It is in our nature to take an interest in the great personalities who have shaped the world we live in today. Whether these people are world leaders, musical prodigies, boxers or activists, they have influenced and shaped our world in some way.
Over the years, filmmakers have taken a particular interest in retelling the stories of well-known public figures for those who might not be aware of their incredible influence and the stories behind these legends, or simply as a tribute to them.
“Amadeus” (1984) - 8.4 / 10
Released in 1984, Amadeus is a biopic based on the life of an Austrian musical prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film is dedicated to Mozart’s personal struggle (Tom Hulse) faced alcoholism and marriage while dealing with envious rival Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) who wants to destroy it at any cost.
While there were many dramatized and fictionalized aspects of the film, the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri is loosely based on rumors going back to the 1770s. However, over the years, many published works indicate that historians have been unable to find any evidence of any sign of rivalry. The film was nominated for eleven Oscars, of which it won eight, including Best Picture. He has also received 32 other awards from other associations.
“Gandhi” (1982) - 8.1 / 10
Gandhi a biopic based on events in the life of the adored Indian leader, Mohandas Gandhi (better known as Mahatma Gandhi). After spending most of his life in India under British rule, Gandhi (Ben Kingsley) is trying to stand up for his country. Thanks to his extensive accomplishments for India and the world, it’s no surprise that the film’s running time exceeds the average of 191 minutes (3 hours and 11 minutes).
His non-violent approach through civil disobedience and efforts against the British eventually led to India’s long-awaited independence and earned him an international reputation as one of the most beloved world leaders today. The film was nominated for numerous awards and won numerous accolades, including eight Academy Awards wins.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - 8.3/10
Lawrence of Arabia tells the story of British Lieutenant T. E. Lawrence (Peter O’Toole), who, having extensive knowledge of the Bedouin tribes (nomadic Arab tribes), goes to Arabia to serve as a link between the Arabs and the British in their battle against the Turks. Against the orders of his superior officer Lawrence, along with Sheriff Ali (Omar Sharif), embarks on a long journey through the desert with a plan to attack a Turkish port.
With a running time of nearly four hours (3 hours and 42 minutes to be exact), most of the general audience probably won’t want to watch the film, but the film’s commercial success proved misguided. Noted film critic Roger Ebert noted that, despite the long time of work, Lawrence of Arabia “Not full of plot details. It’s a spare film with clean, uncluttered lines, and there’s never a moment when we doubt the logistical details of the various campaigns.” The film received numerous awards, including seven Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, three British Academy Film Awards and others.
Schindler’s List (1993) - 9.0/10
Steven Spielbergepic historical drama Schindler’s list The action takes place in the Polish city of Krakow during World War II. The film is based on the heroic deeds of the German industrialist Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), and his energetic efforts to save over a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust. When he sees how many refugees are mercilessly killed by the heartless SS man Amon Göth (Ralph Fiennes) in Krakow, Schindler begins hiring Polish-Jewish refugees to work in his factories.
In 2018 Los Angeles Times published an article titled “Why Schindler’s List Remains Brilliant and Unsettling 25 Years After Its Release”, noting that despite its brilliance, some were concerned “whether it is morally justifiable to dramatize untold horror and trauma with using the language of mass entertainment. Many stories, however, beg to be told in a dramatized way. Films provide a more accessible and immersive means of learning about history for the general population.
Malcolm X (1992) - 7.7/10
Spike Leeeponymous biopic, Malcolm Xthis is a tribute to an African American activist Malcolm X (or Malcolm Little). Film Explores X (Denzel Washington) all his life, from growing up poor in rural Michigan to being arrested for robberies along with his friend Shorty (Spike Lee) and a woman named Peg (Debi Mazar). While in custody, he meets another convicted Baines (Albert Hall), who becomes his mentor and eventually converts him to Islam and consequently as a member of the religious and political organization, the Nation of Islam.
