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Our new trimester has begun! And with our long holiday break coming up soon, we thought you might enjoy a few more suggestions on movies, audio, and books that relate to this trimester’s history and literature. Why not take care of some E&E hours while the kids are enjoying their time off?
Besides the ideas below, you can always click here to check out last trimester’s blog post with video/audio suggestions – many of those apply to our entire year.
Some of the following videos can be found for free on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or YouTube, and others can be rented or purchased. You could also check our local library system. There are many more Medieval movies out there, but here is a sampling.
Parents, please use your own discretion to choose appropriate and enjoyable movies for your kids. There can be a certain amount of violence and intensity to the Middle Ages, so use your own judgement. We have tried to choose appropriate titles here, but SLOCA has not previewed all the following selections, we have only compiled a list for you to explore:
Documentaries and Short Videos:
- The History Channel Special: Going Medieval (2012) TV-14 – Description: Diving deep into the life and times of the Middle Ages, historian and weapons expert Mike Loades hosts the two-hour H2 special, Going Medieval, delivering fun-filled facts such as how to keep a knight's armor shiny using sand, vinegar and urine. Loades battles the myths vs. the realities of work and home during this extraordinary time. (Note the rating, not for young children.)
- The History Channel Special: The Real Robin Hood (2010) TV-14 – The Real Robin Hood probes the fascinating history behind the man and the myths of this legendary hero. Coinciding with the 5/14/10 Universal release of the film Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, director Ridley Scott also produces this dynamic two-hour television special. (Note the rating, not for young children.)
- Conwy Castle: Medieval Masterpiece (2013) Description: This documentary takes you on a guided tour of the magnificent 13th century ruins. Using state-of-the-art computer graphics and beautiful aerial photography, we explore one of the premiere World Heritage sites in Europe, gaining a rich insight into the life of the castle and its pivotal role in English and Welsh history.
- Building the Great Cathedrals (2010) TV-G – Description: On this dazzling journey inside the jewels of Gothic architecture, NOVA reveals the hidden formulas, drawn from the pages of the Bible itself, that drove medieval builders ever upward.
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- Terry Jones' Medieval Lives: Season 1 – most of these are rated TV-G, and although Terry Jones is mostly known for the silly Monthy Python and the Holy Grail, he has a real passion for and detailed knowledge of the Middle Ages.
- The Dark Ages…How Dark Were They, Really? (2012) – This is part of a series called “Crash Course History” hosted by John Green. Older students and adults may enjoy this… a lot of info is covered, with entertaining animations and side notes.
- Medieval Manuscript Reproduction – Description: This series of videos comes from an American graduate student who works as a calligrapher who specializes in reproductions of medieval manuscripts. The videos are a how to guide for creating your own manuscript.
Animated Short Videos:
- A Day In The Life of a 10-Year-Old In Norman Times – a Hands-On History BBC video for kids
- Medieval Castle History, Part 1 – This ten-minute animation of life during medieval times is a bit dated, but still good for visual learners. Here’s Part 2 and Part 3.
- Robin Hood Cartoon (1960)
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- Lego Robin Hood, Part 1 (no part 2 yet, it seems…) – Kids who love Legos will probably enjoy this stop-motion video. Here’s another one: Lego BBC Robin Hood BrickFilm
Films:
- Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1944) Not Rated – Classic adventure film. Description: Orphaned as a child and adopted by a band of notorious thieves, Ali Baba sets out to avenge his father's murder, reclaim the throne, and rescue his beloved from the grasp of his enemy.
- Bugs Bunny’s 1001Rabbit Tales (1982) Not Rated – Just for fun! Description: Bugs and Daffy Duck are at it again in a land ruled by “Sultan” Yosemite Sam and his son Prince Abadaba in this hilarious feature-length Arabian Nights satire.
- The Lion in Winter (1968) PG – Description: 1183 AD: King Henry II's three sons all want to inherit the throne, but he won't commit to a choice. They and his wife variously plot to force him.
- Robin Hood (1973) G – The Disney animated classic. Description: Prince John sets about taxing Nottingham's citizens with staunch opposition by the wily Robin Hood and his band of merry men.
- The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952) PG – Another Disney version, not animated. Description: When King Richard leaves England, Prince John conspires to gain power.
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- The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Not Rated – This is the classic film starring Errol Flynn.
- Robin Hood (2010) PG-13 – For the older crowd only, but very entertaining and well done. Description: The untold story of the man behind the legend. A thrilling action adventure with Academy Award winner Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott at “their most entertaining since Gladiator.”
- The Court Jester (1956) Not Rated – A humorous re-telling of the Robin Hood story. Description: Danny Kaye plays kind-hearted entertainer Hawkins who disguises himself as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. Hawkins infiltrates the court of the evil villain Basil Rathbone, but when a sorceress hypnotizes him, royal chaos ensues.
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And if you want to go waaaay back and show your kids a silent film, try this one for fun:
- Robin Hood (1922) PG – Description: Amid big-budget medieval pageantry, King Richard goes on the Crusades leaving his brother Prince John as regent, who promptly emerges as a cruel, grasping, treacherous tyrant.
TV:
- Robin Hood (2006) TV-PG – 3 seasons available on Netflix. This retelling of the Robin Hood tale features a hip Robin and his cynical manservant battling the brilliant but evil Sheriff of Nottingham.
Audio:
- Aladdin and the Magic Lamp – audio stories
- The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle – a Librivox recording
Books:
- View the Virtual Luttrell Psalter – Flip through the pages of this virtual book online, and zoom in to see the detailed illustrations! Description: The Luttrell Psalter is one of the most famous medieval manuscripts because of its rich illustrations of everyday life in the 14th century. It was made in the diocese of Lincoln for Sir Geoffrey Luttrell (1276 – 1345) of Irnham, probably sometime between 1325 and 1335. The text was written throughout by one scribe and illuminated by at least five different artists.
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- You Wouldn’t Want To… series – This is a very fun book series for kids, and there are a few about the Middle Ages. Purchase or check the library for such titles as: You Wouldn’t Want to Live in the Middle Ages, You Wouldn't Want To Be In A Medieval Dungeon, You Wouldn't Want To Be A Medieval Knight.
- As mentioned last trimester, for supplemental book suggestions for this year, check out our Novel Adventures list for Year 2 – Middle Ages, which you can find our our website’s parent page.
If any of the above links do not work, please send an email to Down Home and let us know!
Do you have any additional suggestions? Or have you watched any of the above and have thoughts to share? Tell us in the comments below.
SLO Classical Academy is not affiliated with any of the above mentioned websites or businesses.
