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Films That Are Based on True Stories or Historical Events Ought To Be Completely Accurate - IELTS Essay


Films That Are Based on True Stories or Historical Events Ought To Be Completely Accurate - IELTS Band 9 Essay

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Model Essay 1

The fidelity of films based on true stories or historical events is often debated regarding their need to adhere strictly to accuracy. This essay asserts that while historical accuracy is important, it is equally crucial to recognize artistic interpretation's role in filmmaking. The discussion will explore the balance between factual representation and creative license, as well as the impact of this balance on audiences and historical understanding.


Historical accuracy serves as the backbone of films claiming to be based on real events, setting a framework that ensures the audience receives a truthful representation of the past. Such adherence to facts not only educates viewers but also honours the real-life figures and contexts depicted. For instance, the movie Schindler's List meticulously portrays the Holocaust's atrocities, providing a stark, educational perspective that holds profound historical significance. This accuracy fosters a deeper understanding and connection, making the events more relatable and impactful. However, insisting on absolute accuracy can sometimes constrain the storytelling aspect, potentially leading to a dry rendition of events that may fail to engage or resonate with viewers.


On the other hand, creative license in historical films can enhance engagement and provide deeper insights into the human experience during those times. Filmmakers often introduce fictionalized elements or dramatize events to highlight certain themes or moral questions, making the story more compelling and accessible. For example, The Imitation Game, while criticized for some historical inaccuracies, uses these as tools to emphasize Alan Turing's profound contributions and the tragic consequences of the era's social prejudices. These narrative choices, while deviating from strict historical accounts, can deepen viewer empathy and understanding, fostering a more profound appreciation of the underlying truths behind the facts.


In conclusion, while historical accuracy is foundational, the incorporation of artistic interpretation enriches the filmic experience, making it more meaningful and engaging. Balancing these elements allows filmmakers to craft stories that are not only informative but also emotionally resonant, thereby enhancing both educational value and viewer impact. This approach does not dilute the truth but rather amplifies the essence of the historical narratives we seek to preserve and understand.


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Model Essay 2

Films that claim to represent true stories or historical events often face scrutiny over their accuracy. This essay will argue in strong agreement with the necessity for complete accuracy in such films. It will examine the importance of historical fidelity for educational purposes and the ethical responsibility filmmakers hold towards real-life figures and their stories.


Firstly, films based on true stories serve as an accessible educational tool for the general public, making it imperative that they adhere scrupulously to historical facts. When directors and screenwriters prioritize accuracy, they ensure that the audience gains a correct and unaltered understanding of past events. For example, the film Selma accurately portrays the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, teaching crucial civil rights history without distortion. Such fidelity not only educates but helps in building a collective memory of significant historical truths, reinforcing the lessons learned from past events and guiding future societal actions. Misrepresentations, no matter how minor, can lead to misconceptions about historical events, which may perpetuate myths rather than facts, leading to skewed perceptions that linger in public consciousness.


Furthermore, there is a profound ethical obligation to represent real-life stories with integrity and respect. This is particularly crucial when dealing with sensitive subjects or portraying individuals who have suffered or made significant sacrifices. A film like United 93, which meticulously adheres to the events of 9/11, demonstrates a respectful tribute to the victims and their families, ensuring their stories are not commercialized or sensationalized for entertainment value. Such accurate storytelling preserves the dignity of the narratives and honours the real-life heroes and victims depicted. When filmmakers alter historical facts, they may inadvertently distort the legacies of the individuals involved, potentially causing distress to their descendants and communities who look to such films for accurate representations and rely on these portrayals to remember and understand their own history.


In conclusion, it is essential that films based on true stories or historical events adhere strictly to accuracy. This approach not only ensures educational integrity and informs public understanding correctly but also upholds the ethical standards necessary when depicting real people and their experiences.


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