HISTORICAL FEATURE FILMS
Welcome to HISTORICAL MOVIES Quiz Questions - a fast and entertaining online quiz site for film and history lovers. Here you will find quiz questions and answers that test your memory of famous stories, eras, people and places depicted on the cinema screen. The questions are suitable both for those who just want to play for a while and for those who want to refresh their general knowledge of historical films. Each question is short and clear, and each answer comes with a neutral explanation to help you understand the context without revealing too much in advance. You can play by yourself, challenge a friend or use the content as inspiration for film nights. Whether you remember costumes, battles, court intrigue or great voyages of discovery, there's a mix that makes guessing and learning fun.
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Round 1
Which 1997 film depicts the sinking of an ocean liner after a collision in the Atlantic?
Answer: Titanic
The film depicts the 1912 disaster when a large passenger ship sank after hitting an iceberg. The story mixes fictional protagonists with historical details of the event.
Which 1993 film follows the list of an industrialist who saves Jews during World War II?
Answer: Schindler's List
The plot is based on Oskar Schindler's efforts in occupied Poland, where he used his factory to protect workers from deportation. The film depicts the Holocaust with documentary-like realism.
Which 2000 film is about a Roman general forced to fight as a slave in the arena?
Answer: Gladiator
The story is set during the Roman Empire and uses political intrigue surrounding imperial power as a backdrop. It shows the role of gladiatorial games as entertainment and a means of power in ancient Rome.
Which 1995 film is set in Scotland and follows a rebellion against an English king?
Answer: Braveheart
The film is loosely based on the struggles of William Wallace in the late 13th century. It depicts conflicts between Scottish nobles and the English crown, focusing on the struggle for freedom and medieval warfare.
Which 2010 film shows a British monarch overcoming a stammer for radio appearances?
Answer: The King's Speech
The story centres on King George VI and his speech training in the face of political unrest. It highlights how the mass media changed the way the monarchy communicated in the first half of the 20th century.
Which 1998 film depicts the rescue of a single soldier after a major landing in France?
Answer: Saving Private Ryan
Set in 1944, the film follows an American patrol after the Normandy invasion. It shows the brutality of war and how military decisions could be affected by family losses.
Which 1982 film shows a pacifist who refuses to bear arms and yet becomes a hero in battle?
Answer: Gandhi
The film depicts Mahatma Gandhi's role in India's independence movement and his strategy of non-violence. It looks at colonial politics, mass mobilisation and how civil disobedience could influence imperial powers.
Which 1987 film follows a Scottish soldier in Japan learning the life of the samurai?
Answer: The Last Samurai
The story draws inspiration from Japan's modernisation in the 19th century and conflicts between tradition and the central state. It shows how military reforms and Western influence rapidly changed society.
Which 1962 film is about a British officer trapped in the desert during World War I?
Answer: Lawrence of Arabia
The film is based on T.E. Lawrence's experiences during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. It depicts guerrilla warfare, diplomacy and great power politics in the Middle East during the war years 1916-1918.
Which 1979 film depicts a controversial trial after a war in Vietnam?
Answer: Apocalypse Now
Inspired by the US war in Vietnam, the film focuses on moral resolution in a chaotic conflict. It uses a journey up a river to show the psychological consequences of war.
Which 2001 film follows a mathematician whose secret work helps break codes in wartime?
Answer: A Beautiful Mind
The story is based on the life of John Nash and links academic research to Cold War security policy. It also shows how mental illness can affect work and relationships over time.
Which 2016 film follows an African-American jurist shaping an important Supreme Court case?
Answer: On the Basis of Sex
The film depicts Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early career and a case that challenged gender discrimination. It shows how litigation can change legal interpretation and social norms in the United States.
Which 2006 film is about a Scottish doctor who becomes the personal physician to a dictator in Africa?
Answer: The Last King of Scotland
The film is inspired by Idi Amin's rule in Uganda in the 1970s. The film shows how personal proximity to power can lead to moral compromise and transparency in state violence.
