True Stories
True Stories are those based (sometimes loosely!) on fact. They cover topics as diverse as drug addiction, poverty, political unrest, the corruption of power, alcoholism, class divisions, sexual inequality, mental illness and other human struggles. Meet some of history's most intriguing characters, find out what it's really like to climb a mountain or paint a masterpiece. Truly, the True Story is one of cinema's most engaging and enthralling genres.
Bio-pics feature in this section and are also gathered together separately under the 'Biography' sublink left.
Pictured: Inside the Las Vegas mob, Scorsese's unromantic 'Goodfellas'
Peaceful Warrior (2005)
7.3/10
Director: Victor Salva
Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte, Amy Smart
Based on his best-selling autobiographical novel, this is the inspirational story of successful gymnast Dan Millman (Scott Melchowiz). When his Olympi... Read more
Permanent Midnight (1998)
6.3/10
Director: David Veloz
Starring: Ben Stiller, Elizabeth Hurley, Maria Bello, Owen Wilson, Cheryl Ladd, Peter Gree...
Based on the autobiography of tv writer Jerry Stahl, who, by day writes clever, cutting edge scripts and maintains professional productivity. By night... Read more
Phar Lap (1983)
7.3/10
Director: Simon Wincer
Starring: Tom Burlinson, Martin Vaughan, Judy Morris
An uplifting story of Australia's greatest race horse (but New Zealand bred), told with wit, intelligence and feeling. The race photography is superb.... Read more
Philadelphia (1993)
7.7/10
Director: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks in an Oscar-winning performance as a hotshot gay lawyer fired from his firm for having AIDS. Denzel Washington is the legal ace hired to def... Read more
Philomena (2013)
7.6/10
Director: Stephen Frears
Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan
Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a "fallen woman". When her baby... Read more
Piece of My Heart (2009)
7.7/10
Director: Fiona Samuel
Starring: Annie Whittle, Rena Owen, Emily Barclay, Keisha Castle-Hughes
A powerful drama based on true stories. Unmarried mothers in 1960s New Zealand were treated harshly - sent to secluded homes to have their babies, the... Read more
Pierrepoint (2005)
7.5/10
Director: Adrian Shergold
Starring: Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson, Eddie Marsan, James Corden, Christopher Fulford...
A compelling biopic about England's most prolific hangman, the unassuming Albert Pierrpoint, captured here perfectly by Timothy Spall. Beginning when... Read more
Pinero (2001)
6.4/10
Director: Leon Ichaso
Starring: Benjamin Bratt, Giancarlo Esposito, Talisa Soto, Nelson Vasquez, Michael Wright,...
After doing hard time in prison for drug-dealing and petty theft, Miguel Pinero turned his prison experiences into the '70s Tony Award-winning play "S... Read more
Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
7.3/10
Director: Martyn Burke
Starring: Noah Wyle, Anthony Michael Hall, Joey Slotnick
The dawn of the computer revolution is deftly dramatized in this look at the true saga of America's most famous cybernerds. Focusing on Steve Jobs (No... Read more
Planespotting (2004)
6.9/10
Director: Christopher Menaul
Starring: Lesley Sharp, Ross Boatman, Mark Benton
Based on actual events, this is the outrageous story of 14 harmless plane spotters who find themselves arrested for behaving 'suspiciously' at a remot... Read more