Top movies based on true events: Part 2
By ForGeeks Some of the best movies are based on true events. They allow audiences to see the highlights of history, using real-life inspiration to create compelling stories in a variety of genres. What are some of the best movies based on true stories? They are characterized not only by their high level of impact on the viewer, but also by their authenticity and artistic merit.
From the heroic deeds in “Schindler’s List” to the gripping chronicle of a gangster’s life in “Goodfellas,” many movies are unique reimaginings of real events. Knowing that they are based on real facts makes each plot twist even more fascinating, even if the filmmakers sometimes embellish events for the sake of spectacle. In this article, we’ll conclude our list of the best movies based on true events.
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The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street — a darkly comedic biographical crime film based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who rose to prominence on Wall Street in the 1990s and was later convicted of securities fraud and money laundering. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie tells how Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) quits his job to start a brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont. As Belfort’s wealth and influence grows, so do his vices, including drug addiction and extravagant spending.
Belfort’s wealth and influence grows.
DiCaprio and Scorsese’s fifth collaboration was incredibly successful, with The Wolf of Wall Street becoming one of the highest-grossing and best crime movies of the 2010s. The culture of greed that dominated the industry in the 1990s is perfectly captured in Belfort’s meteoric rise and spectacular fall. Scorsese delivered a scathing critique of Wall Street’s excesses, depicting a wild and riotous rampage of non-stop debauchery.
Sounds of Music
The Sound of Music — is a landmark achievement in filmmaking, but it’s easy to forget that it’s based on the real-life Maria von Trapp and her 1949 memoir called The Trapp Family Singers Story. The story centers — Austria in the late 1930s, where Maria (Julie Andrews), a young woman trained as a nun, is sent to serve as governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a widowed naval officer. Bringing music and joy into the lives of the von Trapp children, Maria falls in love with Captain von Trapp.
The 1965 musical drama is still loved and revered today for its fantastic performances, gorgeous sets and songs that have become legendary. Andrews’ iconic portrayal of Mary is still just as compelling today, and helps the movie carry the life-affirming message of resilience and hope to the masses.
Lawrence of Arabia
“Lawrence of Arabia” directed by David Lean — is a masterpiece that redefined the meaning of epic cinema. The movie is based on the real-life experiences of British Army officer T.E. Lawrence during World War I and his book “Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” written in 1926. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole) travels to Arabia to assess the progress of the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. At first a detached observer, Lawrence becomes deeply involved in the Arab cause and ends up leading bold attacks against the Ottomans.
Lawrence is a man of the world who has been a part of the Ottomans for a long time.
The 1962 film was nominated for 10 Oscars at the 35th Academy Awards and won seven of them, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie has since become synonymous with the epic genre, thanks to its large-scale sets and meticulously directed mass scenes depicting grand battles in the desert. Re-watching the film today, you’ll realize how much work went into creating the major moments, especially considering this was a movie before the advent of CGI. The protagonist’s struggle with disillusionment and identity also remains compelling, as one man’s conflicting loyalties spark a revolution.
Goodfellas
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Goodfellas — a classic gangster movie and one of director Martin Scorsese’s best works. It’s an adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi’s 1985 non-fiction book The Wise Man, based on the true story of a former mobster turned informant for Henry Hill. The movie follows Hill (Ray Liotta) along with friends Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) as they climb the ranks of the Italian-American Mafia in New York City. The protagonist starts out as an errand boy, but soon becomes an influential part of the organized crime world.
The film’s protagonist is an up-and-comer in the Italian-American mafia.
The 1990 movie was a hit and praised for its dispassionate portrayal of the Mafia lifestyle, showing the brutal consequences behind the opulent facade. The movie relies heavily on Scorsese’s direction as well as the director’s trademarks such as tracking shots, freeze frames and voice-overs. It all makes for a compelling blend that delivers a viewing experience that ages like a fine wine.
The movie is a fascinating blend, and it’s one of the best of all worlds.
Schindler’s List
The movie “Schindler’s List” is never excluded from the list of the best war movies of all time, and ranks among the greatest films ever made. The 1993 movie, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Thomas Keneally’s 1982 novel Schindler’s Ark, tells the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson). The German businessman saved the lives of over 1,000 refugees, mostly Polish-Jewish, during the Holocaust, risking his own life and fortune to protect them from the Nazis.
Shot in breathtaking black and white, Schindler’s List — is a tense and emotional retelling of real events that shows how one person can make a difference in hopeless situations. The movie contrasts the unimaginable evil at the Plaszow concentration camp with Schindler’s astounding bravery.
Schindler’s List
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