Which 2002 film depicts a pianist surviving in a destroyed Polish city under occupation?
Answer: The Pianist
The film is based on Władysław Szpilman's memoirs from Warsaw during World War II. It shows the disintegration of the ghetto, everyday survival and how culture can become a lifeline in extreme vulnerability.
Which 1999 film is about a journalist who uncovers the secrets of the tobacco industry in the US?
Answer: The Insider
The story follows a whistleblower and a TV newsroom scrutinising corporate practices. It highlights legal threats, media ethics and how inside information can influence public health policy.
Which 2012 film depicts the hunt for a terrorist leader after a major attack in the US?
Answer: Zero Dark Thirty
The film follows intelligence work in the years after 2001, leading up to a military operation in Pakistan. It shows methods, bureaucracy and how lengthy investigations can shape political decisions.
Which 2004 film shows a German leader isolated in a bunker during the final stages of the war?
Answer: Downfall
Set in Berlin in the spring of 1945, it depicts the collapse of leadership as the Red Army approaches. It is partly based on the testimony of people in the inner circle.
Which 2017 film follows a British Prime Minister during the first months of the war in 1940?
Answer: Darkest Hour
The film depicts Winston Churchill's political pressure when Britain faced the threat of invasion. It focuses on the decisions of the Crisis Cabinet and how rhetoric and strategy could affect national morale.
Which 1996 film depicts a trial in South Africa that leads to release after long imprisonment?
Answer: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
The story follows Nelson Mandela's life from activism to prison and later political leadership. It provides context on apartheid, the resistance movement and negotiations that changed South Africa's governance.
Which 1963 film shows an ancient slave leading a rebellion against Rome?
Answer: Spartacus
The film is based on the slave revolt led by Spartacus in the 70s BC. It depicts Roman military power, social hierarchies and how rebellion could threaten the stability of the Republic.
Which 1959 film is about a Jewish prince in the Roman Empire who comes into conflict with a friend?
Answer: Ben-Hur
Set in Roman Judea, the story follows personal rivalries that have political consequences. It also shows religious and social tensions in the province in ancient times.
Which 1960 film depicts a slave woman who becomes the centre of a major revolt in Rome?
Answer: Spartacus
The film depicts a dramatised slave revolt in the Roman Republic, where relationships and loyalties influence resistance. It gives a simplified but clear picture of class conflict in antiquity.
Which 2014 film shows the mission of an American sniper during a war in the Middle East?
Answer: American Sniper
Based on Chris Kyle's autobiography, the film depicts combat in Iraq after 2003. It looks at how repeated deployments can affect the family life and mental health of soldiers.
Which 1984 film depicts a major naval battle in the Pacific during World War II?
Answer: The Battle of Midway
The film dramatises the events of 1942 when an American victory changed the direction of the war in the Pacific. It shows how intelligence and airborne aircraft carriers became crucial in modern naval warfare.
Which 2019 film follows two soldiers with an urgent message during World War I?
Answer: 1917
Set on the Western Front, the film focuses on a time-critical order to prevent a catastrophe. The film uses an intense journey to show the logistics and risks of war.
Which 2009 film depicts a South African sports tournament as a political tool after apartheid?
Answer: Invictus
The film looks at how the 1995 Rugby World Cup was used to promote national reconciliation. It shows leadership, symbolic politics and how sport can influence identity in a changing society.
Which 2005 film follows a woman navigating 16th century English court life?
Answer: Elizabeth
The story focuses on Elizabeth I's early rule and threats from both internal and external enemies. It depicts religion, diplomacy and how the monarchy was stabilised during a turbulent period.
Which 2018 film depicts the rivalry and power play between two women at the British court?
Answer: The Favourite
Set during the reign of Queen Anne, it shows how favouritism could influence politics. It highlights court intrigues, party battles and the impact of personal relationships on decisions.
Which 2003 film follows a young woman who becomes an advisor to a French ruler?
