W European History


Feature Writer: Lorri Mealey
Lorri Mealey, Lorri Mealey

From Roman conquest to Viking invasions, Renaissance to the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions, European Union to the War on Terror, nations in Western Europe share common history.

Countries we will explore include Germany, Luxembourg, Monaco, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Malta, Spain, Andora, Portugal and Gibraltar.

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Neuschwanstein Castle, the symbol of Bavaria, Softeis
feature articles
Lorri Mealey

Ulrich Zwingli

In: Swiss History

Right around the time that Martin Luther was posting his 95 Theses in Wittenberg Germany, another Protestant reformer was doing similar things in the Swiss city of Zurich more...

Union of Kalmar

In: Scandinavian History

The Union of Kalmar united Sweden, Denmark and Norway under one ruler, Queen Margrethe. Formed to challenge the Hanseatic League, the union lasted 126 years. more...

Book Review of Marie Thérèse

In: French History

Book Review of Marie Thérèse, Child of Terror: The Fate of Marie Antoinette's Daughter, by Susan Nagel's more...

Dutch East India Company

In: Dutch History

The Dutch East India Company was a joint stock company who monopolized the spice trade of the 17th century. They established trading ports all over Asia. more...

The Estates General

In: French History

The Estates General was the governing body of France since the Middle Ages. By the French Revolution the Third Estate has decided to make some changes. more...

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Lorri Mealey

May 3, 2008

Western European History Movies

Historical movies may not always be 100% accurate (Braveheart, anyone?) but they provide a fun glimpse into the past. What better way to spend a rainy weekend?


I like watching a good historical flick almost as much as reading a historical novel. My DVD collection is made up of motley assortment of historically based movies from all over Western Europe. Some are based on actual historical events, while others are fictional stories that take place in the past.

So, in no particular order, here are some of my favorite movies from Western European History.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Directed by Sophia Coppola and starring Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette

This contemporary take on the rise and fall of the last Queen of France is beautifully done. The costuming is absolutely magnificent.

A Lion in Winter (1968)

Starring Peter O’Toole as Henry II and Katherine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine

I am not a big classic film buff, but this one is a must for any fan of Western European History.

Elizabeth (1998)

Starring Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I. I love Cate Blanchett as a young Queen Bess. But my secret delight with this Renaissance film is the portrayal of Marie de Guise by French actress Fanny Ardent.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

Starring Roberto Benigni as a Jewish Italian suffering through the Nazi invasion. It is a provocative and unique way to look at one history’s darkest chapters.

Tea With Mussolini (1999)

Starring Cher, Judy Dench and Maggie Smith

This movie flew under the radar, but is absolutely awesome. It is loosely based on true events of a group of English ladies who remain in Florence during WWII. The settings are beautiful and the characters wonderfully flawed.

Immortal Beloved (1994)

Starring Gary Oldman and Isabella Rosellinni

Tells the story of Romantic composer Ludwig Van Beethoven. Even if you aren’t a big classical music fan, this movie is rich and compelling.

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