There’s nothing quite like a great biopic. Whether it’s a drama about the life of a political leader or an intimate portrait of an artist, these movies can be powerful and moving. In 2012, Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his role in Lincoln, a biopic about America’s 16th president and his efforts to abolish slavery. Check out these other biopics that deserve a look.
1. The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech tells the story of the British monarch George VI and his battle with a stammer. It was a struggle that lasted his entire life, and it is one of the reasons why he became such a significant figure for Britain during World War II.
Colin Firth stars as the king, and Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel Logue, the Australian speech and language therapist who helped him overcome his stammer. Logue was a man who had a severe stammer himself, so he was able to empathize with the king’s difficulties. This made it easier for the two men to form an unlikely friendship.
The film was nominated for 12 Oscars and won a handful of them. It is a heartwarming movie that will leave you feeling good about humanity and the human condition. It is also a very important repelisplus movie because it shows that even royalty can be affected by things like stuttering. It is an amazing story about a man who finally overcame his struggles with speaking and became the leader his country needed him to be.
2. The Last Emperor
Often, long movies can be about inconsequential things made consequential just by giving them the time and space to expand on screen. But Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film about Puyi, the last emperor of China, is not one of them. Its story of a man’s struggle to control his empire is a rich and fascinating narrative that carries the weight of history.
Peter O’Toole’s portrayal of the emperor is widely considered to be one of cinema’s finest performances and earned him an Oscar nomination. The movie is a lush spectacle, benefiting from the director’s unprecedented access to the Forbidden City and other magnificent locations in China and Manchuria.
While some biopics mix fiction and fact in irresponsible ways (the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien essentially disowned the 2019 film adaptation), the best of these films can captivate viewers with their powerful stories and enthralling performances. From sports stars, musicians, iconic entrepreneurs, and world leaders, these films offer an in-depth look into the lives of notable figures. Click through to discover our picks for the best biopic movies.
3. A Beautiful Mind
A Beautiful Mind tells the story of Nobel Prize winning mathematician John Nash, whose life was dominated by schizophrenia. The film is based on Sylvia Nasar’s bestselling biography of the same name and stars Russell Crowe as Nash.
The movie shows how a man who was considered one of the greatest intellects of his time became crippled with a brain disorder that caused him to be haunted by terrifying hallucinations. It’s a riveting story of the power of the human brain and the strength it takes to overcome mental illness.
The movie sides with sensationalism, and instead builds character by focusing on small behavioral details. Russell Crowe gives a stellar performance as Nash, and manages to make him feel real and alive. This is a movie that mature audiences will appreciate and be able to relate to. It’s a must-see movie.
4. Amadeus
Amadeus tells the story of genius musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the eyes of his contemporary, if not rival, Antonio Salieri. The lushly detailed 1984 movie won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture.
While some may complain about biopics mixing fiction with fact in irresponsible ways (J.R.R. Tolkien’s estate essentially disowned the 2019 film about his life), there are plenty of exceptions. For example, Taron Egerton is nothing short of brilliant as a young Elton John in Ray. This film is a must-watch for music fans and movie lovers alike.
In Lawrence of Arabia, Peter O’Toole and Sir Alec Guinness bring the story of British military officer and diplomat T.E. Lawrence to the big screen. The David Lean-directed film won seven Oscars and is one of the most revered historical dramas ever made.