The French Revolution (2005)

On July 14, 1789, a mob of angry Parisians stormed the Bastille and seized the King's military stores. A decade of idealism, war, murder, and carnage followed, bringing about the end of feudalism and the rise of equality and a new world order. The French Revolution is a definitive feature-length documentary that encapsulates this heady (and often headless) period in Western civilization. With dramatic reenactments, illustrations, and paintings from the era, plus revealing accounts from journals and expert commentary from historians, The French Revolution vividly unfurls in a maelstrom of violence, discontent, and fundamental change. King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, and Napoleon Bonaparte lead a cast of thousands in this essential program from THE HISTORY CHANNEL®. Narrated by Edward Herrmann (The Aviator, Gilmore Girls), The French Revolution explores the legacy that--now more than ever--stands as both a warning and a guidepost to a new millennium

The French Revolution - History Channel

This had a substantial amount of information presented quite coherently, but the backing music almost overwhelmed it. October 3, 2008

One of the Best History Channel Productions Ever!

The History Channel outdid themselves with the French Revolution series. The series provides outstanding insights from scholars that are interwoven throughout helping to inform viewers of historically relevant events.

It would have been a real shame had the History Channel done a poor job on one of the most important periods in history. With that said, they clearly did justice to their name and reputation with this outstanding production.

I must say one early reviewer had much sympathy for Marie Antoinette. I can't say I share the same feelings in view of the lack of compassion Ms. Antoinette had towards starving, oppressed French people whom the Royalty hoarded flour from. Such a sympathetic view towards the royals is really a reason why our current culture of King George W. Bush needs to be revolted against. There are too many naive Americans propping up an evil, mentally ill President simply because he has been ordained to be above the law in their view.

August 10, 2008

Saint Bastille's Day: The Birth of Liberty, Equality and a New World Order.

This documentary is a visual tour-de-force of world history. It's simply a delight to watch. It's a lively description of major events and leading colourful characters in the French revolution. July 14, 1789 otherwise known as "Saint Bastille's Day",was the beginning of the famed French revolution. A french mob unleashed a social leviathan which cleansed the augean stable. The masses overthrew the misrule and carnage of the feudal system in France. The highlight of the French revolution ushered a new world order of idealism and enlightenment. The world is better for it.
August 9, 2008

It helped me get an A!

This documentary helped me and my study group visualize some of the key characters and main events which sparked and fueled the French Revolution.

Although the movie seemed to miss a few points, it was an overall good summary. Everyone in my study group got an A on our exam of the French Revolution.

If you're taking Western Civilizations in college, get it! It's worth the investment! Oh, and the good thing is, I can watch it over and over again! Another awesome history dvd to add to my collection! Isn't history interesting?



June 21, 2008

Educational and Entertaining!

The French Revolution is a History Channel documentary shedding light on one of the most important events of Western Civilization. The documentary follows a pragmatic, realistic, and in effect a more truthful account of the French Revolution by using many available sources in describing and discussing King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Marat, Robespierre, Danton, and events leading to the French Revolution (1789).
The movie does a good job of transporting the viewer to 18th Century France and presenting the French Estates system.
We get a taste (though a very light one) of France's involvement in the American Revolution (beginning in 1778).
Moreover, we get to see and hear about some of the lies and propaganda that helped shift public opinion against the Queen as well as the fact that King Louis XVI did not wish to rule and was forced into that position following the death of his grandfather Louis XV.
The film is also excellent in showing the raw brutality and excessive force of the Revolution.
The only major setback is in relation to the History Channel's bias in openly shunning Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and scorning the French monarchy.
Unlike many of the History Channel's recent documentaries with a biblical theme that are heavily biased, fictitious, and speculative, such as The Exodus Decoded, The French Revolution is very well written and very well presented allowing for a thought-provoking documentary that will provide food for thought well after it is over as it offers valuable insight into a very important period of French (European) History.
The History Channel's The French Revolution is strongly recommended along with Napoleon the TV Miniseries (starring Christian Clavier, Isabella Rossellini, Gerard Depardieu, and John Malkovich), Brotherhood of the Wolf (Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel), Marie Antoinette (Kirsten Dunst), and Vidocq (Gerard Depardieu), as well as to a lesser extent Queen Margot (Isabelle Adjani), for those with a soft spot for French History.
June 2, 2008

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