silver, Zvee Scooler, Robert Goodier;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” on the website imdb.com
“C.R.A.Z.Y.”, 2005
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
While not strictly a historical film, “C.R.A.Z.Y.” portrays the cultural and social milieu of Quebec from the 1960s through the 1980s, encapsulating shifts in family dynamics, sexuality, and social values during a transformative period in Canadian history.
Starring: Michel Côté, Marc-André Grondin, Danielle Proulx, Émile Vallée, Pierre-Luc Brillant, Maxime Tremblay, Alex Gravel, Natasha Thompson, Johanne Lebrun, Mariloup Wolfe;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, comedy;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “C.R.A.Z.Y.” on the website imdb.com
“Ararat”, 2002
Director: Atom Egoyan
This film delves into the Armenian genocide through a contemporary story of a film director making a movie about the tragic events. It touches on themes of memory, history, and the representation of historical events in art and media, connecting Canadian Armenians' history with broader themes of cultural memory and identity.
Starring: Simon Abkarian, Charles Aznavour, Christopher Plummer, Arsinée Khanjian, Setta Keshishian, David Alpay, Shant Srabian, Marie-Josée Croze, Elias Koteas, Brent Carver, Eric Bogosian, Bruce Greenwood;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Ararat” on the website imdb.com
“Bon Cop, Bad Cop”, 2006
Director: Eric Canuel
While primarily a comedic action film, it humorously addresses the cultural and linguistic tensions between Anglophone and Francophone Canadians, encapsulating an aspect of Canada’s social history and the ongoing dialogue around national identity.
Starring: Patrick Huard, Colm Feore, Lucie Laurier, Michel Beaudry, Patrice Bélanger, Pierre Boudreau, Sarain Boylan, Manon Brunelle, Nicolas Canuel, Hugolin Chevrette-Landesque;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: action, thriller, comedy, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Bon Cop, Bad Cop” on the website imdb.com
These films serve as entry points into the diverse and complex history of Canada, offering both entertainment and education. They illuminate the struggles, triumphs, and enduring questions that have defined the country, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding Canada's past and how it continues to shape the present and future.
In conclusion, films about Canada's history offer a rich, variegated tapestry that illuminates the nation's multifaceted past. These cinematic endeavors take audiences on a journey through time, exploring pivotal events, cultural upheavals, and the enduring spirit of a people shaped by their environment and global influences. From the harrowing struggles of early settlers and indigenous peoples to the defining moments of political evolution and social justice movements, these films serve not only as educational tools but also as profound narratives that elicit empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for Canada's complex heritage. They remind viewers that history is not merely a collection of dates and events but a living, breathing entity that continues to influence the present and future. In capturing the essence of Canadian history, these films underscore the importance of storytelling in preserving our collective memory and fostering a sense of national identity that transcends time.