Answer: Joan of Arc
The film depicts Joan of Arc's role during the Hundred Years' War and her religiously coloured legitimacy. It deals with sieges, political alliances and the subsequent judicial process.
Which 1966 film follows an English nobleman through 16th century religious conflicts?
Answer: A Man for All Seasons
The film tells the story of Thomas More and his conflict with the royal power when church and political loyalties collide. It highlights conscience, legal principles and the demands of power in Tudor England.
Which 1973 film depicts a prison riot on an isolated island in the USA?
Answer: Escape from Alcatraz
The film is based on a high-profile escape from a maximum security prison in San Francisco Bay. It shows planning, surveillance and how the environment around the prison made escape extremely difficult.
Which 2013 film depicts a US President pushing through a crucial amendment to the Constitution?
Answer: Lincoln
The film focuses on the political work surrounding the abolition of slavery during the Civil War. It shows negotiations, party politics and how votes could determine major social changes.
Which 1995 film shows the Apollo mission suffering an explosion on its way to the Moon?
Answer: Apollo 13
The story recounts a 1970 space flight where the crew is forced to improvise to survive. It depicts technology, crisis management and the co-operation between astronauts and ground control.
Which 2010 film follows the creation of a social network in an American university?
Answer: The Social Network
The film depicts the founding of a major internet platform and the ensuing conflicts over ownership and ideas. It shows how entrepreneurship, law and friendships can collide.
Which 2015 film shows a group of journalists exposing abuse within a large institution?
Answer: Spotlight
The story follows an excavation team investigating systematic abuses and cover-ups. It shows how documents, sources and persistent reporting can lead to public debate and legal consequences.
Which 2001 film depicts an attack on a US base in the Pacific in 1941?
Answer: Pearl Harbor
The film dramatises the attack that drew the US into World War II. It mixes fictional characters with historical events and shows how air and naval forces changed strategic location rapidly.
Which 1970 film follows an American general leading a daring rescue operation during war?
Answer: Patton
The film depicts George S. Patton's leadership during World War II and his controversial personality. It looks at strategy, discipline and how public statements could affect military careers.
Which 1965 film is about a doctor fighting a plague in an Italian city?
Answer: The Agony and the Ecstasy
The film focuses on artistic work in Renaissance Italy and conflicts with ecclesiastical power. It shows how large commissions, economics and prestige shaped culture in the 16th century.
Which 1992 film depicts a murder investigation in a medieval monastery?
Answer: The Name of the Rose
The story is set in the 14th century and links crime to theological conflict and censorship. It also shows how monasteries functioned as centres of knowledge with manuscripts and strict order.
Which 2013 film depicts the hijacking of a cargo ship off the Horn of Africa?
Answer: Captain Phillips
The film is based on a real incident in 2009 involving pirates in the Indian Ocean. It shows the impact of merchant shipping, security practices and international efforts on hostage situations at sea.
Which 2007 film follows the rise of an oil tycoon in early 20th century America?
Answer: There Will Be Blood
The film depicts industrialisation and the commodities boom in the United States, focusing on power, religion and capital. It shows how oil extraction changed communities and created conflicts over land and influence.
Which 1986 film is about a young soldier facing the reality of war in Vietnam?
Answer: Platoon
Based partly on the director's own experiences, the film shows the battles and moral divisions in a platoon. It highlights how stress, fear and leadership can break down cohesion.
Which 1987 film depicts a stock market crash and insider trading on Wall Street?
Answer: Wall Street
The film looks at the culture of finance in the 1980s and how greed could drive risky business. It also shows how young brokers could be lured into illegal practices and manipulation.
Which 2011 film depicts a British spy exposing Soviet agents during the Cold War?
Answer: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Set in the world of 1970s intelligence, the story centres on an internal leak. It shows how double agents, code names and bureaucracy could hamper truth-seeking in the secret services.
Which 2019 film depicts a political scandal that leads to the resignation of a US president?
