Jeanskynebu the audience applauded

Mjeteconer Just perfect...

Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

ladybug2535 While the host, Terry Jones is most popularly known for his role(s) as part of the Monty Python gang, he also wears the high-brow hats of author and historian. He has been involved in producing both video and written works covering the lives, struggles and daily work (for example the series "Worst Jobs in History") of people through the ages, ancient and historical inventions (the series aptly titled *Ancient Inventions"), the history of mathematics/numbers (documentary: "The Story of 1"), and more. His numerous published works include several non-fiction histories, children's books and an in-depth speculative look into the mysterious disappearance of the famous Chaucer ("Who killed Chaucer? A real life Medieval Murder Mystery" NF). While not an "academic", Terry Jones definitely exhibits a love and knowledge of history, and obviously believes that education doesn't have to be dull. I have found all of his works to accurately reflect prevailing opinions about his subjects for the time of production. You can be sure that Jone's videos are highly entertaining, educational and informative while steeped in G-rated humor (with perhaps some sly innuendo, which will quietly fly right over most youngsters' heads). Terry Jones is well-known for dressing in drag as part of his Monty Python skits, and there is no shortage of cross-dressing in his historical videos, to great effect. He's a wonderful sport about steeping himself quite literally into the lives of his historical subjects (hilarious and sometimes "awfully funny"--emphasis on "awfully" in "Worst Jobs in History"), which makes his presentations original, funny and humanizing. It's too easy to forget that our ancestors were all people just like us. Terry Jones has a wonderful way of bringing history warmly, respectfully, richly alive for all ages.My only criticism is that I felt the segments were too short for each time period (which is more of a problem of the nature of the medium and not a question of quality). Both BBCand PBS often direct viewers to alternative sources for more information (both of which have aired these shows--and if I remember right, one or the other sponsored these productions).

muskebiis Guess what? Most of what we think we know about the middle ages is actually: The Middle Ages as interpreted by the Victorians, and was neatly adjusted to fit the mores of their time. Terry Jones peels away this Victorian smokescreen and gets rid of all the popular clichés about witches, chivalry,(lack of)science and chaste helpless damsels in a refreshing way. This documentary series is whimsical enough to be enjoyed by a twelve year old, but at the same time so factual, informative, and well researched that it will please... everyone really. For example, Jones walks through actual medieval art during his explanations, which is not just funny, but also an actual 'academically correct' choice. Every episode has its own theme: The Peasant (Feudal Farming and the Farmers rebellion), The Monk (Religion), The Damsel (Woman and sexuality), The Minstrel (Music, acting, and court culture), The Night, The Philosopher (science), The Outlaw (Law and Order), and the King. In these times where history having to do with woman seems to be out of fashion or deemed unimportant again, I particularly enjoyed The Damsel.Do yourself a favour and check it out!

dumbpoet69 I was a little put off by the other commenter when they spoke of the playful nature of this series because I generally prefer my facts to be undiluted. Unfortunately comedic documentaries tend to blur the line between fact and fiction to the point where the more extreme facts seem doubtful and certainly wouldn't hold up in conversation.However, this series does a fantastic job of keeping the subject light hearted while still being dense with facts. The general structure of each episode is a brief introduction to the "stereotype" and then the rest of the episode focuses on deconstructing that stereotype, sometimes even showing where the misconception came from.

Anzillu This show is great, you can learn a lot of fun facts from it (even if you have knowledge of the time period already you still find out some interesting stuff from time to time) and the Mony Pythonish way all is brought is hilarious, especially the multiple characters Terry Jones portrayals, from monk to knight to...damsel LOL, but even so you don't want to learn it's still good to watch for the sheer fun factor of it all. truly on of the more interesting docu's you'll find out there if you like this also check out Ancient lives (also Terry Jones here) who i have seen so far (dont know if there are more) Roman life, and Egyptian life.