Lone Survivor
It truly is surprising how the tagline ‘based on true events’ conjures up such curiosity and fascination amongst cinematic audiences. Whether this is due to a maximised sense of empathy or the idea that the story has and could happen again, there is no doubt that news of films based on true events are the quickest to spread.
This pseudo-documentary feature film genre has always stood its ground within the realms of film, from the iconic The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) and The Battleship Potemkin (1925) to the 2014 films list below.
Lone Survivor hits the big screen this week, and to celebrate we take a look at the movies 'based on true events' that we will be released in 2014.
- Lone Survivor
Lone Survivor is centred around four Navy SEALs on a covert mission in Afghanistan known as Operation Red Wings in 2005. As this mission takes a turn for the worst, we witness the moral, emotional, and physical torment that plagues these outnumbered soldiers.
With the Taliban closing in on the four brothers and a lack of back up support, we see a humbling portrayal of human strength, resilience, and loyalty that rises above the most unthinkable odds.
Lone Survivor sees Peter Berg return to the director's chair, as he bring together an impressive cast as Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Eric Bana all-star.
Lone Survivor has already topped the U.S. box office, and is set to see that success continue when it is released here later this week.
- American Hustle
American Hustle is one of the movies that just about everyone seems to be talking about - it has been in the running for just about every award going.
As the title suggests, American Hustle opens our eyes to a world of conmen, deals and a whole load of money. Loosely based upon the FBI ABSCAM operation in the 1970’s - 80’s, American Hustle follows two con artists as they are forced to work with an FBI agent in an attempt to lure and catch corrupt politicians.
This film is not only visually interesting but also comically simulating as we witness the weirdly wonderful world of conmen and how the law fits within it.
Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence all deliver terrific performances; and have all been nominated for Oscars.
While it is great to see David O.Russell back in the director's chair - he really has brought this period to life - American Hustle did not have me raving.
- The Wolf of Wall Street
Based upon Jordan Belfort’s shot to fame, wealth, and opulence, The Wolf of Wall Street portrays the story of how this small town stockbroker with a big dream made his way to the top and back down again.
With every detail mirroring Jordan Belfort’s book, this film paints a multifaceted picture that at times will make you forget that this ridiculously lavish and unthinkable story actually happened.
It is always exciting to see Martin Scorsese return to the director's chair, and when he teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio, you know you are in for a treat.
And that is exactly what they have delivered, as The Wolf of Wall Street is a fast paced, energetic, and funny film about the dangers of excess.
- 12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave, is the historical account of how a African American free man, Solomon Northup, was abducted and sold into slavery for 12 years.
With such a historically, politically, and morally rich subject, Steve McQueen re-creates this heart wrenching and gripping tale that is guaranteed to move even the coldest of audiences.
Believe me when I tell you, no movie deserves to win the Best Picture Oscar more than 12 Years A Slave. Director Steve McQueen has delivered a brutal and unflinching account of slavery that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Chiwetel Ejiofor is simply magnificent in the central role of Solomon, in a movie that is also about the unbreakable human spirit. This is an absolute must see.
- Dallas Buyers Club
Matthew McConaughey's career is almost unrecognisable, as he has gone from good-looking dude who does many rom-coms, to major Oscar contender.
Centred on Ron Woodroof, a homophobic cowboy and electrician, and his struggle with AIDS, Dallas Buyers Club pays homage to Ron’s dealings in unapproved pharmaceutical drugs that have a better effect than the ones available in the USA during the 1980’s.
Along his journey, Ron meets and befriends many different characters including Rayon, a transgendered woman, and begins to move from acceptance to full-blown motivation to help those who are suffering like he is.
McConaughey gives the performance of his career in Dallas Buyers Club; a performance that has already seen him scoop a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
He lost a staggering fifty pounds to play the role, while Jared Leto also lost thirty pounds. Don't be surprised if you see McConaughey and Leto waltz off with the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Oscars.
- Unbroken
Unbroken is the story of Louis Zamperini, now aged 97 and his inspiring and enlightening life story. This film shows everything from his Olympic career as a runner to his time as a prisoner in Japan during WWII.
Dedicated to ensuring the humility and sincerity of his story, Angelina Jolie directs this chronicle as we discover the true meaning of pain, endurance, and hindsight.
Unbroken is the second live action feature film directorial outing for Jolie, while Joel and Ethan Coen have penned the screenplay.
Jolie has brought together an impressive cast as Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Jai Courtney, and Garrett Hedlund are all set to star.
O'Connell is a name to watch out for over the next couple of years, as Unbroken is just one of the exciting projects that he has on the horizon.
- The Monuments Men
George Clooney really has turned into a fine filmmaker, and he is back this February with The Monuments Men; a film he stars in as well as directs.
The Monuments Men follows a group called the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives program that were active during WWII with the aim of saving pieces of art and culturally important artefacts before their destruction by Hitler.
Even with this moral undertone, this film carefully depicts historical accounts with a side of joviality reminding us the importance of legacy, mementos, and restoration.
The Monuments Men boasts one of the best ensemble casts of the year as Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Cate Blanchett and John Goodman are all also on board.
I am a huge fan of Clooney as a filmmaker and The Monuments Men is a film that I have been looking forward to for some time.
- Grace of Monaco
Nicole Kidman is set to return to the big screen later this year with Grace of Monaco: a movie that sees her take on the role of Grace Kelly.
Grace of Monaco tells the story of her marriage, identity, and life crisis during a political disagreement between Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Charles De Gaulle of France.
Set during the 1960’s with the looming French invasion of Monaco, this film’s periodic setting, costume and direction is sure to deliver an enthralling biopic of the iconic actress and princess.
Grace of Monaco sees Oliver Dahan in the director's chair, while Tim Roth, Frank Langella and Derek Jacobi are all also on board.
- Belle
Belle is based upon the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the mixed race daughter of a British Naval officer and an African woman who lived in the late 18th century.
As she is taken to England to be brought up as a lady of high society, she and her cousin, Elizabeth Murray, together discover and explore the politics of class and race, adolescence and the meaning of love.
Amma Asante makes her second directorial outing with this movie, and has brought together a terrific cast.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, Sarah Gadon, and Tom Felton are all set to star.
- The 33
Centred on the 2010 Copiapó accident in the Chilean gold and copper mines, The 33 is a portrayal of the disaster which left 33 miners stuck underground and the efforts to rescue them over 69 days.
Bringing to the big screen a new sense of confinement, teamwork, and the fragility of the human body, this film shows the magnificent power and bond that is in all of us when crisis hits.
Cote de Pablo, James Brolin, Antonio Banderas and Rodrigo Santoro are all on the cast list, while Patricia Riggen is in the director's chair.
Lone Survivor in cinemas on Friday 31st January.
Tagged in 12 Years A Slave