Answer: All the President's Men
The film depicts investigative journalism that uncovered illegalities linked to a burglary. It shows source protection, editorial work and how the press can influence democratic accountability.
Which 2008 film depicts a German industrialist who becomes an opponent after seeing the violence?
Answer: Valkyrie
The film tells the story of the 1944 assassination attempt by a group of officers to stop the Nazi leadership. It shows the planning, the risks and how conflicts of loyalty characterised military circles.
Which 2014 film depicts a physicist leading the development of a new weapon during wartime?
Answer: Oppenheimer
The film follows the work of the Manhattan Project and the scientific and political decisions that shaped its development. It also highlights ethical conflicts and how security classification affected the lives of scientists.
Which 1991 film depicts an FBI agent infiltrating a mafia family in New York?
Answer: Donnie Brasco
The story is based on a real-life undercover operation where an agent lived close to organised crime. It shows how long-term undercover work can create loyalty problems and personal risks.
Which 2001 film follows a young girl during the civil war who is forced to survive in a city under siege?
Answer: Sarajevo
The film depicts everyday life under siege and how civilians are affected by lack of food, electricity and security. It provides context on conflicts in the Balkans and how cities became protracted war zones.
Which 1997 film depicts a British expedition trying to reach the North Pole by hot air balloon?
Answer: The Aeronauts
The story is inspired by early scientific balloon flights in the 19th century. It shows the risks of high altitude flight, limited equipment and how observations could contribute to meteorology.
Which 2013 film depicts a slave being freed and seeking revenge in the American South?
Answer: 12 Years a Slave
Based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup, the film shows the brutality of slavery in 19th century America. It also depicts how kidnapping and lawlessness could affect free blacks in northern states.
Which 1968 film depicts a British officer in a prison camp building a bridge in the jungle?
Answer: The Bridge on the River Kwai
Set during the Second World War in South-East Asia, it shows the forced labour of prisoners of war. It addresses discipline, pride and how resistance and co-operation can mix in extreme situations.
Which 2011 film depicts a horse and its journey through World War I Europe?
Answer: War Horse
The film follows how an animal changes hands and ends up in different parts of the war. It shows cavalry, trenches and how civilians and soldiers were affected by the same conflict.
Which 1993 film depicts a trial in which a woman is accused after the death of a child in Australia?
Answer: A Cry in the Dark
The film is based on a famous case where a family's story was challenged by authorities and the media. It shows how the evaluation of evidence, public opinion and the legal system can lead to wrongful convictions.
Which 2007 film depicts a Queen's reaction after a tragic car accident in the UK?
Answer: The Queen
Set in 1997, it shows the tension between the tradition of the royal family and the grief of the people. It also depicts the relationship between the monarch and a new prime minister in a media-driven era.
Which 1998 film depicts an Italian father protecting his child in a camp through play?
Answer: Life is Beautiful
Set during the Second World War, the film shows how a parent tries to make sense of an inhumane environment. It highlights both everyday life before deportation and survival strategies in captivity.
Which 2003 film depicts an American soldier returning home and facing social change after war?
Answer: Born on the Fourth of July
Based on the life of Ron Kovic, the film shows how war injuries and traumatic experiences affect identity. It also depicts protests and political polarisation in the US during the 1960s and 1970s.
Which 2019 film depicts a British military evacuation from a French beach during World War II?
Answer: Dunkirk
Set in 1940, the film depicts a massive rescue operation by sea and air. It highlights logistical problems, civilian boats and how the evacuation was a moral turning point for Britain.
Which 2006 film depicts a German submarine crew on a dangerous mission in the Atlantic?
Answer: The boat
The film depicts life on board a submarine during the Second World War, focusing on claustrophobia and constant danger. It also highlights technical limitations and how underwater warfare affected strategy.
Let's test your maths knowledge
If you've read the article on the front page of Quizfragor, you know the answer.
Round 2
Which 2012 film depicts the freeing of slaves through a bloody revolt in ancient times?
