- 1). Use war films to educate. Using a film such as "We Were Soldiers" (2002) can explain the Battle of Ia Drang, the U.S. Army's first major battle in the Vietnam War. The story follows Lt. Col. Hal Moore, played by Mel Gibson, training his soldiers who are being sent to Vietnam, and the subsequent battle of 395 American soldiers against 4,000 enemy troops.
"Pearl Harbor" (2001) is a movie based on the infamous attack by the Japanese on the American base on Dec. 7, 1941. The film follows the fictitious friendship of Rafe and Danny, played by Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, and their romantic pursuits that occur as pilots as the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolds.
"Black Hawk Down" (2001) is an American war film by Ridley Scott about American soldiers sent in to capture two top lieutenants of a Somali warlord. The film spans the 18-hour ordeal when two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down and the American forces attempt to initiate a rescue mission. - 2). Use film to explain popular culture, such as the social-networking rise as depicted in "The Social Network" (2010). You can view the film either as a staple of pop culture or as a landmark in American history. "The Social Network" follows the life of Mark Zuckerberg, his creation of the popular social-network site Facebook, and the lawsuits that ensued.
"Titanic" (1997), directed by James Cameron, follows the romantic pursuits of fictitious passengers Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, along with many historical figures during the factual events leading to the Titanic's sinking in 1912.
"Apollo 13" (1995) is a Ron Howard film depicting the true story of the 1970 lunar mission Apollo 13. Less than a year since man walked on the moon, Apollo 13 took to space for another moon venture before finding itself jeopardized by a cut-off engine, leaving the astronauts in grave danger.
"Zodiac" (2007) is a David Fincher film based on the book, "Zodiac," by Robert Graysmith. The movie follows the 1970s case of a serial killer referred to as "Zodiac" and the pursuit of the story by a cartoonist working at the San Francisco Chronicle at the time. Graysmith, depicted by Jake Gyllenhaal in the movie, befriends Paul Avery, a crime reporter covering the Zodiac case. - 3). Use film to explain American politics. Many films about the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks are available, such as "Loose Change" by Dylan Avery or "United 93" by Paul Greengrass.
"JFK" (1991) is a film written and directed by Oliver Stone. The film centers around New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison, who questions the official explanation of the Kennedy assassination. The film is a mixture of fact and conjecture.
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