I hereby want to quote that famous Gwen Stefani song Hollaback to describe my feelings about this week’s theme: “this my sh*t, this my sh*t!” And that says it all really, because a movie based on true events is just the kind of sh*t I go for, and I love these types of movies a lot. Also, I’m hereby breaking my own special rule of not re-mentioning movies because I can’t help myself. I have to do it!
1. SPOTLIGHT, 2015
Few movies manage to really stir up emotion in such a sophisticated and calm manner as does Spotlight. A movie based on true events, where a Boston newspaper discovered a massive child molestation and cover up among the system of Catholic Church. It shook the world, and the movie explores how these journalists got there. Written brilliantly, and acted even better, Spotlight is a movie that showcases a very sensitive subject, especially considering the religious nature of America.
PS: The end credit list is eerie to say at least.. up until then the movie sort of hides its size but once that list appears, it really hits you, and it becomes horrific in seconds.
2. THE IMPOSSIBLE, 2012
It’s hard to make a movie based on national disaster, but The Impossible manages that by focusing on a single family. Based on a Spanish family, The Impossible is a heartbreaking story that will definitely test your emotions. The story feels so unbelievable, and I’m sure some of it is fictional, but the main plot is taken from life itself. The Impossible also features a very young Tom Holland giving a really great performance, the kind I reviewed to be remembered because I was sure he was going to go on from The Impossible to greater things. And look at where he’s now, our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man.
3. EDDIE THE EAGLE, 2016
Onto a little bit less serious movie but just as emotional as the first two recommendations. Eddie the Eagle is the kind of feel good sports movie you don’t want to miss. An unbelievable story of a man who went against all odds and become an Olympian, while nobody, even his father, didn’t believe in him. The movie has some great laughs but also a lot of heart and passion. Plus, it has Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman, which is all you need in life, really.
BONUS: ZODIAC, 2007
Alright, so I’ve mentioned Zodiac before and I know I’m sort of breaking my own rule of not mentioning a movie twice in a Thursday Movie Picks post, but how can I not talk about Zodiac? And it’s not just because it’s Fincher’s movie and it has brilliant acting and it’s just amazing throughout (I really need to rewatch it soon), it’s because the Zodiac killer is still a mystery! Some of the cases are still open, some are cold cases, and out of four of the ciphers Zodiac sent to the newspaper three are still unsolved! So it’s interesting and fascinating, and if you happen to be curious about serial killers like me, you will consider this as one of the best movies based on true events.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
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Can you believe I still haven’t seen Zodiac!? I’ve been meaning to watch it for song long now and I have just never gotten around to it 😐
I also haven’t watched Spotlight yet, but I would really like to! I saw the last few minutes while volunteering at TIFF, but I don’t remember anything getting spoiled for me which is great haha! That’s always the risk of volunteering at a film festival…movies may get ruined for you by accident.
I LOVEDDDDD Eddie The Eagle! Great film to add to this list! 😀
I can’t believe it.. you need to watch Zodiac, honestly, it’s so good!
Since I forgot Eddie the Eagle during the underdog theme I had to put him in this list!
Thanks for the comment! And be sure to watch Zodiac!
Ahh! Okay I shall add it to my never ending Netflix binge list! 😛
Yes, I have added many things in my watchlist too but I tend to not watch things from there… I’m the worst. 😀
You’re the first one who featured Eddie. What the hell is going on in this blogosphere lately, thank God for you and me 😛
Really? Woah. I haven’t gotten to other’s posts yet but I’ll be sure to see if anyone put Eddie the Eagle here. I know many recommended him during the underdog week where I forgot him but I sure remembered him this week!
The Impossible was gut wrenching. I can’t believe those events transpired. What is even more so frightening is all those families were affected by the tsunami who never would see their loved ones again. Saw this with my entire family and it really brought us closer together. Great List!
It truly was and to think this was the happy version next to those with much tragic endings. I liked her performance but I actually was more impressed by the kids, all of them gave their all and young Holland was the stand out for me in this list. But considering the fact that Lawrence won that year, yes, Watts should have gotten it. Her performance, in the long run, has been more memorable.
I’ve seen Spotlight and Zodiac. I love Spotlight. Zodiac, well, I love the first two hours of it, that last one drags badly. I hope to see the others soon.
