The Terminal

Released: 2004
Drama
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones
Running Time: 128 minutes
Rated:  PG-13

The breakdown:  Inspired by a similar story, a man gets stuck in an airport for almost year as his home country broke out into war while he was en route to America.  A political loophole doesn't allow him into the United States, but also does not permit him to go back home either.

So the real person is named Merhan Nasseri and he was stuck between Iran and France, although the United Kingdom was his final destination that he never made it to.
His circumstances are different than the movie, but this man lived in an airport for over 17 years.

In the movie, when war breaks out in a small Russian country, their government is in crisis and the United States no longer recognizes it as a country.  So by the time the flight carrying Tom Hanks arrives, he cannot be allowed into the U.S. even though he has a Visa, and also cannot go back home due to legalities and policies, even though, he has a valid passport.  He doesn't speak English and cannot really understand it, so he's on his own.  The head of immigrants at the airport hopes the situation will blow over soon so he can get this guy out of his airport, but honestly doesn't know what to do with him.  He's up for a promotion so Hanks is the last type of situation he wants to deal with right now. 

Hanks is stuck in a small section of the airport that resembles a mall with shops and restaurants, but nowhere for him to sleep.  He makes due with what he can, and eventually finds some employees that care about him, he even gets a job at the airport.

The movie is certainly funny in parts, and sad as well, as a lot of the things they show are true human behavior, and more specifically American behavior towards foreigners.

Hanks is great as usual doing a very good Russian accent and flawless acting.  The story is good as well, so it's easy to recommend.

4 out of 5 for a strong clear story, with good actors and full of touching moments.  See it.