Answer: Spartacus
Based on a famous slave revolt in Rome, the story shows how oppression could lead to organised resistance. It dramatises battles and political reactions in the Roman Republic.
Which 2004 film follows the life of a Mexican artist through political conflict and illness?
Answer: Frida
The film depicts the life of Frida Kahlo and links art to identity and politics in 20th century Mexico. It addresses relationships, physical pain and how cultural environments shaped her expression.
Which 2008 film depicts the rise of an Indian businessman during a television competition in Mumbai?
Answer: Slumdog Millionaire
The story uses a quiz as a framework to show the protagonist's life through childhood and adulthood. It highlights social inequalities, urban poverty and how memories are linked to specific events.
Which 2011 film depicts a baseball club's data-driven approach to player recruitment?
Answer: Moneyball
The film is based on a real-life shift in sports management where statistics were used to find undervalued talent. It shows how budget constraints can lead to innovation and conflict with traditional methods.
Which 2014 film depicts an activist's fight for voting rights in the US in the 1960s?
Answer: Selma
The film focuses on marches for voting rights and political barriers in Alabama. It shows how organised protests, police violence and negotiations contributed to legislative changes in the era of the civil rights movement.
Which 2006 film follows the life and political role of a British queen in the 16th century?
Answer: Elizabeth
The film depicts the exercise of power in a time of religious strife and international threats. It shows how diplomacy and control of the court could secure the monarchy's position in England.
Which 1997 film depicts a plane crash in the Andes where survivors are forced to make extreme decisions?
Answer: Alive
The film is based on a real-life accident in 1972 involving a rugby team that crashed in the mountains. It shows survival strategies, cold and hunger and how group dynamics change during long isolation.
Which 2009 film depicts a journalist travelling alone in the desert and becoming a prisoner?
Answer: Rendition
The film looks at secret detentions and interrogations following the expansion of the fight against terrorism. It shows how suspicions can lead to legal uncertainty and how families are affected when information is kept secret.
Which 2013 film depicts a US operation against hostage-takers in Somalia?
Answer: Captain Phillips
The story recounts a hijacking in 2009 and shows negotiations between crew, pirates and military units. It also highlights how trade routes and economic drivers are linked to piracy.
Which 2010 film depicts a covert Israeli operation following an attack on athletes in 1972?
Answer: Munich
The film is about the aftermath of the mass murder at the Munich Olympics and a subsequent hunt for those responsible. It shows the intelligence work, moral uncertainty and political consequences of spiralling violence.
Which 2016 film depicts an aeroplane landing on a river in New York after engine failure?
Answer: Sully
The film is based on an emergency in 2009 where a captain landed on the Hudson River. It shows split-second decision-making and subsequent investigation of safety procedures and responsibilities.
Which 1999 film depicts a king trying to save his family during a Chinese imperial period?
Answer: The Emperor and the Assassin
Set during China's unification period, the film depicts political assassination plots surrounding a ruler. It shows how centralisation, war and loyalty shaped the transition to a unified empire.
Which 2004 film depicts a love story during a German occupation in France?
Answer: A Very Long Engagement
The story follows a woman's search for her fiancé after the trenches of the First World War. It shows how martial law, desertion and family grief affected civilians during and after conflicts.
Which 2018 film depicts a dramatic rescue of a team of boys in a flooded cave?
Answer: The Rescue
The story recounts the 2018 rescue in Thailand with divers and international coordination. It shows risk assessment, technical planning and how time pressure and weather conditions guided the operation's decisions.
Which 2001 film depicts the friendship of a German boy with a child behind a fence during war?
Answer: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Set during the Second World War, the film shows how children can misunderstand the ideology of the adult world. It highlights segregation, camp realities and how families were affected by Nazi policies.
Which 1994 film depicts the Rwandan genocide through the eyes of a hotel manager trying to protect refugees?
Answer: Hotel Rwanda
The film is based on events in 1994 when mass violence struck Tutsis and moderate Hutus. It shows how a hotel became a refuge and how international inaction affected the scale of the disaster.
