Top movies based on true events: Part 1

Some of the best movies are based on true stories. These films bring to life some of history’s most remarkable moments, using real-life inspiration to create compelling narratives in a wide variety of genres. Which movies based on true events surpass all others in terms of impact, authenticity and artistic merit?”

What are some of the best movies based on true events that surpass all others in terms of impact, authenticity and artistic merit?

From the breathtaking heroism displayed in “Schindler’s List” to the gripping chronicle of a gangster’s life in “Goodfellas” — many films are unique reimaginings of true stories. Knowing that they are based on fact makes each twist all the more exciting, even if the filmmakers tend to embellish for the sake of spectacle.

They’re not the only ones that are based on fact.

Focus

The movie “Spotlight” chronicles the Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Spotlight team’s investigation of the Boston Globe newspaper’s systematic cover-up of child sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in their neighborhood, causing one of the most high-profile scandals in modern history. Led by Walter “Robbie” Robinson (Michael Keaton), a team of journalists, including Sasha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) and Mike Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), uncovers a pattern of abuse and institutional complicity in the church.

An investigation into the abuse and institutional complicity in the church.

The movie shows how persistent journalists stand up to powerful institutions and run into obstacles, but none of those obstacles stop them from getting the truth out and bringing those responsible to justice. Tom McCarthy’s movie, based on footage from the Spotlight team, effectively conveys the emotional weight of a true story while allowing a minimum of creative liberties. The controlled portrayal of events helps avoid sensationalizing the journalists’ experiences.

The film’s narrative is a good representation of the story.

Zodiac

Everyone knows how the hunt for the Zodiac Killer will end, but director David Fincher manages to make this journey toward a frustrating cold case fascinating. The movie “Zodiac” tells the real-life investigation of the infamous serial killer who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s — early 1970s.

Fincher does what he does best in “Zodiac,” creating a tense atmosphere that only gets heavier as the characters’ frustrations begin to take their toll on their jobs and personal relationships. The crime thriller becomes more about how each mysterious report causes the investigators to spiral downward, and eventually their obsession consumes their lives. With its fierce look at a case that haunted the entire country and impeccable execution, “Zodiac” has a reputation as one of the best modern crime films.

The Zodiac

12 Years a Slave

The movie “12 Years a Slave,” from British director Steve McQueen, — is a poignant account of one of the darkest chapters in American history. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the role of Solomon Northup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery by two crooks. The movie follows his struggle to survive the harsh conditions of slavery on various plantations in Louisiana. In the process, he becomes close to other slaves, including Patsy (Lupita Nyong’o), who endures particularly cruel treatment at the hands of sadistic master Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender).

The movie is about a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery by his sadistic master, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender).

Based on the 1853 memoir “Twelve Years a Slave,” the 2013 film ruthlessly depicts the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery that was commonplace in the land of America.
The film’s talented cast — Ejiofor as Northup, who won a BAFTA award, and the dramatic role of Patsy, played by Nyong’o, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The film’s talented cast — Ejiofor as Northup, who won a BAFTA award, and the dramatic role of Patsy, played by Nyong’o, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

The film’s cast and crew are both very talented.

Spartacus

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One of the best epic films and one of Stanley Kubrick’s most significant works — “Spartacus,” a historical drama based on the true story of the Thracian gladiator who led a slave revolt against the Roman Republic in the first century BC. Kirk Douglas plays the role of a hero who is born into slavery, but after being trained as a gladiator and forced to fight for fun, becomes a legendary figure and eventually leads a revolt against the empire.

Spartacus.

Adapted by Dalton Trumbo from Howard Fast’s 1951 novel, the 1960 film Spartacus was a triumph of the genre. The gripping plot and ambitious sets were groundbreaking for its time, and Kubrick masterfully brought the timeless story to the big screen. More than 60 years later, Spartacus remains an enduring symbol of hope and freedom.

The Pianist

Director Roman Polanski’s film “The Pianist” — an adaptation of Holocaust survivor Wladyslaw Szpilman’s autobiography — brings a grim story to life. Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a Polish-Jewish pianist, watches Warsaw transform during World War II. When the Nazis tighten their grip on Poland, Szpilman is forced into the Warsaw ghetto along with thousands of other Jews. Through a series of fortunate encounters and escapes, Szpilman manages to avoid capture and certain death, and eventually survives to the end of the war.

The Pianist — is both a heartbreaking and stunning look at a horrific period in history. Spielman’s unique story is particularly devastating because of the way he clings to his passion for music, finding solace in a human thing like playing the piano whenever possible. Brody, who won a Best Actor Oscar for the role, is terrific as the resilient Spielmann, whose experiences serve as a grim reminder of what a dark legacy the Holocaust leaves in its wake.

However, Brody’s performance is a stunning one.