17 Movie Characters Who May Have Been Misunderstood In The Past: A Journey of Understanding and Reevaluation

1. 12 Years a Slave 2013，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 746367, ID: 2024544
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12 Years a Slave is a gut-wrenching depiction of Solomon Northup’s harrowing journey from freedom to slavery. The film’s unflinching portrayal of the brutality and dehumanization faced by Northup and other slaves is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s powerful performance, coupled with Steve McQueen’s masterful direction, makes this film a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering.
2. The Elephant Man 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 260473, ID: 0080678
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The Elephant Man tells the tragic story of John Merrick, a man grotesquely deformed by a rare disease, who is treated as a freak by society. David Lynch’s sensitive direction and John Hurt’s heartbreaking performance bring to light the cruelty and prejudice Merrick faced, while also highlighting his inner dignity and humanity. The film is a poignant exploration of the human condition and a powerful critique of society’s treatment of those who are different.
3. The Pianist 2002，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 924889, ID: 0253474
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The Pianist is a hauntingly beautiful film that chronicles the survival of Wladyslaw Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist, during the Holocaust. Roman Polanski’s direction and Adrien Brody’s Oscar-winning performance capture the sheer horror and despair of Szpilman’s ordeal, while also highlighting his resilience and determination to survive. The film is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a stark reminder of the atrocities of war.
4. Precious 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 116851, ID: 0929632
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Precious is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a young girl’s struggle against unimaginable odds. Gabourey Sidibe’s powerful performance as Precious, coupled with Lee Daniels’ sensitive direction, brings to light the harsh realities of abuse, poverty, and illiteracy. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope and education.
5. The Pursuit of Happyness 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 568050, ID: 0454921
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Will Smith’s portrayal of Chris Gardner in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is a heart-wrenching depiction of a man who faces relentless hardships. Gardner’s journey from homelessness to success is a testament to his resilience, but it also highlights the systemic barriers that keep people in poverty. The film’s emotional depth and Smith’s powerful performance make it a compelling watch, though it sometimes glosses over the harsh realities of Gardner’s struggles. This movie is a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
6. Les Misérables 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 348125, ID: 1707386
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In ‘Les Misérables,’ Hugh Jackman’s Jean Valjean is a character who endures unimaginable suffering and injustice. From his time as a prisoner to his constant evasion of Javert, Valjean’s life is a series of trials that test his strength and morality. The film’s grand musical numbers and stellar performances, particularly by Jackman and Anne Hathaway, bring Victor Hugo’s epic tale to life. Despite its occasional melodrama, ‘Les Misérables’ is a powerful exploration of redemption and the human condition.
7. The Passion of the Christ 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 252742, ID: 0335345
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Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ is a visceral and unflinching portrayal of Jesus Christ’s final hours. Jim Caviezel’s performance as Jesus is both haunting and moving, capturing the immense physical and emotional suffering he endured. The film’s graphic depiction of violence has been both praised and criticized, but it undeniably leaves a lasting impact. This movie is a stark reminder of the brutality faced by one of history’s most significant figures.
8. A Beautiful Mind 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 995188, ID: 0268978
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Russell Crowe’s portrayal of John Nash in ‘A Beautiful Mind’ is a masterful depiction of a brilliant mind plagued by schizophrenia. The film explores Nash’s struggles with his mental health and the impact it has on his personal and professional life. Crowe’s performance, along with Jennifer Connelly’s, brings depth and empathy to the story. ‘A Beautiful Mind’ is a poignant and inspiring look at the triumphs and tribulations of a genius.
9. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 249806, ID: 0914798
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Mark Herman’s ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ is a heartbreaking tale of innocence lost amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. The friendship between Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, and Shmuel, a Jewish boy in a concentration camp, is both touching and tragic. The film’s perspective through the eyes of a child adds a unique and poignant layer to the narrative. This movie is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of hatred and prejudice.
10. The Kite Runner 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 82799, ID: 0419887
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The Kite Runner is a poignant tale of friendship and betrayal, where Hassan’s unwavering loyalty to Amir is met with heart-wrenching cruelty. Despite his innocence and dedication, Hassan endures unimaginable suffering, making him one of the most mistreated characters in cinema. The film’s emotional depth and powerful performances make it a must-watch.
11. Hotel Rwanda 2004，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 374274, ID: 0395169
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Hotel Rwanda is a harrowing depiction of the Rwandan genocide, where Paul Rusesabagina’s heroic efforts to save lives are contrasted with the world’s indifference. Paul’s wife, Tatiana, faces immense danger and discrimination due to her Tutsi heritage, highlighting the brutal mistreatment of innocent people during this dark period.
12. Slumdog Millionaire 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 882027, ID: 1010048
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Slumdog Millionaire is a gripping tale of survival and destiny, where Jamal’s journey is fraught with adversity and exploitation. From childhood abuse to the harsh realities of life in the slums, Jamal’s resilience shines through, making his triumph all the more inspiring. The film’s vibrant storytelling and compelling characters make it unforgettable.
13. The Road 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 256624, ID: 0898367
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The Road is a bleak and haunting portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world, where a father and son struggle to survive. The boy’s innocence is shattered by the harsh realities they face, making his plight deeply moving. The film’s stark visuals and powerful performances create a chilling and unforgettable experience.
14. Room 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 454513, ID: 3170832
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Room is a heart-wrenching story of captivity and resilience, where Ma and her son Jack endure unimaginable suffering. Jack’s innocence and Ma’s unwavering love make their escape and subsequent adjustment to the outside world deeply emotional. The film’s raw performances and gripping narrative make it a standout.
15. The Lovely Bones 2009，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 181153, ID: 0380510
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The Lovely Bones is a haunting tale of a young girl, Susie Salmon, who is brutally murdered and watches over her family from the afterlife. The film’s portrayal of Susie’s tragic fate and her family’s struggle to cope with her loss is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. Despite its beautiful visuals and strong performances, particularly by Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci, the film’s attempt to balance horror and sentimentality often feels disjointed. Susie’s character, treated worse than she should be, serves as a poignant reminder of the innocence lost to senseless violence. The Lovely Bones is a visually stunning yet emotionally unsettling film that leaves a lasting impact.
16. The Book Thief 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 143024, ID: 0816442
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The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. The film beautifully captures Liesel’s resilience and the power of words in the face of unimaginable horrors. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson deliver compelling performances as Liesel’s foster parents, adding depth to the narrative. However, the film’s attempt to blend heartwarming moments with the grim reality of war sometimes feels forced. Liesel’s character, treated worse than she should be, highlights the innocence lost during wartime. The Book Thief is a touching yet uneven portrayal of hope and humanity.
17. The Fault in Our Stars 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 404731, ID: 2582846
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The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant love story between two cancer-stricken teens, Hazel and Gus, who find solace in each other’s company. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort’s performances are heartfelt and genuine, making their characters’ struggles and triumphs deeply moving. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the fragility of life is both touching and thought-provoking. However, the film’s attempt to balance humor and tragedy sometimes feels uneven. Hazel’s character, treated worse than she should be, serves as a reminder of the unfairness of life. The Fault in Our Stars is a beautifully crafted yet emotionally challenging film.