Two Movies Based On Real People #movie_review

Both movies are based on real people but tell the stories in very different ways. Both were nominated for Golden Globes and are compelling movies to see, but for different reasons. 

​The Greatest Showman tells the story of PT Barnum (Hugh Jackman) who sets out to bring his dreams to fruition through sharing spectacles with the general public. The Greatest Showman is a musical written by the same duo who did the award winning LaLa Land from last year. The music is catchy and the story is a wonderful tale of underdogs who set out to set New York on its ears.

​While based on a real person, The Greatest Showman is mostly fiction. The story blends the truth with amazing song and dance numbers. Many of the characters were based on real people but two characters were completely fiction (Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Efron and Anne Wheeler, played by Zendaya). The screenwriter also played with the timeline and gave the audience a simple image of a man who is still quoted today. PT Barnum went on to serve in government and as a lecturer.

The Greatest Showman will have you feeling good and tapping your feet along to the music. You will leave the theater feeling good as the message of inclusion and overcoming adversity is a message we all can hear again and again.

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​The Darkest Hour is about Winston Churchill’s (played by Gary Oldman) rise to power in the British Government during the time when Hitler was conquering Europe during World War Two. Not the ruling party’s first choice, Winston Churchill came into a tough situation and stood firm in the face of horrible adversity as the German’s advanced through France. 

​Also based on a real person, The Darkest Hour tells a more honest look at the man who commanded a country in the face of war. His decision to not enter into peace talks with Hitler, almost lost him the support of the party. Churchill’s way with words garnered him the support of the people which in turn provided him the support in the Parliament. 

​The Darkest Hour is a war movie without any real fighting. Emotionally draining at times, it provides an interesting look at a period of history and a man who stayed true to himself in the face of adversity. While also a movie where one man faces adversity, The Darkest Hour will have you feeling pensive as you leave, but it provides an important look at a period of history which as Americans, we know very little about.

​Both movies are entertaining in their own ways and serve as an interesting look at real people.