Certainly! Here are the reality-based English-language films:
1. The Usual Suspects (1995)
Director: Bryan Singer
Story: A complex crime thriller centered around a group of criminals and the elusive crime lord Keyser Söze.
Main Characters:
- Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey): A small-time con artist with a limp.
- Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne): A former corrupt police officer turned criminal.
- Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin): A hot-headed criminal.
- Fred Fenster (Benicio del Toro): A mumbling accomplice.
- Todd Hockney (Kevin Pollak): A weapons specialist.
- Dave Kujan (Chazz Palminteri): A U.S. Customs agent investigating the case.
Plot: After a deadly heist, the surviving criminals are interrogated. Through flashbacks, Verbal recounts the events leading up to the heist and the legend of Keyser Söze. The film culminates in a shocking twist revealing Verbal’s true identity.
Twist: Verbal Kint is revealed to be Keyser Söze, orchestrating the entire narrative.
Critical Reception: The film holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its intricate plot and unexpected twist.
2. The Good Liar (2019)
Director: Bill Condon
Story: A seasoned con artist targets a wealthy widow, leading to unexpected revelations.
Main Characters:
- Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen): A cunning con artist.
- Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren): A widowed millionaire.
- Vincent (Jim Carter): Roy’s accomplice.
- Stephen (Russell Tovey): Betty’s grandson.
Plot: Roy befriends Betty with the intent to defraud her. As their relationship deepens, secrets from their pasts emerge, complicating their plans.
Twist: Betty is revealed to be Lili Schroeder, a woman from Roy’s past, seeking revenge for his betrayal during World War II.
Critical Reception: The film received mixed reviews, with critics highlighting the performances of McKellen and Mirren. citeturn0search16
3. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Story: The true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who successfully executed cons worth millions by posing as various professionals.
Main Characters:
- Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio): A master of deception.
- Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks): An FBI agent determined to catch Frank.
- Brenda Strong (Amy Adams): A nurse who becomes romantically involved with Frank.
Plot: Frank’s cons take him across the globe, with Carl relentlessly pursuing him. Their cat-and-mouse game leads to mutual respect.
Twist: Frank’s true identity and motivations are revealed, showing his desire for a family he never had.
Critical Reception: The film holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its engaging storytelling and performances.
4. The Big Short (2015)
Director: Adam McKay
Story: An exploration of the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of those who predicted it.
Main Characters:
- Michael Burry (Christian Bale): A hedge fund manager who bets against the housing market.
- Mark Baum (Steve Carell): A skeptical investor.
- Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling): A banker who discovers the impending collapse.
- Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt): A retired banker who assists the protagonists.
Plot: The film follows several investors who foresee the housing bubble burst and bet against the market, leading to significant profits and moral dilemmas.
Twist: The film ends with a montage showing the aftermath of the crisis, highlighting the lack of accountability.
Critical Reception: The film has a 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, lauded for its informative and entertaining approach to complex financial topics.
5. Argo (2012)
Director: Ben Affleck
Story: The true story of a CIA mission to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage crisis by posing as a film crew.
Main Characters:
- Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck): A CIA operative.
- Jack O’Donnell (Bryan Cranston): Mendez’s superior.
- John Chambers (John Goodman): A Hollywood makeup artist.
- Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin): A film producer.
Plot: Mendez devises a plan to infiltrate Iran by creating a fake sci-fi film, leading a team to rescue the hostages under the guise of a film crew.
Twist: The mission’s success is revealed, showcasing the audacity and creativity of the operation.
Critical Reception: The film holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances.
6. Blow (2001)
Director: Ted Demme
Story: The life of George Jung, a major player in the cocaine trade in the 1970s and 1980s.
Main Characters:
- George Jung (Johnny Depp): A drug trafficker.
- Mirtha Jung (Penélope Cruz): George’s wife.
- Diego Delgado (Jordi Mollà): A Colombian drug lord.
Plot: George rises from a small-time dealer to a major drug kingpin, facing personal and legal challenges along the way.
Twist: George’s downfall is precipitated by betrayal and his own hubris.
Critical Reception: The film has a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with mixed reviews on its pacing and depth.