10 Movies & Shows Like 1945 (2017)

Description: A powerful depiction of courage and morality during one of history's darkest periods. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice and humanity, underscored by a gripping and emotional storytelling approach.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to reflect the documentary style of the era. It was the first major Hollywood film to address the Holocaust directly.

Description: A unique blend of humor and tragedy, illustrating the lengths one goes to protect loved ones in dire circumstances. The film's emotional contrast between lightheartedness and horror creates a poignant narrative.

Fact: Roberto Benigni improvised many scenes, including the famous bicycle ride. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actor.

Description: A harrowing portrayal of survival during wartime, focusing on the resilience of the human spirit amidst devastation. The film's stark realism and emotional depth highlight the personal struggles against overwhelming odds.

Fact: The lead actor, Adrien Brody, lost 30 pounds and learned to play Chopin's music for the role. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: A stylized, alternate-history take on wartime revenge, blending intense drama with dark humor. The film's bold narrative and memorable characters create a unique cinematic experience.

Fact: The title is intentionally misspelled, a nod to a 1978 Italian film. The opening scene is one of the most tense and acclaimed sequences in modern cinema.

Description: A gripping tale of survival and moral dilemmas, focusing on a group of prisoners forced to use their skills for a sinister purpose. The film's tension and ethical questions resonate deeply.

Fact: Based on a true story, the film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The real-life counterfeiting operation was one of the largest in history.

Description: A touching exploration of the power of words and human connection during turbulent times. The film's focus on a child's perspective adds a layer of innocence to the harsh realities depicted.

Fact: The novel on which the film is based spent over 230 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The film was shot in Germany to maintain authenticity.

Description: A heartbreaking story of friendship and innocence set against a backdrop of horror. The film's emotional weight comes from its stark contrast between childhood naivety and the grim reality.

Fact: The film's ending was changed from the book to make it more impactful. The striped pajamas were historically accurate to the uniforms worn in concentration camps.

Description: A tale of resistance and survival, highlighting the strength of community in the face of oppression. The film's action-packed yet emotional narrative underscores the fight for freedom.

Fact: The story is based on the Bielski partisans, one of the most significant Jewish resistance movements. Many scenes were filmed in Lithuania, near the actual events' locations.

Description: A moving story of compassion and bravery, showcasing how ordinary people risked everything to save others. The film's blend of personal and historical drama creates a compelling narrative.

Fact: The real-life Warsaw Zoo was used as a filming location. The story is based on a little-known true account of wartime heroism.

Description: An intense, immersive experience that follows a man's desperate quest for dignity amidst chaos. The film's claustrophobic cinematography and relentless focus on the protagonist's perspective heighten its emotional impact.

Fact: The film uses a 4:3 aspect ratio to keep the focus tightly on the protagonist. It won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.