Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema: British History Movies

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Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Mark Kermode reveals the film-making tricks and techniques behind classic movie genres.

Mark Kermode reveals the film-making tricks and techniques behind classic movie genres, from romcoms to horrors.

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Mark Kermode

Kim Newman

John Das

Nick Freand Jones

Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema: Series 2: British History Movies

British History Movies

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Mark Kermode uncovers the cinematic and storytelling secrets of British history movies.

Mark Kermode uncovers the cinematic and storytelling secrets of the quintessential British film genre – history.

‘History,’ says Mark Kermode, ‘is the quintessential British film genre.’ America may have its great outdoors for road movies and westerns, and teeming cities for cop and crime sagas. But there is more than enough in two millennia of British history to provide a bottomless well of story material. 

To prove the point, Mark looks at some of the best films about British history in the order of when they are set, tracing the story of Britain from the Roman invasion to the modern era, via medieval times, the Tudors, the English Civil War and the 18th and 19th centuries. He shows, from action and adventure to political intrigue, and from forest-dwelling outlaws to embattled kings and queens, that British history encompasses a remarkable range of styles and situations. Each period is almost a genre in itself, with its own particular themes and characters. And facts are rarely allowed to stand in the way of a good story or striking image.

Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema: Series 2

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Mark Kermode dives into superhero movies, spy films and cinema's take on British history.

Mark Kermode explores the conventions that underwrite the movies we love the most and the techniques film-makers use to keep us coming back for more.

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British History Movies

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