Malcolm invests heavily in the group and idolizes its lifestyle teachings, such as resenting white people for mistreating his race. After being paroled from prison, Malcolm begins to preach and years later becomes a spokesman for the Nation of Islam. However, after making conflicting statements and finding out that the leader of the group, Elijah Muhammad (Al Freeman Jr.) is somewhat hypocritical and has many illegitimate children, he announces the loss of faith in Islam. Malcolm becomes the founder of the Organization of African American Unity, an organization that focuses on tolerance rather than racial division.
“Raging Bull” (1980) - 8.2 / 10
Hollywood biopic classic Mad bull follows the story of Italian-American middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert DeNiro). LaMotta’s struggles were reflected in his career as a middleweight boxer. At the age of nineteen in 1941, he fell in love with a fifteen-year-old girl named Vicki (Cathy Moriarty), whom he married four years later in 1945.
LaMotta was always worried that Vicki was sleeping with other men, and this anxiety pushed him into a downward spiral because that was the start of his uncontrollable rage. In the end, his life collapses, leaving him with nothing but despair. Mad bull often referred to as one of the directors Martin Scorsesethe best directorial work of Robert De Niro, and the same goes for Robert De Niro - one of his best performances as an actor.
“The King speaks!” (2010) - 8.0/10
King’s speech is a historical drama film about Prince Albert and his journey to becoming King George VI.Colin Firth) who wanted to improve his speech impediment, stuttering. His wife, Queen Elizabeth IHelena Bonham Carter), enlists the help of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who she thought was the best person to help her husband.
Throughout the process, many doubted that anyone would take his throne seriously, but thanks to perseverance and trust from the future king and Logue, they defied all obstacles. The future king finally delivered his first military speech over the radio flawlessly. A top-notch screenplay followed by strong performances by Firth and Rush led King’s speech win 70 of a staggering 185 nominations, including four Oscars, seven BAFTAs and a Golden Globe.
Goodfellas (1990) - 8.7/10
Good guys follows the story of a mafia accomplice named Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), who, having grown up among the crowd, becomes one himself. He starts working for mob member Paul Cicero (Paul Sorvino), along with his associates, Jimmy “Gent” Conway (Robert DeNiro) and Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci). Hill’s upbringing and environment may have eroded his moral values, and despite being a man who enjoys his money and the luxuries that come with it, he chooses to ignore the suffering he has caused others.
His morals deteriorate after battling drug addiction, and his carelessness causes him to lose everything he ever knew and had; money, luxury, self-respect, identity and family. Master Filmmaker Martin Scorsese Good guys has stood the test of time and earned a reputation as one of the best gangster films ever made.
“Braveheart” (1995) - 8.4 / 10
1995 biopic. brave heartBased on the story of a late 13th century Scottish warrior, Sir William Wallace.Mel Gibson), who led his fellow Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England (Patrick McGoohan). Wallace’s motivation began from a young age when King Edward I conquered Scotland and was disrespectful to the Scots. Later, the English king also executed Wallace’s newlywed wife, Murron McClannow.Katherine McCormack), after threatening to expose her soldiers for raping her.
Wallace’s long battle for Scottish independence led him to become the historical legend he is today. brave heart received many prestigious awards, including four Academy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
“Patton” (1970) - 7.9 / 10
Patton focuses on the life of a controversial American general, George S. Patton (George S. Scott). The film chronicles his accomplishments, starting with his first glory at the Battle of El Guettara in Tunisia and subsequently gaining the respect of army officials and generals. However, it was his frankness and controversial statements that determined the subsequent end of his career. He was removed from command for criticizing post-war US military strategy and further comparing American policy to Nazism.
The epic historical drama has become a cinematic classic and has been selected for preservation by the US National Film Registry and the Academy Film Archive. Patton has been nominated for ten Academy Awards, of which he has received an impressive seven, and many more from other respected associations.
Source: Collider
