Not many genres have built a legacy as powerful as betrayal. Since the 1970’s, stories of betrayal have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s cruel gangsters, political leaders or magical teachers, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about betrayal that deserve to be appreciated.
1. The Godfather: Part Two
Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with stories of gangsters seeking to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies influencing his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me appreciation for figures I have grown to value. Few films I’ve seen have demonstrated hardships that betrayed gangsters go through as powerfully as “The Godfather: Part Two”. Following its release in 1974, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about betrayal. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael becomes aware that Fredo has betrayed him causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Al Pacino, who transformed into a powerful don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather: Part Two” my favourite film about betrayals of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a classic film about gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies about the dangerous consequences of betrayal earning tremendous noteworthy reviews.
2. The Social Network
Facebook is a legendary social networking company that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored the company which changed social media. A huge fan of Facebook, he would always praise ambitious founders of a company that changed his outlook. Betrayal is a common theme that played a crucial role in the formation of the social networking company. In 2010, David Fincher honoured the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed the social network in his movie “The Social Network”. Fincher used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing the ambitious entrepreneurs that formed a company which revolutionized social networking. For instance, the scene in which Mark is accused by the twins of stealing their idea for Facebook causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who embodied the ambitious founder of a social network. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its appeal. Viewers don’t need to be Facebook users to appreciate it. A spectacular tribute to a legendary company that changed social media, it’s a bold reminder of a genre commonly attracting audiences towards Cinema.
3. The Lion King
The Lion King is a legendary animated musical that my cousin has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved a classic musical about lions with courage. Drawn towards the circle of life, it was a musical that always held a place in his heart that was special. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that loved a musical about lions that are inspiring, I adored “The Lion King”. Released in 1994, Rob Minkoff’s animated movie captured betrayed lions facing tragedy. Minkoff used captivating animation to capture a lion betraying his brother causing relationships to end in tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Scar betrays Mufasa by staging his death in the Elephant Graveyard causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jeremy Irons, who portrayed a lion engaging in acts of betrayal. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a great musical is its message. The film delivers a profound message about finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Simba’s desire to honour his father, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that’s filled with unforgettable movies that audiences commonly treasure.
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. I recall memories of reading J.K. Rowling’s book series during my childhood that shaped my identity. Betrayal has always been a central theme in the series, and it is most evident in the final film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”. Released in 2011, David Yates’ movie brought the series to a satisfying conclusion by exploring themes of betrayal. Yates uses captivating low-key lighting to capture a wizard confronting his death that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Harry becomes aware that Snape didn’t betray his parents discovering his role in shaping his identity is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a spellbinding performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied a wizard confronting his death. Ultimately, what makes “The Deathly Hallows: Part 2” a great Harry Potter film is its message. Unlike most movies in the magical franchise, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A fantastic farewell towards a franchise casting a magical spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has always had stories to tell.
5. The Departed
Trusting people is something that I’ve always found difficulty doing. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family nicely in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found their housekeeper they trusted had stolen precious jewelry. As someone that has found people hard to be trusted, I adored “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece captured cops that struggle to trust each other. Scorsese has an aptitude for making movies about police, and “The Departed” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese has always excelled at using symbolism in his movies, and his strengths are evident in “The Departed”. For instance, the final scene in which Dignam commits murder with a rat in the background running causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied an undercover cop facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “The Departed” a cop classic is its message. Unlike most Martin Scorsese movies which are targeted for a specific audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of cops that can’t be trusted, it’s a bold reminder about a genre that has made movies which deserve to be absolutely celebrated.
6. Atonement
Atonement is a legendary book about betrayal that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 2001, Ian McEwan’s book has become a classic. With its timeless themes, compelling characters and strong storytelling, the book earned a huge following. In 2007, Joe Wright honoured the book about sisters facing betrayals in his movie “Atonement”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Atonement” stand out is its strong depiction of sisters. Wright used voice-over narration capturing sisters torn apart by a lie that’s frightening. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is superb in the lead role, Wright honoured a beloved book. As strong as Robbie’s love for Cecilia, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about betrayal causing a dilemma which attract audiences towards modern-day Cinema.
7. Knives Out
Murder mysteries have often made for compelling movies. Since the 1930’s, murder mysteries have elevated movies. Audiences have always enjoyed searching for a clue in a genre that offers entertainment-value. In 2019, Rian Johnson captured the enduring appeal of murder mysteries that deserve to be talked about in his film “Knives Out”. Unlike most movies in the commemorated genre, what makes “Knives Out” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Johnson uses sharp comedy to create a betrayal mystery with complexity. Assisted by Daniel Craig who is extraordinary in the lead role, Johnson captures the enduring appeal of a genre with soul. A magnificent murder mystery about servants that are accused with knives out, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies which deserve to be talked absolutely about.
8. The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a great book about betrayal that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 1955, Patricia Highsmith’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Anthony Minghella honoured the legendary book in his movie “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Talented Mr. Ripley” stand out is its depiction of con-artists. Minghella uses captivating montages capturing a con-artist deceiving wealthy millionaires that are frightening. Assisted by Matt Damon who is amazing in the lead role, Minghella honoured a legendary book about millionaires. A terrific adaptation of a book about con-artists that are talented, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies about the dangerous consequences of betrayal leaving families devastated which deserve to be appreciated.
9. There Will be Blood
Paul Thomas Anderson is a legendary filmmaker that has made great movies about betrayal causing destruction. Betrayal has always been a central theme in Anderson’s movies, and it is most evident in “There Will be Blood”. Released in 2007, Anderson’s movie captured a greedy oil prospector facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “There Will be Blood” stand out is its depiction of oil. Anderson uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a greedy oil prospector seeking fortune is facing. Assisted by Daniel Day-Lewis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson created a captivating drama about greed. As precious as oil sought by Daniel Plainview, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies about the dangerous consequences of betrayal audiences value.
10. The Usual Suspects
Few films ever made about betrayal of murder suspects are as beloved as “The Usual Suspects”. Since its release in 1995, Bryan Singer’s movie has become a crime classic. I may be in the minority but I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie. On a technical level, there’s no denying that the film is extremely well-made. Singer introduced the concept of plot twists which have become a tradition of the crime genre. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little room for storytelling. We’re barely given reasons to care about the suspects. Nevertheless, the film is still an incredibly influential addition to the crime genre. As powerful as Keyser Soze, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to blow audiences away that I will forever treasure for pulling off the greatest trick of inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 