The “History in the Movies” presentation at Cal Day today was a huge success. The room was packed, and although some people came and went throughout the two hours attendance was at least 250.

Professor Hollinger began the event with an introduction about the department and he noted in particular the recent teaching awards received by faculty (Professor Einhorn, 2006-2007 Graduate Division Faculty Award for Outstanding Mentorship of GSIs; Professor Noreña, 2006-2007 Distinguished Teaching Award for the Division of Social Science; and Professor Taylor, 2006-2007 Distinguished Faculty Mentoring Award given by the Berkeley Graduate Assembly). He emphasized the fact that the department is not only one of the top three in the country in terms of scholarship and research but also that it fosters excellent undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Professor Brady’s discussion of The Wind That Shakes the Barley came next. He played four different clips from the film. Only one of them was even remotely lighthearted and Brady reported that this clip contained the only humorous moment in the entire film. Two of the other clips depicted brutal violence. One showed the “Black and Tans” harassing a group of Irish and killing one of the men in front of his family. Another one showed how the British oppression of the Irish begat more violence as several IRA members execute two of their friends and family members for betraying the cause. The final clip from the film depicted a local debate about the peace treaty with Britain and the question of partitioning the north and south. The film seemed powerful and evocative. Even from only four clips it was evident that the film fairly effectively presents the terrible nature of the conflict between the British and Irish.

Professor Mackil followed with her discussion of 300. Just as readily as she noted the inaccuracies in many of the depictions, she seemed to admire some of the visual artistry of the film as well as the graphic novel upon which it is based. One of the major historical problems with the film that she pointed out was the fact that it emphasized the heroism of the Spartans at the expense of the larger Greek alliance that was the real force that defeated the Persian invasion.

Professor Yeh presented her thoughts on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon next. She thought the film was trash insofar as it did not accurately depict much of anything about Chinese culture and society during the period. It does say something about the way that the Chinese diaspora exists at the time the film was made because of the fact that the four main characters and the director came from disparate Chinese communities.

Professor Brilliant on Unforgiven.

Professor Laqueur on Amazing Grace.