Which 2007 film depicts an American politician being pressured by a TV interview after a scandal?
Answer: Frost/Nixon
The film recounts the interviews in which a former president was confronted about abuse of power. It shows media strategy, preparation and how public confessions can be shaped by journalists and advisors.
Which 2018 film depicts a British Prime Minister's decision to work with an elder statesman?
Answer: Churchill
The film takes place during the Second World War, when planning is underway for a major invasion. It shows internal doubts, military risks and how leaders deal with past experiences when new decisions have to be made quickly.
Which 2015 film depicts an expedition trying to reach an unexplored region of South America?
Answer: The Lost City of Z
The film is based on Percy Fawcett's travels in the Amazon in the early 1900s. It shows mapping, colonial attitudes and how scientific ambition could drive dangerous expeditions.
Which film from 2000 depicts the interrogation and surveillance of a Cuban poet after the revolution?
Answer: Before Night Falls
The story follows Reinaldo Arenas and shows cultural policies and persecution in Cuba. It highlights how censorship, imprisonment and exile could affect artists when the state controlled expression.
Which 2019 film depicts a married couple working secretly on espionage in the US?
Answer: The Americans
The story depicts Cold War intelligence conflict and how false identities are built up over years. It shows the risks of double lives and how family relationships are affected by prolonged secrecy.
Which 2005 film depicts a German girl growing up during the rise of Nazism?
Answer: Sophie Scholl
The film depicts resistance work in Germany and the trial of a group of students who distributed leaflets. It shows interrogation techniques, propaganda and how civil courage could lead to the death penalty.
Which 2013 film depicts a dramatic escape from Iran using the cover of the film industry?
Answer: Argo
The film is based on a 1979-1980 CIA operation during the Tehran hostage crisis. It shows how false documents, diplomacy and improvisation were used to get people out without raising suspicion.
Which 2006 film depicts two police officers and an undercover officer in an organised crime city?
Answer: The Departed
The film is about the double game between police and criminals where identities are hidden on both sides. It shows how infiltration requires long planning and how suspicion can lead to violent escalation.
Which 2016 film depicts an aeroplane hijacking that ends with a spectacular rescue in Africa?
Answer: Captain Phillips
The film depicts an incident with pirates and shows how the crew's decisions affect the outcome. It also highlights how military resources and negotiations can interact in a rapid crisis situation.
Which 2003 film depicts a young man who becomes king of New Zealand and creates a new order?
Answer: Whale Rider
Set in a Maori community, the film is about tradition, leadership and generational conflict. It shows how cultural norms can be challenged when a new person shows the capacity to take responsibility.
Which 2009 film depicts the South African apartheid era through the eyes of a reporter in a small town?
Answer: District 9
The film uses an allegory of segregation and government power through a conflict around forced displacement. It shows how bureaucracy, violence and dehumanisation can be normalised in an unequal society.
Which 1993 film depicts an Irish father wrongly convicted after a bombing in England?
Answer: In the Name of the Father
The film is based on a court case where insufficient evidence led to a prison sentence. It shows interrogations, legal mistakes and how the fight for justice can last for many years.
Which 2008 film depicts an Indian independence struggle through a prison hunger strike?
Answer: Hunger
The film depicts a 1981 hunger strike in Northern Ireland and focuses on prisoners' protest against prison conditions. It shows how the body, politics and symbolic acts can become central to conflict.
Which 2017 film depicts a young woman who becomes a journalist during war in a Middle Eastern country?
Answer: A Private War
Based on the work of Marie Colvin, the film shows the risks of reporting from the frontlines. It highlights how testimonies, trauma and security assessments affect the daily lives of war correspondents.
Which 2012 film depicts a French aristocrat who becomes a leader despite revolutionary threats?
Answer: Les Misérables
Set in 19th century France, the film links personal stories to social unrest. It shows poverty, police surveillance and how rebellions could arise from economic and political tensions.
