Films are always that bit more fascinating when you know that they are based on real people and real events. These dramatic true stories portray everything from sporting triumphs and historical moments to enthralling accounts of notorious criminals. To celebrate the release of Bleed for This, based on the true story of boxer Vinny Pazienza, on December 2nd, we're taking a look at some of the best biopics of recent years.
Bleed for This
Bleed for This (2016)
Based on the incredible true story of one of boxing's most charismatic and colorful champions, Bleed for This centres on Rhode Island native Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller), AKA "The Pazmanian Devil." When a near-fatal car accident leaves him with a broken neck and the prognosis that he may never walk again, Vinny teams with trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) and stages a triumphant return to the ring.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
The stylish Spielberg film Catch Me If You Can is based on the life of teenager Frank Abagnale Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio), who, successfully conned his was into millions of dollars by posing in a range of professions including a pilot and doctor and forging cheques. The film also stars Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye and Amy Adams.
Remember the Titans (2000)
The screenplay of the thought-provoking Remember the Titans is based on the true story of African American coach Herman Boone portrayed by Denzel Washington. Set in Virginia in 1971, the film follows Coach Boone as he tries to create a racially diverse high school football team.
127 Hours (2010)
127 Hours is a biographical survival drama film directed, co-written, and produced by Danny Boyle. James Franco stars as the daredevil canyoneer Aron Ralston who becomes trapped by a boulder in an isolated slot canyon in Blue John Canyon, in April 2003. Despite the fact that the majority of the film is shot in one location and only involving one character, it's a tense and thrilling retelling of Aaron's memoirs.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Scorsese directed this black comedy adapted from the memoir of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) on his career as a corrupt stockbroker in New York City. Jonah Hill stars alongside DiCaprio as Belfort's business partner and friend Donnie Azoff, while Margot Robbie plays his second wife Naomi Lapaglia. Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley and Jean Dujardin are also featured.
Everest (2015)
Everest depicts the events of Beck Weathers' memoir Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest (2000) in which he recalls the tragedy on Everest in 1996. The dramatic story follows a group of climbers who face an epic battle to survive when a blizzard strikes the mountain. The ensemble cast features Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
BLEED FOR THIS comes to cinemas 2 December.