Opening This Week: “The Promise,” “The Lost City of Z” and “Born in China”

Two films open this week that could be described as old-school, grand epics like those from the classic era of Hollywood. Both are based on true stories. “The Lost City of Z” (with Z pronounced “Zed,” as the British do), is based on the life of dashing explorer Percy Fawcett, who inspired many fictional characters, including Indiana Jones. “The Promise” stars Oscar Isaac and Christian Bale in a story inspired by the Armenian genocide in Turkey around the time of World War I.

Also this week: DisneyNature’s annual documentary for Earth Day, this one “Born in China,” featuring snow leopards, monkeys, and pandas.