10 More Movies Based On True Stories (That Were Total Lies)

The plot of U-571 was largely inspired by the events of Operation Primrose, a naval operation which led to the cracking of the Enigma code. While it has its share of true and false aspects, one glaring difference stands apart. The sailors in the film are American, in reality, they were British and the mission took place before the U.S. formally entered the war. A brief acknowledgement of the Allied sailors in the credits was made, but the damage was done.

There was a major outcry in protest, including from then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair and other Members of Parliament. Despite the controversy, the movie was largely praised by critics and it won an Academy Award and was nominated for another.

It can leave many wondering if Universal wanted to make a movie about the U.S. Navy they didn't make a movie to spotlight one of the true stories of heroism from American sailors, rather than pilfer credit from others. Perhaps they didn't think U.S. audiences would be thrilled with a war movie that wasn't from an American point of view. If they'd had foreknowledge of films like Dunkirk and Valkyrie, things might have been different.