Historical Inaccuracies:
* The Land Rush: The movie depicts a romanticized version of the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. In reality, the process was much more chaotic, with thousands of people racing to claim land, often resorting to violence and cheating. The movie's portrayal of a friendly, almost romantic, land rush is inaccurate.
* The Characters: The main characters, Joseph and Shannon, are fictional. While there were Irish immigrants and wealthy families seeking land in the West, the specific events and relationships depicted in the film are not based on real people.
* The Setting: The movie uses fictional locations and names for towns and areas. While the Oklahoma territory was a real place, the specific locations featured in the film were not actual settlements.
* The Role of Irish Immigrants: While the film touches on the struggles of Irish immigrants, it simplifies and romanticizes their experiences. The reality of Irish immigration was often marked by poverty, discrimination, and hardship.
* The Cattle Drives: The movie depicts cattle drives as a glamorous and adventurous experience. In reality, cattle drives were long, arduous journeys that were dangerous and often fraught with difficulties.
Historical Accuracy:
* The Era: The film accurately captures the late 19th century setting, including fashion, technology, and general atmosphere of the time.
* The Challenges of the West: The movie portrays the challenges faced by settlers, including harsh weather, difficult terrain, and the need to build a life from scratch.
Overall:
"Far and Away" should be considered a fictionalized account of the American West, rather than a historically accurate portrayal. It uses real events and themes as inspiration but takes creative liberties with the details. The film is more focused on storytelling and romance than historical accuracy.
It's important to note that there are many other movies and books that offer more accurate historical accounts of the Oklahoma Land Rush and the American West. If you are interested in learning more about this period, it's best to consult sources that prioritize historical accuracy.