It has become increasingly common for people to learn about history through films and television dramas. Although there are clear benefits to this trend, associated with making historical knowledge more accessible and engaging, I believe it poses more serious problems in terms of accuracy and depth of understanding.
Why are films and dramas beneficial to learning about history? If people learn about history by viewing movies, they can dedicate much time to their leisure activities, which helps them become more energetic and productive in both their academic career paths and real lives. As a result, they can quite often achieve academic success in their job fields in the long run, thereby enhancing the overall quality of their lives. In a world where people have increasingly busy schedules due to work and academic commitments, having the opportunity to learn history through films and dramas offers a convenient and enjoyable alternative to reading lengthy historical books. Visual storytelling not only makes historical events more engaging but also helps viewers retain information more effectively.
Why do most people face difficulties learning history via films? When individuals rely on movies for history, they often receive inaccurate information. This is because many filmmakers produce dramas and series designed to attract viewers by adding exaggerated portrayals to films and changing some historical periods. As a result, people, especially students who rely solely on such films for historical knowledge, may develop misconceptions, which can negatively impact their understanding and performance on academic history exams. A well-known example is the movie Napoleon, which portrays the life of Napoleon Bonaparte but includes many historical inaccuracies, such as incorrect clothing styles and battles that never happened.
In conclusion, while learning history through films offers benefits in terms of accessibility and entertainment, I argue that relying on reliable sources, such as academic books and historical records, is still essential for gaining an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the past.