For me, the pacing is just right. It feels more… realistic in a way. As if the investigation was gradually lowed down and nothing was happening and it just was .. very good. Damn, I keep talking about Zodiac these days, and I really want to rewatch it now.
I never saw Eddie the Eagle, but I love your other picks. I was so happy that I skipped the Impossible in theaters though. I ugly cried the entire time. Watts should’ve won an Oscar for that.
Oh yeah, also watched it at home and it was also the best decision I ever made. My waterworks would have scared the other cinema goers otherwise.
You should watch Eddie the Eagle if you get a chance, it’s a really good feel good movie.
Great choices! Spotlight was very involving and though it called to mind All the President’s Men many times on its own it is a fine film with a disturbing underlying story.
The Impossible was a wrenching film, just the thought of that devastation being wrought so quickly by nature. They were wise to focus on the one family to make the impact on everyone so vivid.
I watched Eddie the Eagle because of a recommendation of it from another week and really loved it. It was such a pleasant surprise since I walked in knowing very little and being charmed the whole way through.
Zodiac was too oppressive and the subject matter to dark for me to say I enjoyed it but it was a well crafted film with an array of excellent performances.
I am also a big fan of films based on true stories so this week was a snap to come up with selections, I chose three of my favorites. My last is one of my all time favs.
Frost/Nixon (2008)-In 1977 well known showman David Frost (Michael Sheen) famous for glib interviews with pop stars is suffering a bit of a slump. He hits upon what he thinks is a surefire idea for a ratings grabbing showpiece. He sets out to interview former president Richard Nixon (Frank Langella), living in seclusion in San Clemente, CA after resigning in disgrace following the Watergate scandal. Nixon’s agent Swifty Lazar sure that it will be a puff piece encourages Tricky Dicky to take the sizable amount of money offered and run. The series of interviews get off to a rocky start with a loquacious and obdurate Nixon evading any sort of hard questioning but suddenly an unexpected breakthrough changes the course of the sessions into a revealing confessional. Sheen & Langella repeated their roles from the hit Broadway play that was the basis for the film which in turn was based on the actual interviews.
The Queen (2006)-In 1997 Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) has been on the English throne for 45 years, respected and beloved worldwide. Even more popular, though not within the royal family, is her former daughter-in-law Princess Diana whose marriage to Prince Charles had collapsed in acrimony after a decade of high exposure. She has since become a goodwill ambassador for many worthwhile causes as well as a paparazzi magnet and a bane to her former mother-in-law. When Diana is killed in a car accident caused by those same paparazzi hounding her the queen believes the proper course is a quiet funeral followed by a period of private mourning owing to the fact that Diana is no longer considered a member of the royal family. That turns out to be an almost catastrophic miscalculation that threatens the sovereignty of the throne and which requires new Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) to step in and guide her through to avert a disastrous outcome. Helen Mirren won an Oscar for her much lauded performance.
Inherit the Wind (1960)-Small town teacher Bertram Cates (Dick York-best known as the first Darrin on Bewitched) is arrested for teaching Darwin’s evolutionary theory to his students and put on trial. Representing him gratis is famed attorney Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy) as the opposition is spearheaded by blustery litigator Matthew Harrison Brady (Fredric March) while wryly cynical newspaperman E. K. Hornbecker (Gene Kelly) observes and reports. As passions run high in the oppressive summer heat the local pastor Reverend Jeremiah Brown (Claude Akins) incites the townspeople with fiery rhetoric. A real acting showcase for both leads aided by a beautiful performance from Florence Eldridge (she was March’s spouse in real life) as Brady’s gentle wife who tries to temper his more outrageous behavior. Semi fictionalized version of the Scopes Monkey trial wherein famed lawyers Clarence Darrow & William Jennings Bryant fought in court over Darwin’s theory.
I love me some dark and heavy topics that the Zodiac explores so I’m all for it. I’ve actually seen one of you picks, I think, The Queen – I can’t really remember because I’m bad with historical movies in general and I’ve meant to watch Frost/Nixon so many times but never gotten around to it.
Hey, if there was ever a reason to mention Zodiac again, it is certainly for a topic like this. Definitely one of the best movies ever made about true events. Great list!
I know right?! Though I’d like to mention it every time I could but I’ll stop now.. twice was enough, until the third perfect topic comes along. Thank you for the comment!