Which 2005 film depicts a German prisoner of war forced to work in a Siberian camp chain?
Answer: The Way Back
The film is inspired by stories of escape from labour camps and a long walk to freedom. It shows cold, hunger and how the group's survival requires co-operation in extreme conditions.
Which 2014 film depicts a British codebreaker whose work affects the outcome of the war?
Answer: The Imitation Game
The film depicts Alan Turing's work at Bletchley Park and how machines were used to interpret encrypted messages. It also sheds light on secrecy, persecution and his post-war treatment.
Which 1998 film depicts a US president caught up in a sex scandal and media crisis?
Answer: Primary Colours
The film is a fictionalised account of an election campaign inspired by 1990s American politics. It shows how advisors deal with rumours, moral issues and strategic decisions in public.
Which 2001 film depicts an American soldier taking part in a difficult battle in Somalia in 1993?
Answer: Black Hawk Down
The film dramatises the battle in Mogadishu and shows how an operation can quickly descend into chaos. It highlights urban combat, communication problems and difficulties evacuating under intense shelling.
Which 1994 film depicts an 18th century British royal family with a focus on madness and power?
Answer: The Madness of King George
The film depicts the illness of a monarch and how the court tries to manage a political crisis. It shows how medical interpretations and power plays could affect the fitness for government and succession.
Which 2009 film depicts the diary of a German Jewish girl in hiding during the occupation?
Answer: The Diary of Anne Frank
Based on the diary of Anne Frank, the film depicts life in a secret annex during the Second World War. It shows everyday routines, fear of discovery and how writing became a way to overcome isolation.
Which 2003 film depicts a captain leading a British fleet against French ships during the Napoleonic Wars?
Answer: Master and Commander
Set in the early 19th century, the film shows the tactics of naval warfare with sailing ships. It highlights discipline on board, navigation and how blockades and hunting the enemy shaped warfare.
Which 2012 film depicts an American agent hunting a serial killer in 1970s America?
Answer: Zodiac
Based on a real investigation, the film shows how cryptic letters and newspaper contact complicated the work. It also highlights how protracted cases can affect both investigators and journalists.
Which 2014 film depicts a British naturalist on a journey that changes the way we think about species?
Answer: Darwin
The film depicts the life of Charles Darwin and the intellectual process that led to a new biological theory. It also shows how religion, family and scientific evidence could come into conflict.
Which 1990 film depicts the power play of an Italian mafia family over several decades?
Answer: The Godfather
The film shows how organised crime works through loyalty, business and violence. It also depicts how family relationships and succession can affect power structures in criminal networks.
Which 2002 film depicts an American journalist uncovering a military scandal in Vietnam?
Answer: The Post
The film depicts the publication of classified documents and the conflict between government and press. It shows how source protection, court cases and editorial decisions can affect the limits of freedom of expression.
Which 1996 film depicts an English aristocrat who loses his estate during the interwar period?
Answer: The Remains of the Day
Set in Britain, the film shows the perspective of servants on class and duty. It highlights how political naivety and social norms could affect relationships and life choices.
Which 2011 film depicts a young girl's struggle for education in a war-torn country?
Answer: Malala
The film looks at Malala Yousafzai's background and how threats to education can become a global issue. It also shows how speech, media and international support can influence security and political debate.
Which 2004 film depicts an American pilot escaping from a prison colony during the Vietnam War?
Answer: Rescue Dawn
The film is based on a real-life escape from captivity in Laos during the Vietnam War. It shows survival in a jungle environment, lack of resources and how discipline and perseverance can make the difference between life and death.
Which 2013 film depicts a police operation against a drug cartel in a US border town?
Answer: Sicario
The film shows how counter-narcotics can blur the lines between law and warfare. It highlights intelligence methods, special forces and how civilians can be caught between different power interests.
Which 1997 film depicts a court case in which a lawyer defends a man accused of murder in the US South?
