Manifest Destiny is a historical concept that refers to the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continent was both justified and inevitable. This idea was often used to support westward expansion, sometimes at the expense of indigenous peoples and other nations. Films about manifest destiny often explore the triumphs and tragedies of this period in American history, shedding light on the complex and sometimes controversial aspects of this era.
“The Revenant”, 2015
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, this film follows the story of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman and fur trapper, as he navigates the harsh wilderness of the American frontier. The film delves into the theme of manifest destiny as it portrays the struggles and conflicts that arose during the westward expansion.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, Forrest Goodluck, Paul Anderson, Kristoffer Joner, Joshua Burge, Duane Howard, Melaw Nakehk'o, Fabrice Adde, Arthur RedCloud, Christopher Rosamond, Robert Moloney, Lukas Haas, Brendan Fletcher, Tyson Wood, McCaleb Burnett, Vincent Leclerc, Stephane Legault, Emmanuel Bilodeau, Cole Vandale, Tom Guiry, Scott Olynek, Amelia Crow Show, Peter Strand Rumpel, Timothy Lyle, Kory Grim, Anthony Starlight, Jamie Medicine Crane, Veronica Marlowe, Clarence Hoof, Dion Little Child, Blake Wildcat, Paul Young Pine, Cody Big Tobacco, Dallas Young Pine, Chesley Wilson, Michael Fraser, Scott Duncan, Mariah Old Shoes, Grace Dove, Adrian Mcmorran, Isaiah Tootoosis, Alex Bisping, Chris Ippolito, Jeffrey Olynek, C. Adam Leigh, Kevin Corey, Daniel Rampanen;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: adventure, western, action, drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 156 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Revenant” on the website imdb.com
“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”, 2007
Director: Andrew Dominik
Directed by Andrew Dominik, this film explores the life of notorious outlaw Jesse James and his impact on the American West. Set against the backdrop of manifest destiny, the movie delves into the darker side of this period, highlighting the violence and lawlessness that often accompanied westward expansion.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Mary-Louise Parker, Sam Shepard, Garret Dillahunt, Michael Parks, Ted Levine, Zooey Deschanel, Brooklynn Proulx, Dustin Bollinger, Joel McNichol, James Defelice, J.C. Roberts, Darrell Orydzuk, Jonathan Erich Drachenberg, Torben Hansen, Alison Elliott, Lauren Calvert, Kailin See, Tom Aldredge, Jesse Frechette, Pat Healy, Joel Duncan, James Carville, Stephanie Wahlstrom, Adam Arlukiewicz, Ian Ferrier, Michael J Rogers, Calvin Bliid, Sarah Lind, Matthew Walker, Michael Copeman, Laryssa Yanchak, Hugh Ross, Kalyn Bomback, Doug Christian, Tanis Dolman, Carey Feehan, Sara Fowlow, Catherine Gell, Anthony Harrison, Adam Johnston, Samantha Kelly, Stanley Kowalski, Meghan K. Lees;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: biography, western, crime, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 160 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” on the website imdb.com
“Dances with Wolves”, 1990
Director: Kevin Costner
Directed by Kevin Costner, this epic film tells the story of a Union Army lieutenant who befriends a tribe of Lakota people and adopts their way of life. Through its portrayal of the clash between Native American culture and the encroachment of white settlers, the film offers a poignant exploration of manifest destiny and its effects on indigenous populations.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant, Floyd «Red Crow» Westerman, Tantoo Cardinal, Robert Pastorelli, Charles Rocket, Maury Chaykin, Jimmy Herman, Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, Michael Spears, Jason R. Lone Hill, Tony Pierce, Doris Leader Charge, Tom Everett, Larry Joshua, Kirk Baltz, Wayne Grace, Donald Hotton, Annie Costner, Conor Duffy, Elisa Daniel, Percy White Plume, John Tail, Steve Reevis, Sheldon Peters Wolfchild, Wes Studi, Buffalo Child, Clayton Big Eagle, Richard Leader Charge, Redwing Ted Nez, Marvin Holy, Raymond Newholy, David J. Fuller, Ryan White Bull, Otakuye Conroy, Maretta Big Crow, Steve Chambers, William H. Burton Jr., Bill W. Curry, Nick Thompson, Carter Hanner, Kent Hays, Robert Goldman, Frank P. Costanza, James A. Mitchell, R.L. Curtin, Justin, Teddy;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, western, adventure, war, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 181 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Dances with Wolves” on the website imdb.com
These films offer thought-provoking perspectives on manifest destiny, shedding light on the complexities and consequences of westward expansion in American history.
The selection of films about manifest destiny offers a compelling exploration of the complex and controversial concept that shaped the history of the United States. From epic Westerns to introspective dramas, these films delve into the themes of expansion, conquest, and the clash of cultures. Through captivating storytelling and nuanced character portrayals, they invite viewers to reflect on the moral implications and consequences of manifest destiny. By shedding light on the triumphs and tragedies of this pivotal era, these films not only entertain but also provoke deeper conversations about the legacy of manifest destiny and its enduring impact on American society.
