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Based on a True Story

Play trailer Based on a True Story 2005 1h 15m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Spurred on by his love for the 1975 Sidney Lumet film "Dog Day Afternoon," Dutch documentarian Walter Stokman seeks to discover the real story behind the infamous bank robbery that inspired the movie starring Al Pacino. Stokman succeeds in one respect, getting FBI agents, hostages, filmmakers (including Lumet himself) and even the ex-wife of the lead criminal to go on camera. But that lead criminal, John Wojtowicz, is a little dodgy (and money-hungry), putting Stokman's quest in jeopardy.

Critics Reviews

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Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall Stokman's approach is skilfully inventive, visually striking and hugely engaging. Rated: 3.5/5 Nov 25, 2005 Full Review Ron Wilkinson Monsters and Critics Deprived of his legacy, the brains behind the failed bank robbery that became Sidney Lumet's Dog Day Afternoon gets closer than ever to his fifteen minutes of fame. Rated: 8.5/10 Apr 28, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member A very good documentary, a great story You can watch it only on Idfa Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Based on a True Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis Spurred on by his love for the 1975 Sidney Lumet film "Dog Day Afternoon," Dutch documentarian Walter Stokman seeks to discover the real story behind the infamous bank robbery that inspired the movie starring Al Pacino. Stokman succeeds in one respect, getting FBI agents, hostages, filmmakers (including Lumet himself) and even the ex-wife of the lead criminal to go on camera. But that lead criminal, John Wojtowicz, is a little dodgy (and money-hungry), putting Stokman's quest in jeopardy.
Director
Walter Stokman
Producer
Kees Kasander
Screenwriter
Walter Stokman
Production Co
VPRO Television
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 15m