Answer: A Time to Kill
Set in Mississippi, the film shows how racism and the legal system can affect a trial. It highlights jury duty, intimidation and how public opinion can put pressure on legal actors.
Which 2018 film depicts an American astronaut who gets trapped and needs to be rescued from space?
Answer: Apollo 13
The film depicts a space crisis where technical failures forced creative solutions. It shows how engineers and crew worked together under time pressure to secure re-entry and survival.
Which 2006 film depicts a nuclear accident and its aftermath in a Soviet city?
Answer: Chernobyl
It describes the 1986 accident and how radiation and secrecy affected the population. It also shows evacuation, clean-up and how political decisions could delay risk communication.
Which 2019 film depicts the role of a British woman in the fight for voting rights through protests?
Answer: Suffragette
Set in the early 20th century, the film shows how activists used civil disobedience. It highlights working life, family conflicts and how state repression met organised demonstrations.
Which 2001 film depicts an American boxer's journey from poverty to championship during the Depression?
Answer: Cinderella Man
Based on the career of James J. Braddock, the film shows how sport could provide hope during the economic crisis of the 1930s. It also highlights family support, injuries and the public's need for symbols.
Which 1999 film depicts the life of a British aristocrat in an estate in the early 1900s?
Answer: Gosford Park
Set on an English country estate, the film shows class differences between guests and servants. It also highlights how social rules, inheritance and secrets shaped relationships in the upper classes.
Which 2010 film depicts an American soldier defusing bombs during a war in the Middle East?
Answer: The Hurt Locker
The film shows the daily life of a munitions clearance unit in Iraq and how risk becomes routine. It highlights stress reactions, teamwork and how reintegration can be difficult after repeated combat tours.
Which 2003 film depicts a judge investigating murders in a small town after a military coup?
Answer: The Secret in Their Eyes
The film depicts Argentina in the aftermath of political unrest and shows how the justice system can be affected by fear and power. It highlights lengthy investigations, memory and how trauma can shape life choices.
Which 1998 film depicts a US presidential election campaign where an advisor controls the media flow?
Answer: Wag the Dog
The film shows how spin and fabricated narratives can be used to divert attention from a scandal. It highlights the relationship between politics, television production and how public opinion can be quickly swayed.
Which 2014 film depicts the work of a British mathematician interpreting secret messages?
Answer: The Imitation Game
The film focuses on coding during the Second World War and how technological innovations accelerated analysis. It also shows how secrecy and social norms could lead to persecution after the war.
Which 2007 film depicts a young man becoming a soldier and taking part in battles in ancient Rome?
Answer: Gladiator
Set in the Roman Empire, the film shows how arena combat could be linked to politics and propaganda. It also highlights power transitions, loyalty and how military victories affected legitimacy.
Which 1990 film depicts an American journalist reporting from a revolution in Central America?
Answer: Salvador
Set during the civil war in El Salvador, the film shows violence, propaganda and civilian risks. It also highlights how foreign interests and the reporter's choices influence what is documented.
Which 2013 film depicts an American captain navigating a warship during a stormy period?
Answer: Greyhound
Set during the Atlantic convoys of World War II, the film focuses on submarine threats. It shows how escort tactics, sonar and decision-making under pressure were crucial to protect merchant ships.
Which 1999 film depicts an American soldier taking part in an invasion of North Africa in 1942?
Answer: Patton
The film shows military campaigns during the Second World War and how a general ran offensive strategies. It also highlights conflicts with superiors, discipline issues and how reputation affects command.
Which 2005 film depicts a young woman who becomes central to a French resistance movement under occupation?
Answer: Army of Shadows
The film depicts resistance work in France during the Second World War and shows secret networks. It highlights the risks of infiltration, coded contacts and difficult choices when arrest threatens.
Which 2019 film depicts an American family in a small town during major economic changes?
Answer: The Grapes of Wrath
Set during the 1930s Depression, the film shows migration, unemployment and the agricultural crisis. It highlights how families were driven westwards and faced exploitation and unsafe conditions.
