5 historical slips found in war movies [video]

In an attempt to recount major historical events, films often end up with some slips. We must bear in mind that sometimes this really happens for lack of knowledge and for a more specific and thorough search; however, directors and writers may end up changing the story just to create a more interesting scene or plot.

Either way, Popular Mechanics has surveyed the "mistakes" that can be found in war and battle movies. We have selected some of these slips for you to check and not be fooled the next time you watch these movies. Do not miss it!

1) “Schindler's List” (1993)

Error: Schindler is represented as the sole author of the list.

In general, the drama recreated by Steven Spilberg is quite accurate, and in fact there was a list in which the names of the surviving Holocaust Jews were recorded. However, some sources point out that Schindler was not alone in handling this relationship. In fact, there were several lists of names. Still, for a time Schindler was in jail for bribery and that would have prevented him from helping his accountant Itzhak Stern to type in the role.

2) “Braveheart” (1995)

Error: The Battle of Stirling Bridge is staged in the open.

One of the highlights of the film is when the Scottish army, led by William Wallace (Mel Gibson), positions himself on the field to defeat the English. But the scene was built on the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which took place in 1297, and its main highlight was the use by Scottish fighters of the narrow bridge to gain advantage and defeat the English cavalry. In cinema, the battle between Scots and English takes place in an open field and there is no bridge. It seems that the producers believed that recreating the battle on a narrow bridge would not result in such a fascinating scene on the big screen.

3) The Patriot (2000)

Mistake: Americans win the final battle.

The final battle depicted in the film shows the American victory, which took place with the help of the army and local militia, over British General Charles Cornwallis. However, the combat shown in the movie is, in fact, a miscellany of the events of the real battles of Cowpens and Guilford Court House. Indeed, the Americans won the Battle of Cowpens, but it was the British who were honored to win the Battle of Guilford Court House. The latest fight, however, helped to decide the US War of Independence due to the large number of dead and wounded British forces.

4) “300” (2006)

Error: Spartans do not wear armor.

We cannot deny that the movie “300” raised the level of war film productions by recounting the Battle of Thermopylae. And to increase the climate of action, the plot even lengthens some historical truths at certain times. But we can consider that the main slump in production is the fact that the male Spartan soldiers fight shirtless - and without any other equipment to ensure their protection. Experts point out that Spartans always wore armor and even different types of equipment existed. According to John Burgess, a former US Foreign Service officer, archers wore lighter armor, for example. The expert also explains that it is possible that some Spartans did not have adequate equipment, but only if they were new recruits who had no money.

5) “Battleship: The Battle of the Seas” (2012)

Error: Preparing the battle ship takes a few minutes.

We know you can't expect much likelihood in a movie where aliens are trying to destroy warships. Either way, it's hard to believe the scene that shows Lieutenant Alex Hopper and a group of war veterans leaving a battle ship ready to attack within minutes. The scene even has some fun jokes, but it is a fact that a battleship of famous USS Missouri proportions would need a few days to be ready for battle. “Consider that our older ships need five days to be operational. But in a movie about a board game I wouldn't expect much realism, ”commented Michael James Barton, US Air Force Reservist.

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Remember that this kind of cinema is made for entertainment. What directors, screenwriters and producers are looking for is the best alternative to represent certain fact in a way that will impress and entertain their viewers. Those looking for valid information about important historical events will surely find more reliable sources in books and documentaries on the subject.