12 Movies That Tell the Same Historical Story From Two Different Perspectives
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It’s often said that the victors write history. This may be true, but it also means that there are always multiple sides to every historical event. And what better way to explore these different perspectives than through film?
Throughout cinema history, there have been countless movies that tell the same historical story from different points of view. These films provide a new perspective on well-known events and give you a glimpse into the minds and motivations of those involved. Read on to find out about these 12 movies that offer divergent perspectives but the same historical tale.
Apollo 13 (1995) & The Right Stuff (1983)
These two films depict the race to space between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, while Apollo 13 focuses on the mission that almost ended in disaster, The Right Stuff tells the story of the astronauts who paved the way for that fateful mission.
Lincoln (2012) & Free State of Jones (2016)
Both films take place during the American Civil War and touch upon issues of slavery and race. While Lincoln focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment, Free State of Jones tells the story of a Confederate deserter who led a rebellion against the Confederacy for their treatment of poor white farmers.
Elizabeth (1998) & Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
These two films revolve around the rivalry between powerful female monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart.
While Elizabeth focuses on the rise to power of Elizabeth and her struggle to maintain control amidst political and religious turmoil, Mary Queen of Scots tells the story of Mary’s imprisonment and execution at the hands of Elizabeth.
The Last Samurai (2003) & Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
Both films depict the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II from different perspectives. The Last Samurai follows an American soldier who becomes a samurai and fights against his own country to defend traditional Japanese values.
At the same time, Letters from Iwo Jima tells the story from the perspective of Japanese soldiers defending their homeland against the invading American forces.
Inglourious Basterds (2009) & Schindler’s List (1993)
Although both films are set in World War II and depict the horrors committed by the Nazis, they approach the subject matter in distinct ways. Inglourious Basterds presents a fictional revenge tale following a band of Jewish soldiers on a mission to assassinate Nazi leaders.
On the other hand, Schindler’s List is a poignant portrayal of Oskar Schindler’s true story, highlighting his heroic endeavors to save more than 1,000 Jews from the Holocaust.
Braveheart (1995) & Rob Roy (1995)
These two films occur in medieval Scotland and revolve around the Scottish struggle for independence from England.
While Braveheart focuses on the story of William Wallace and his fight against King Edward I, Rob Roy tells the tale of Rob Roy MacGregor and his battle against a corrupt nobleman.
All The President’s Men (1976) & Nixon (1995)
Both films are based on actual events surrounding the Watergate scandal, but they approach the story from different perspectives. All The President’s Men follows two journalists as they uncover the scandal and bring down President Nixon. At the same time, Nixon explores the inner workings of Nixon’s presidency and his eventual resignation.
Gandhi (1982) & Jinnah (1998)
Both films focus on essential figures in the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. While Gandhi tells the story of Gandhi’s peaceful protests against British rule, Jinnah explores the political and personal struggles faced by Jinnah in his quest for a separate Muslim state.
The New World (2005) & Pocahontas (1995)
These films both tell the story of Pocahontas and her relationship with English explorer John Smith. However, while Pocahontas takes a more romanticized approach to the story, The New World delves deeper into the cultural clashes between Native Americans and European colonists.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) & Enemy at the Gates (2001)
Both films are set during World War II and focus on the battle of Stalingrad. While Saving Private Ryan follows an American soldier and his comrades as they search for a missing soldier, Enemy at the Gates explores the intense sniper duel between two soldiers, one Russian and one German.
12 Years a Slave (2013) and Django Unchained (2012)
Both films are set during the era of slavery in the United States, yet they tackle the subject matter in distinct ways.
12 Years a Slave recounts the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man who was abducted and forced into slavery. On the other hand, “Django Unchained” presents a fictional revenge tale following a formerly enslaved person’s daring mission to save his wife from a ruthless plantation owner.
Munich (2005) & Black Sunday (1977)
Both of these films are based on the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, in which Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes. However, while Munich focuses on the aftermath and revenge mission led by the Israeli government, Black Sunday tells the story from the perspective of one of the terrorists and explores his motivations.
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