Movies based on real events are one of the most popular categories in cinema. They are exciting, inspiring and allow us to learn fascinating stories from real life. However, it is important to note that these films are dramatizations that may include exaggerations or inaccuracies.

Today we are going to talk about some of the films that were promoted as based on true events but that made errors or omissions that changed the true story.

What are the most common mistakes in movies based on real events?

Exaggeration of the facts

One of the most common mistakes in movies based on real events is the exaggeration of events. This can be done to increase the drama or suspense of the film.

Creation of fictional characters

Another common mistake in movies based on real events is the creation of fictional characters. This is done to fill out the plot or to create a character that the audience can identify with.

Changes in the chronology of events

Movies based on true events sometimes change the chronology of events to make the story more fluid or so the audience can follow it more easily.

Emotional manipulation of the public

Movies based on true events can also use emotional manipulation to create a reaction in the audience. This can be done using music, images or dialogue that appeals to the audience's emotions.

Omission of relevant information

Movies based on true events may omit relevant information that could alter the viewer's perception of the story. This may be done deliberately to hold the viewer's attention or to create dramatic effect, or it may be the result of a lack of research or an incomplete understanding of the facts.

Movies based on real events but it is not true

The Patriot - 2000

The film has been criticized for depicting historical events in an inaccurate and exaggerated manner, as well as for portraying the British in a one-dimensional and demonic manner.

It also presents Benjamin Martin as a pacifist man who is forced to fight in the American War of Independence. However, in reality, Martin was a veteran of the French and Indian War, and was a much more violent man than he appears in the film.

The film also features a fictional battle in which Martin defeats a much larger British army. This battle never happened in real life.

21 - 2008

The film is based on the book "Bringing Down the House" by Ben Mezrich, which is a dramatized version of the true story of a group of MIT students who counted cards in casinos.  

The film tells the story of a group of students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who use a card counting system to win millions at blackjack. However, the film exaggerates the amount of money the students earned. In reality, they earned much less than what is shown in the movie.

The film also features a fictional character named Ben Campbell, who is the leader of the group. Actually, the leader of the group was a man named Jeff Ma.

The Fourth Kind - 2009

The film is based on the story of Dr. Abigail Tyler, a psychologist who claims to have been contacted by aliens. But Tyler's story has been questioned by many skeptics. Some believe that Tyler is lying, while others believe that she is being fooled by her own memories.

The Amityville Horror - 2005

The film is based on the story of the Lutz family, who claim to have been terrorized by ghosts in their home in Amityville, New York. However, the Lutz story has been questioned by many experts. Some believe the Lutzes are lying, lying others believe they are confused about what happened.

The King - 2019

The film tells the story of Henry V of England, a young king who leads his country to victory at the Battle of Agincourt. And although it is based on real events, the film presents a very romantic version of Henry V. In reality, he was a much more complex and ambivalent man.

Rush - 2013

The film tells the story of the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. However, the film exaggerates the enmity between the two pilots. In reality, they were close friends and respected each other.

Argo - 2012

The film tells the story of the rescue operation of six American officials during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. However, the film presents a highly dramatized version of the events. In reality, the operation was much more improvised and dangerous than what is seen in the film.

Captain Phillips - 2013

The film tells the story of the hijacking of the merchant ship MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates in 2009. However, the film presents a very heroic version of Captain Richard Phillips. In reality, Phillips made some mistakes that endangered his crew.

American Sniper - 2014

The film tells the story of Chris Kyle, a US Army sniper who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the film presents a very idealized version of Kyle. In reality, he was a much more complex and problematic man.

The Fighter - 2010

The film tells the story of brothers Micky and Dicky Ward, two boxers from Massachusetts. However, the film exaggerates the rivalry between the two brothers. In reality, they supported each other throughout their careers.

One of the biggest criticisms received was the way the film portrayed female roles.

The Blind Side - 2009

The film tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless young man who is adopted by a wealthy family. However, the film presents a very idealized version of Oher. In reality, he was a much more complex and problematic man.

Oher himself stated: "I felt like it portrayed me as a fool rather than a kid who had never had consistent academic instruction and who ended up thriving once he got it."

The Pursuit of Happyness - 2006

The film tells the story of Chris Gardner, a traveling salesman struggling to raise his young son. But the film exaggerates the difficulties Gardner faced. In reality, he had more support from friends and family than what is seen in the movie.

An example of this was that in his job as an intern, he earned $1,000 a month, while in the film he did it for free.

Movies based on true events can be an exciting and inspiring way to learn about history. However, it is important to note that these films are dramatizations that may include exaggerations or inaccuracies.

It is important to investigate the real story before watching a movie based on real events. This will help you better understand the story and avoid being misled by the film's exaggerations or inaccuracies.

What do you think of this list? Do you know other common mistakes made in movies based on real events?