When a lot of people hear the term biography they think of a story about the life of some obscure nobleman, such as how the Earl of Boykins once shot the King’s turkey in a display of protest. It’s really not all that interesting to many of us. Then again, there are those rare figures in history who lived truly interesting and amazing lives. The biographical movies made about them are some of the best movies you can watch. Sure, some of them might be embellished a bit, but everybody likes to spice up a life story a little. Just ask your grandpa about the last fish e caught, if he told the truth it wouldn’t be very entertaining at all.
Braveheart
Braveheart is the story of William Wallace, a Scottish knight who kicked some English ass. William Wallace decided he was tired of the king sending English soldiers into Scotland to oppress the Scottish people and steal their attractive women. Thus he led a rebellion and killed as many English soldiers as he could get his hands on. Of course the movie embellishes this story a bit, as it is an exaggeration of a poem which is itself an exaggeration of William Wallace’s life. Still, there are few scenes more powerful than Mel Gibson yelling “freedom” as he is being drawn and quartered.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
The Wild West was a pretty awesome period in American history. Part of what made it so awesome were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. These two bank robbers made a name for themselves by pulling heists on trains and starting the infamous Wild Bunch gang. They soon became too famous, as the law began to track them down until they were forced to flee to South America. If you are looking for a classic Western based off of actual events, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is the way to go.
Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia is widely considered one of the greatest movies of all time, and for good reason. Lawrence of Arabia is in fact T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who served as a liaison to the Arab nations during World War 1. He ends up being instrumental in the invasions of Damascus and Aqaba, and forms friendships with many high ranking Arab officials. The most powerful part of the movie is how the violence of war changes Lawrence, and what he becomes willing to do to those who have attacked him and his new friends.
The Queen
Princess Diana’s death was a big deal, and is still brought up occasionally these days. The Queen focuses on how Queen Elizabeth II handled the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death, both personally and politically. It was a complicated time, as the royal status of Princess Diana was disputed, but the public loved her. This left the royal family in quite the pickle as they had to decide whether to mourn Diana privately or have a public service. The Queen is a great look into the pressures of being modern day royalty.
Spartacus
Spartacus is the true story of a slave who becomes a gladiator and then leads a bloody revolt against his tyrannical masters. That probably has most of you wanting to go watch this movie right away, but for those of you who like some thought provoking scenes to go along with your gratuitous violence, Spartacus’ revolution plays a big part in the senate elections. One side uses Spartacus’ slave army to undermine the other, but how much of a threat can Spartacus and his ragtag army be to the military might of Rome? I am going to watch this movie again right now and find out.
