There is always an audience for war movies who will give each new addition to the genre a chance, especially if it focuses on a major historical event. Many of these films focus on WWII, such as Hacksaw Ridge and Saving Private Ryan, which explore the perseverance of soldiers during this widespread conflict. The Vietnam War is another common event these movies explore, emphasizing the horror of this war in films like Platoon and Apocalypse Now.
Many viewers feel the defining features of this genre are the battles and camaraderie between soldiers, but there is more to war stories than violence and historically documented events. Fans of war movies are enthralled by the endearing tales of bravery and resilience that can only be expressed through an intimate examination of individual stories. The psychological aspects of these narratives are also crucial, and many war film masterpieces delve into the complexities of how war forever changes everyone involved.
Dunkirk Capitalized on an Unusual Structure
Dunkirk tells the narrative of a historical event during WWII in which Allied forces were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, with the German army closing in. Saving these forces took a complicated evacuation system that included land, sky, and water resources. The narrative is told in a non-linear format, following a British soldier, a Royal Air Force pilot, and a ship captain who assists in the evacuation.
Dunkirk is perfect from start to finish, telling the intense narrative of a heroic time in history that incorporates all the complexities of wartime. In addition to the excellent performances from the likes of Tom Hardy, the war film has exceptional visuals and a perfect music soundtrack. The seemingly disjointed storyline seeks to emphasize the chaotic nature of the rescue mission, representing the mayhem of this world war.
Inglourious Basterds Perfected Revisionist History
Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece Inglourious Basterds follows two different plots during WWII that merge by the conclusion of the film. In one narrative, the “Basterds” are a group of Jewish-American soldiers who go rogue to enact revenge on Nazi officers. In the other plot, a Jewish woman, Shosanna Dreyfus, a theater owner in Paris, plots her revenge on the Nazi regime for the horrendous murder of her family.
Inglourious Basterds is unlike any other WWII movie epic, incorporating crude humor and excessive violence to represent the disdain and trauma of the people forever affected by the cruelty of the Nazis. Tarantino’s narrative does not at all align with historical events, retelling the narrative through a morally gray lens that encompasses the hatred people had for these historic villains. While many war movie fans seek accuracy, there’s something particularly satisfying about a film that concludes with the demise of Hitler.
Hacksaw Ridge Is an Unconventional War Story
In Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss, a WWII medic, refuses to bear arms during battle due to his pacifist and religious beliefs. Initially, Doss’s refusal to fire a weapon results in hatred and contempt from his comrades, who expect every soldier to fight for their country. However, Doss earns widespread admiration during the Battle of Okinawa when he rescues 75 fellow soldiers without firing a single shot.
This true story of Desmond Doss won him the Congressional Medal of Honor for his immense bravery, but the film adaptation of his service made him a household name. Hacksaw Ridge is a masterpiece, defying many of the genre’s conventions to present something truly original. While the film does not shy away from the violence during war, it emphasizes that compassion and faith don’t have to be overlooked or abandoned during military service.
Disillusionment is Key in All Quiet on the Western Front
At the beginning of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), German schoolboy Paul Bäumer and his classmates are convinced to join in the fight during World War I, convinced of the glory and grandeur of fighting for one’s country. However, they are quickly disillusioned by the hardships of being a soldier, facing difficult conditions and the constant threat of death. By the conclusion, the young men feel completely out of place in society, frustrated by the public’s idealistic views of war.
There have been a couple of adaptations of All Quiet on the Western Front, but this 95-year-old war movie has yet to be surpassed. In many wartime movies, the narrative shows the hardships and terror of war, but emphasizes the bravery and skill of the main characters. However, this old-school film emphasizes the importance of friendship during wartime while not underplaying the irreparable damage done to soldiers.
Brotherhood is Complicated in Platoon
Platoon begins with Chris Taylor enlisting in the army during the Vietnam War, enticed by the glory and excitement of wartime stories. However, not only does Chris get a hard dose of reality with the brutality of war, but he is also disturbed by the quarrels within his own platoon. Much of the plot is intensified by the bickering between Sergeant Elias, who sympathizes with the Vietnamese natives, and Staff Sergeant Barnes, who is driven to kill anyone he views as a potential or future threat.
Platoon is a disturbing movie, but one that is so engrossing and overwhelming that it is impossible to look away from. This violence and brutal narrative does not pull any punches, highlighting the unspeakable depravity and cruelty throughout the Vietnam War. The powerful performances emphasize these themes, tackling the fictional narrative that all soldiers fighting on the same side of a war hold the same beliefs and work together peacefully for a greater cause.
In the first half of Full Metal Jacket, J.T. Davis goes to boot camp to become a Marine during the Vietnam War, bullied and harassed by the brutal Sergeant Hartman. Davis’ humorous nature is nearly trained out of him during this time, especially following the horrifying suicide of one of his fellow Marines in boot camp. In the remainder of the plot, Davis works as a combat correspondent, experiencing the disturbing events of the war firsthand.
Stanley Kubrick’s war movie is a masterpiece by most standards, even if Roger Ebert hated it. But there are many viewers who have a hard time rewatching Full Metal Jacket. The film doesn’t provide anything exceptionally original to the genre, but it does perfectly encompass all the major themes associated with war films, especially regarding the Vietnam War. The impactful performances and raw, honest storyline are unforgettable, even if some viewers wish they could forget the most brutal and unforgiving scenes.
Apocalypse Now is a Psychological Horror
Apocalypse Now takes place during the Vietnam War, following Army Captain Willard, who is on a top-secret mission to assassinate a former officer. This rogue U.S. soldier, Colonel Kurtz, has seemingly gone mad, starting his own independent army. The plot questions the morality of war, especially relating to Kurtz’s character, who seeks to be freed from the restraints of an organized government military.
Apocalypse Now tells a familiar tale of wartime psychological turmoil and the horrific trauma soldiers experience during battle. However, the powerful war movie stands out for its iconic scenes, such as the helicopter strike with an unforgettable music choice. It is also praised for its representation of Vietnam and the jungle, creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere.
Saving Private Ryan is About the Sacrifices of War
In Saving Private Ryan, the United States military wants to bring Private James Francis Ryan home during World War II after the demise of his three brothers in combat. Captain John Miller is tasked with going through war-torn France to find Private Ryan before his family can lose their last son. Throughout this journey, the plot focuses on the experiences of the men in this company, leading up to a battle to defend a small French town.
From the opening scene during D-Day to the action-packed battle in the finale, Saving Private Ryan is one of the most realistic war movies ever made. The performances are the gem of this lengthy war flick, featuring emotionally riveting and realistic displays from stellar actors like Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore. War movie fans adore the emphasis on how each individual life matters, which is especially rare in a genre that often includes thousands of nameless character deaths.
Schindler’s List Has the Most Shocking Hero
Schindler’s List focuses on German businessman Oskar Schindler, who tries to take advantage of WWII by joining the Nazi party and staffing his factory with Jewish workers. Due to his position in the party, Schindler is able to maintain his workforce even as the Nazis begin exterminating Jewish people in the Kraków ghetto. However, Schindler is horrified by the atrocities of the Nazis, and he ends up working to protect his workers and their families from the horrors of the war.
Schindler’s List doesn’t follow soldiers or focus on the battles of WWII, but it still succeeds in being the most powerful wartime movie ever made. Though it doesn’t shy away from the horror of the Nazi regime, the film has a surprising amount of heart, representing how valuing humanity and life can alter even the most cynical and seemingly unsympathetic person. This amazing war movie is difficult to watch more than once, but it is entirely worth the emotional energy it takes to watch it.