THE REAL BLOODY MEDIEVAL BATTLE FOR FRANCE | HUNDRED YEARS' WAR

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary, presented by historian Dan Jones, offers a vivid exploration of the Crécy Campaign during the Hundred Years' War. Jones retraces the steps of Edward III's English army through Normandy in 1346, focusing not just on the royal figures but on the lives of the common soldiers. The narrative skillfully blends historical accounts with Jones's imagined experiences from his novel "Essex Dogs," bringing to life the brutal realities of the campaign. Viewers are taken on a journey through pillaged towns and fertile landscapes, witnessing the "scorched-earth" tactics employed by the English. Through discussions with experts like Prof. Michael Livingston, Dr. Elodie Giard, and archaeologist Alban Gottfrois, the documentary delves into the military strategies, the nature of warfare in hostile territories, and the devastating impact on the French populace. The exploration extends to the French perspective, examining King Philippe VI's actions and the eventual shift in the campaign's momentum. It's a meticulously researched and engaging account that highlights the human element within a pivotal historical conflict.