So many of the greatest political conflicts are marked by stark violence, brutality, lies, deception, and often bloodshed. When it comes to cinema, it is important to tell these stories in as authentic and true a portrayal as possible. However, there are often stories of love, friendship, and internal struggles that come at the heart of these conflicts, and those are just as important stories. Here are 18 films that center around political conflicts but do so without any gratuitous violence.
Oppenheimer
Along with Barbie, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was easily the biggest film of last year and perhaps one of the most anticipated for a while. Nolan tells the story of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his leading role in the formation of the atomic bomb. The film hardly dives into the destruction caused by the bomb, but rather the self-destruction it caused in Oppenheimer himself. The idea for the film came after Robert Pattinson gifted Nolan a book of Oppenheimer’s speeches.
Life Is Beautiful
La Vita E Bella, directed by Roberto Benigni, tells the story of an Italian bookseller of Jewish heritage whose life takes a tragic turn when his family is deported to a concentration camp. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, Guido (played by Benigni) remains remarkably hopeful and optimistic about life.
Darkest Hour
Gary Oldman won an Academy Award and several other accolades for his outstanding performance as Winston Churchill in the film directed by Joe Wright. The movie delves into the early period of Churchill’s tenure as the Prime Minister of Great Britain, coinciding with the tumultuous era of World War II.
Atonement
Another Jo Wright film, Atonement, is set during World War II. The crime in question, however, is to do Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan), her sister Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley), and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). This tale of love, guilt, and redemption received widespread critical acclaim.
The Imitation Game
Directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game is a compelling historical drama that portrays the remarkable true story of Alan Turing, a brilliant cryptanalyst who played a pivotal role in decoding German intelligence communications during World War II. The film showcases powerful performances by Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role of Turing and Keira Knightley as Joan Clarke, Turing’s close colleague and confidante.
The Sound of Music
Released in 1965, Robert Wise directed one of the great musical dramas, which won five Academy Awards. Despite being set in Austria during the Second World War, the turbulence of the time is secondary to the love of life and music brought by Maria, played by Julie Andrews, into the picturesque landscapes of Austria.
Casablanca
Another oldie but goldie, 1942s Casablanca is a love story between a pessimistic American and a previous lover filmed and set during World War II. Set in Casablanca, Morocco, and directed by Michael Curtiz, the film stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid.
Gandhi
This historical epic details the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his passive resistance in the face of the British Empire. From being thrown off a train in South Africa in 1983 to his return to India to fight for their independence, Gandhi remained resolute in adopting a non-violent approach. The film stars Ben Kingsley as Gandhi and took home eight Academy Awards.
Invictus
Another film that touches on a historical moment in South Africa’s political landscape, Invictus is a sports drama that shows how newly elected president Nelson Mandela rallied a nation through sport in the wake of division from the country’s apartheid nightmare. Morgan Freeman plays Mandela, while Matt Damon plays Francois Pienaar, the captain of the South African rugby team that lifted the World Cup.
The Zone of Interest
The newest film on this list, Jonathan Glazer, tells the story of a Nazi commander and his family’s attempt to build a home and a romantic life on the other side of the fence to Auschwitz concentration camp. The film finds ways to make the audience incredibly uncomfortable, but all on the power of association. Violence is never shown but is always apparent.
The Ides of March
Ryan Gosling plays a young and ambitious politician who is naive to the lies, deception, and lengths you have to go to win a presidential campaign. George Clooney directs and stars alongside Gosling in a stacked cast list that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti.
The Post
Steven Spielberg directs this battle between journalists and government in a political thriller based on true events. It follows the story of The Washington Post’s attempts at publishing a 20-year governmental cover-up known as the Pentagon Papers. The film stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, amongst many other stars, in supporting roles.
Lincoln
In another political film by Steven Spielberg, Lincoln depicts the challenging last months in office of the 16th President of the United States. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lincoln.
Thirteen Days
Directed by Roger Donaldson, Thirteen Days tells the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, as seen by American forces. It stars Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp, and Dylan Baker.
The King’s Speech
The story of King George VI’s journey to overcome a speech impediment in delivering his first radio broadcast to the nation and prove he is worthy and capable of sitting on the British throne. Colin Firth won an Oscar for Best Actor in his portrayal of King George VI.
The Lives of Others
The Lives of Others, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, is a poignant portrayal of a tragic love story set in East Berlin just before the collapse of the Berlin Wall. The film provides a compelling insight into the oppressive surveillance state of East Germany under the Stasi regime.
Argo
Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Argo is based on the Iranian hostage crisis and the rescue of six United States diplomats. Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman are amongst the supporting cast in this one.
The Monuments Men
In this action drama, George Clooney stars and takes on the director’s role. The story follows a group of seven men on an ambitious treasure hunt in Nazi-occupied territory during World War II. Their mission is to recover priceless art from behind enemy lines. The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Cate Blanchett.
