Kriti Mehrotra
‘Sergio’ is the latest American biographical drama movie. Directed by Greg Baker, this movie is the story of United Nations diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello and his time in Baghdad, Iraq. After its initial premiere in January 2020 at the Sundance Film Festival, Netflix released the movie for the broader audience on April 17, 2020.
Sergio Vieira de Mello has spent most of his career as a United Nations diplomat in some of the most unstable regions all over the world for the sake of protecting the common man. But, before he finally leaves this line of work and settles down with the woman he loves, he takes up one last assignment in Baghdad, Iraq. The assignment, which was meant to be brief, turns out completely different than expected when a bomb blast occurs, and now, Sergio must fight for his life. ‘Sergio’ is a profound movie that leaves us pondering about terrorism and the people who work to keep us safe.
If you’re a fan of biographical drama movies and liked ‘Sergio,’ then here is a list of seven more movies that you must be on your to watch list. Most of these movies are available on all the major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
7. J. Edgar (2011)
The first movie that comes to mind when we think of a biographical drama that should be on everyone’s must-watch list is the Clint Eastwood directed, produced, and scored movie ‘J. Edgar.’ Written by Dustin Lance Black, the movie is about the FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and stars Leonardo DiCaprio. The film covers every aspect of Edgar’s life – from his big career break in 1919, to how pivotal he was in shaping the FBI and how it currently works, to his personal life till his death in 1972.
6. The Iron Lady (2011)
Starring Meryl Streep, ‘The Iron Lady’ is based on the life and career of Margaret Thatcher, who was the first and the longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the movie is loosely based on John Campbell’s biography by the name of The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher, from Grocer’s Daughter to Prime Minister. It follows Thatcher’s narrative as she recollects her entire political journey and her life with her late husband.
5. In the Name of The Father (1993)
‘In The Name of The Father’ is one of the most arresting biographical dramas out there. Based on Gerry Colon’s autobiography Proved Innocent: The Story of Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four, this film is about Gerry Colon, an Irish man who was wrongly sentenced to life in prison with his father after the IRA 1974 bombing. He was proven innocent after a long 15- years, and the movie portrays that entire journey.
4. Michael Collins (1996)
‘Michael Collins’ stars Liam Neeson as the Irish revolutionary man Michael Collins and depicts his campaign for Ireland’s independence from the British rule. Directed by Neil Jordan, this movie is able to honor Michael Collins and what he stood for while giving us the complete account of what happened during the Irish Civil War. ‘Michael Collins’ is the narrative of all the things the Irish patriot did to get his country freedom before he was shot dead in the war.
3. Green Book (2018)
‘Green Book‘ won the Oscar for Best Picture and Best Screenplay, making it one of the most popular biographical drama of the current times. It is set in 1962 and inspired by the real-life events of jazz pianist Don Shirley and his driver and bodyguard Frank “Tony Lip” Vallelonga. The African American and the Italian American duo are the focal points in the movie as they tour the southern states of the United States. ‘Green Book’ is directed by Peter Farrelly and named after The Negro Motorist Green Book, which is a guide for African-American road-trippers written by Victor Hugo Green.
2. The King’s Speech (2010)
Inspired by the real-life relationship and events between King George VI and Lionel Logue, his speech defect therapist, ‘The King’s Speech,’ is another brilliant biographical drama. Set in the 1930s, the movie’s premise is that King George VI, struggling with his stammer, goes to seek help from Lionel Louge. Through the process, King George VI not only gets better little by little till he can talk normally and lead his country to World Wat II, but he also develops a deep friendship with Louge that lasts until his death.
1. The Darkest Hour (2017)
Directed by Joe Wright and starring Gary Oldman, this movie is set in the 1940s and follows the early days of Winston Churchill as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. ‘The Darkest Hour‘ follows Churchill as he turns into a great leader and makes tough decisions about the war, his allies, and the peace treaties presented to him. The movie is as gripping as it is enlightening, everything a great biographical drama should be.
