“Far and Away” Historical References
Throughout Ron Howard’s movie “Far and Away”, the writers have included many historical references to early America. The movie takes place in the late 1800’s, and demonstrates the American way of life for immigrants. By demonstrating the terrible working conditions, immigrant life (and particularly boxing), cheap or free land, and specifically the 1889 Land Run, Howard is able to convey an interesting movie with significant historical significance.
From the start of the movie, we see historical significance regarding the Irish Protestant’s occupation in Ireland. We know that during the 1800’s, economic differences in Ireland caused the North and the South to grow and develop separate from each other. While the North flourished and the standard of living skyrocketed, the South suffered due to the unequal distribution of resources and large plots of land ruled by the Anglican Protestants. In the movie, Joseph’s society is threatened and eventually destroyed by the Protestants, demonstrating such conflict.
Joseph, an Irishman, and Shannon, a Protestant, escape to America where they see first-hand the American culture; or at least the “culture” surrounding Ellis Island. The two end up in an Irish district, directly paralleling the “districts” inevitably created during the time in large cities such as New York. These “districts” were created as an attempt for people of the same kind (Irish, German, British, etc.) The two also face terrible working conditions and struggle for living, another common theme during the late 1800’s in America. In order to escape the chaos, Joseph begins to take on boxing. Boxing, as we well know, has strong historical significance. Dating as far back as over two hundred years ago, boxing was the all-American past time. Even president Theodore Roosevelt was an active participant in the boxing culture.
The last and strongest parallel between the movie and American history was the dream for “free” land. The movie contains scenes from the 1889 Oklahoma land rush, a huge event involving over 50,000 people and over 8,000 square kilometers of land to give away. During this event, settlers could race for a .65 square kilometer plot of land provided they promised to live and maintain the land. In the movie, Joseph and Shannon both take place in the event, and the movie shows a parody of a true image taken during the event.
Learning American History is not only important, it is also essential. By knowing important historical events, we can make parallels to events in motion pictures that may seem trivial to one lacking the fundamental knowledge on the subject. In “Far and Away,” there are many allusions to American historical events, and these are the events that we need to know as students in CP U.S. History.
