Films About the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a pivotal document in American history, symbolizing the colonies' break from British rule and the birth of the United States. Films that explore this theme often delve into the historical context, the key figures involved, and the ideological battles that shaped the nation's founding. These movies can range from dramatizations of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration to biographical accounts of figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Below is a list of notable films that focus on this significant moment in history:
“1776”, 1972
Director: Peter H. Hunt
This musical film depicts the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It focuses on the Continental Congress and features a memorable score, showcasing the debates and personalities involved in the revolutionary movement.
Starring: William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, Ken Howard, Donald Madden, John Cullum, Roy Poole, David Ford, Ron Holgate, Ray Middleton, William Hansen, Blythe Danner, Virginia Vestoff, Emory Bass, Ralston Hill, Howard Caine, Patrick Hines, William Duell, Daniel Keyes, Leo Leyden, Stephen Nathan, Jonathan Moore, James Noble, John Myhers, Rex Robbins, Charles Rule, Andy Albin, William Bassett, Nicolas Coster, Jack De Mave, Gordon De Vol, Frederic Downs, Peter Forster, John Holland, Heber Jentzsch, Richard McMurray, Mark Montgomery, Barry O'Hara, Dick O'Shea, Jordan Rhodes, Fred Slyter;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: musical, history, drama;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “1776” on the website imdb.com
“The Crossing”, 2014
Director: John Woo
This television film centers on George Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware River and the subsequent Battle of Trenton. While not exclusively about the Declaration itself, it highlights the revolutionary spirit that the document represents.
Starring: Zhang Ziyi, Song Hye-gyo, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Masami Nagasawa, Johnny Kou , Huang Xiaoming, Lin Meihsiu, Yang Kueimei, Tony Yang, Tong Dawei, Qin Hailu, Faye Yu, Denny Huang, Angeles Woo, Wang Qianyuan, Hitomi Kuroki, Qian Bo, Jack Kao, Lan Wang, Chia-Jui Kou, Vins Yi-Zheng, Tang Jingmei, Hou Yong, Xudong Du, You Yong, Bamboo Chen, Bowie Lam, Yu Zhen, Zhai Tianlin, Cong Shan, Aaron C. Shang, Liu Yiwei, Huanhuan Xu, Hu Xiaoguang, Wei Bai, Li Wenbo, Bonnie Xian, Shu Yaoxuan, Lee Wei, Yaqin Wang, Shen Huifen, Li Guangfu, Fang Qingzhuo, Feng Yan, Zhi Qi, Zhang Guoqing, Anne Sofie Adelsparre;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: history, drama, melodrama, war;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “The Crossing” on the website imdb.com
“John Adams”, 2008
Director: Tom Hooper
This HBO miniseries is a biographical portrayal of the life of John Adams, focusing on his role in the American Revolution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. It offers a deep exploration of the political and personal struggles of one of America's founding fathers.
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, David Morse, Tom Wilkinson, Rufus Sewell, Justin Theroux, Danny Huston, Sarah Polley, Andrew Scott, Zeljko Ivanek, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, John Dossett, Mamie Gummer, Caroline Corrie, Samuel Barnett, Kevin Trainor, Tom Hollander, Julian Firth, Damien Jouillerot, Steven Hinkle, Madeline Taylor, Michael Hall D'Addario, Simone Chambord, Brennan Brown, Tom Beckett, Jules Croiset, Sieger Sloot, Lex van Delden, John Keating, Thomas Langston, Timmy Sherrill, James Judice, Lucas N. Hall, Tim Seip, John Bedford Lloyd, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Ritchie Coster, Guy Henry, Neal Huff, Boris McGiver, Clancy O'Connor, Cyril Descours, Buzz Bovshow, Jerome Aarts, Tom Mannion, Jean Brassard, Bill Buell, Pip Carter, Lizan Mitchell;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
“The American Revolution”, 2014
Director: Kevin R. Hershberger
This documentary provides an in-depth look at the events leading to the Declaration of Independence, featuring historical reenactments and expert commentary. It places the Declaration in the broader context of the revolutionary war.
Starring: John Beach, Lars D.H. Hedbor, John Koopman, Jody Matzer, Brian McTamaney, Daniel Potes, Douglas E. Bischoff, Jeffery Clarke, Paul D'Elia, Alexandra Hernly, John Hilowitz, Chris Hull, Lora Innes, Shaun Irving, Jim Johnston, Brian K. Landis, Elena Lazorishak, Aaron T. Mott, Russ Randall, Morgan Stone Smith, Skylor Williams, Coby Batty, Frank Fazzio, D.L. Hopkins, Charles Wissinger, Justin Young;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary, war, history;
Age: 12+;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “The American Revolution” on the website imdb.com
“National Treasure”, 2004
Director: Jon Turteltaub
While primarily an adventure film, it involves a quest related to the Declaration of Independence. The protagonist seeks a hidden treasure tied to the founding of America, leading to themes of patriotism and historical exploration.
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel, Christopher Plummer, David Dayan Fisher, Stewart Finlay-McLennan, Stephen A. Pope, Annie Parisse, Mark Pellegrino, Armando Riesco, Erik King, Don McManus, Ron Canada, Hunter Gomez, Deborah Yates, Arabella Field, Sharon Wilkins, Alexandra Balahoutis, Dahn Ballard, Yves Beneche, Jason Earles, Terrence Currier, Rod McLachlan, Elizabeth Greenberg, Jody Halse, Liam Noble, Joshua Bitton, Michael Russo, Fern D. Baguidy Jr., Thomas Q. Morris, Antony Alda, John Travis, Michael Ahl, Heidi Albertsen, Brian Eric Alexander, Adriana Alveario, Frank Anello, Michael Arthur, Gino Azurmendi, Matthew Ballistreri, Nick Benson, James Biberi, Gavin Black, David Block, Jackson Bolt, Brooke Bonder;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: action, thriller, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “National Treasure” on the website imdb.com
These films offer varied perspectives and interpretations of the Declaration of Independence, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of this cornerstone of American democracy.
In conclusion, films centered around the theme of the Declaration of Independence offer a compelling exploration of the ideals of freedom, self-determination, and the human spirit's resilience against oppression. They serve not only as historical narratives but also as poignant reminders of the ongoing struggles for liberty and justice throughout the ages. By dramatizing the fervor and passion of those who fought for independence, these films invite viewers to reflect on the principles that underpin democracy and inspire contemporary conversations about rights and responsibilities. Ultimately, they encapsulate the timeless relevance of the Declaration, urging us to uphold its values in our modern world.
