Epic Films for Extended Viewing

Description: Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era, this film's length allows for a detailed portrayal of the tumultuous life of Scarlett O'Hara and her tumultuous relationships.

Fact: It was the first film to be released on video while it was still being shown in theaters, and it won 8 Academy Awards.

Description: This epic historical drama follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is betrayed and enslaved by the Romans. Its length allows for the famous chariot race and the exploration of themes like revenge, faith, and redemption.

Fact: The chariot race scene took three months to film and involved 15,000 extras.

Description: This epic biographical adventure film chronicles the life of T.E. Lawrence, detailing his experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. Its length allows for an in-depth exploration of his transformation and the political landscape of the time.

Fact: The film was shot in 70mm, providing stunning visuals, and its desert scenes were filmed in Jordan, Morocco, and Spain.

Description: Set during the Russian Revolution, this film explores the life of Yuri Zhivago, a poet and doctor, and his tumultuous love affair amidst political upheaval. Its length provides a sweeping narrative of love, loss, and historical change.

Fact: The film was banned in the Soviet Union until 1994 due to its portrayal of the revolution.

Description: This sequel to "The Godfather" is both a prequel and a sequel, exploring the early life of Vito Corleone and the rise and fall of his son Michael. Its extended runtime provides room for a rich, dual narrative.

Fact: It is one of the few sequels to win the Best Picture Oscar, and Robert De Niro learned Italian for his role as young Vito.

Description: This film examines the effects of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small steel town in Pennsylvania. Its extended runtime allows for a deep dive into the psychological and emotional impacts of war.

Fact: The film's Russian roulette scenes were highly controversial and led to much debate about their authenticity.

Description: Sergio Leone's epic crime drama spans several decades, following the lives of Jewish gangsters in New York City. Its length provides a comprehensive look at the rise and fall of organized crime.

Fact: The film was originally over six hours long but was cut down for its theatrical release; the director's cut is now widely available.

Description: Steven Spielberg's powerful drama about Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film's length allows for a detailed portrayal of his transformation and the horrors of the Holocaust.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel, and Spielberg refused to take a salary for directing.

Description: James Cameron's epic romance and disaster film tells the story of the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic, focusing on the love story between Jack and Rose. Its length allows for a comprehensive depiction of the ship's grandeur and the ensuing tragedy.

Fact: The film was the first ever to be released on video while it was still being shown in theaters, and it won 11 Academy Awards.

Description: The final installment of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy, this film concludes the journey of Frodo and the Fellowship. Its extended runtime is necessary to tie up the numerous plot threads and provide a satisfying conclusion.

Fact: It won 11 Academy Awards, tying with "Titanic" and "Ben-Hur" for the most Oscars ever won by a single film.