Inspiring Biopics: Stories of Strong Men

Description: General George S. Patton's life and military career are explored, highlighting his controversial leadership style and his role in World War II.

Fact: George C. Scott won an Academy Award for Best Actor but famously refused to accept it. The film's opening monologue is one of the most iconic in cinema history.

Description: Oskar Schindler, a German businessman, saves over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories, showing moral courage in the face of evil.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel. Steven Spielberg donated his salary to the Shoah Foundation.

Description: Howard Hughes, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, battles his inner demons while becoming one of the most influential figures in aviation and film, showing his tenacity and innovation.

Fact: The film's budget was over $100 million, reflecting the grandeur of Hughes' life. DiCaprio was nominated for an Oscar for his performance.

Description: Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a powerful performance as President Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his efforts to abolish slavery during the Civil War, highlighting his moral fortitude.

Fact: The film was shot in Richmond, Virginia, where much of the Civil War history took place. Day-Lewis spent a year preparing for the role, including studying Lincoln's voice and mannerisms.

Description: This film follows Chris Gardner, a homeless salesman who never gives up on his dream of becoming a stockbroker, showcasing his relentless pursuit of a better life for himself and his son.

Fact: Will Smith's son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son. The film's title is intentionally misspelled, reflecting a typo on a mural in San Francisco.

Description: Nelson Mandela, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, uses the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite a divided South Africa, demonstrating leadership and the power of forgiveness.

Fact: The film's title, "Invictus," is Latin for "unconquered," reflecting Mandela's spirit. The poem "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley inspired Mandela during his imprisonment.

Description: Mark Zuckerberg's journey from a Harvard student to the founder of Facebook is depicted, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and the complexities of success.

Fact: The film was based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich. Aaron Sorkin won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his script.

Description: King George VI overcomes his stammer with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, showcasing personal growth and the strength to lead a nation through war.

Fact: The film was originally rated R due to a scene with profanity, but was later changed to PG-13 after editing. Colin Firth won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role.

Description: Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery, demonstrating his incredible will to survive and reclaim his freedom.

Fact: The film was the first by a black director (Steve McQueen) to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was based on Northup's own memoir.

Description: This film chronicles the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, focusing on his relationship with his wife Jane and his battle with motor neuron disease, showcasing intellectual and physical resilience.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. The film's title is derived from Hawking's quest for a "theory of everything" in physics.