Black Hawk Down  (2002)
Starring: Josh Hartnett. Director: Ridley Scott.
This film conveys the raw, chaotic urgency of ground-force battle in a worst-case scenario. With exacting detail, the film re-creates the American siege of the Somalian city of Mogadishu in October 1993, when a 45-minute mission turned into a 16-hour ordeal of bloody urban warfare.
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Hart's War
(2002).
Starring: Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell. Director: Gregory Hoblit.
Anyone who appreciates subtle tension will enjoy this World War II prison-camp drama, based on John Katzenbach's novel, in which honor, courage, and sacrifice are revealed in unexpected ways. Bruce Willis plays the ranking U.S. prisoner in a Nazi POW camp.
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A Midnight Clear (1992) Deliberately paced anti-war drama about isolated American and German soldiers negotiating Christmas truce. Critics raved over the thoughtful script, breathtaking photography, nuanced performances. Will please fans of thought-provoking, character-driven drama. DVD Version |
Breaker Morant(1980) This Australian film offers a compelling view of the Boer War, skillfully acted and directed. Starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson. DVD Version |
Rules of Engagement(2000) Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson. Director: William Friedkin. An opening Vietnam battle sequence that sets the stage for the rest of the story, and then with the central moment in the film: a rescue mission involving Marines extricating the American ambassador from an embassy surrounded by hostile protesters in Yemen. In the plot that follows, in the Marine commander, played by Samuel L. Jackson, is accused of slaughtering innocent civilians (who actually were shooting at him and his men). |
The Great Santini
(1980) Starring: Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner. Director: Lewis John Carlino.
Robert Duvall gives one of his most memorable performances in the title role of this 1979 drama about a hardcore Marine lieutenant named Bull Meechum, a fighter ace who calls himself "The Great Santini" and compensates for peacetime inactivity by waging war on his intimidated children.
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Bridge on the River Kwai(1957) A epic film of British and American prisoners held by the Japanese during World War II. Personal stuggles, dignity and honor are keys in this classic war film. Starring Alec Guiness, William Holden. DVD Version |
Das Boot
(1982) A gripping and harrowing drama of a German submarine crew during World War II. Technically well-crafted, the film depicts the claustophobic struggle for survival as the U-Boat is relentlessly pursued. Starring Jurgen Prochnow, Herbert Gronemeyer.
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Gallipoli
(1981) Another superb Australian film, Gallipoli focuses on one of the bloodiest battles of World War I. Gripping action and outstanding direction make this a classic war film. Starring Mel Gibson.
DVD Version
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Glory
(1989) Based on a true story, Glory focuses on the creation of a Union Army all-black regiment during the Civil War. Beautifully filmed and magnificently acted, this film may be one of the best Civil War movies ever made. Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington.
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Go Tell the Spartans (1978)
Gritty war drama about U.S. involvement in Vietnam. A favorite of
fans of realistic war movies. Little-known sleeper is also appealing to drama fans due
to sharp dialogue, strong acting.
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Craig Wasson.
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Kelly's Heros (1970) Motley crew of GIs searches behind enemy lines for Nazi gold cache. All-star cast, non-stop action, well-developed characters make this an entertainment vehicle for fans of classic action heists. Stars:
Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland.
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Lawrence of Arabia(1962) Perhaps one of the finest films ever made, this sweeping saga tells the true story of one of the most improbable military geniuses of modern times. The transformation of a British Officer into a World War I hero is a true classic. Starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness.DVD Version |
M*A*S*H
(1970) One of the great black comedys, M*A*S*H is the Korea/Vietnam metaphorical comedy. Starring Donald Sutherland and Elliott Gould.
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Memphis Belle
(1990) Based on a true story, the last flight of a bomber crew over Germany during World War II. Good solid characters and plot. Starring Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz.
DVD Version
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Patton
(1970) Very few actors ever "own" a character as much as George C. Scott owns this role. A brilliant portrayal of one of America's most complex and famous military leaders. Starring George C. Scott, Karl Malden.
DVD Version |
PT 109
(1963) Based on John F. Kennedy's memoirs, the story of Kennedy's wartime experience as the commander of a PT boat in the Pacific during World War II. Starring Cliff Robertson, Robert Culp.
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Saving Private Ryan
(1998) One of the most gripping war stories of all time, the opening scenes of the D-Day invasion at Normandy are incredible. A highly worthwhile film. Starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore.
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The Great Escape(1963) One of the classic big-star, big budget movies of the early 60's, the story of American and British POW's held by the Germans during World War II. Starring Steve McQueen, James Garner. |
The Longest Day(1962) Hollywood re-creates the World War II invasion of Normandy. An all-star cast, major budget flick. Starring John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and many others. |
The Sand Pebbles(1966) An sailor on an American gunboat finds himself gradually drawn into the human community outside his engine room. This film takes place at the beginnings of the Boxer Rebellion in China.One of Steve McQueen's better roles.Stars: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough |
The Thin Red Line (1998) Stirring, atmospheric war drama looks inside soldiers' minds on eve of bloody battle of Guadalcanal. Full of lush cinematography, harrowing combat, this equally appeals to art-house cineastes, war film fans. Starring John Cusack, Sean Penn, Nick Nolte |
Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
Acclaimed chronicle of Pearl Harbor attack, from American and
Japanese viewpoints. History buffs and action/war movie fans enjoy for its strongly
building tension, realistic and meticulous recreations of attacks.
Stars: Martin Balsam, So Yamamura
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Catch-22
(1970)
Long, labored, expensive film of Joseph Heller's book halfway succeeds in capturing surrealist insanity of WW2 Army life. Heavy-handedness spoils potential; good cast tries its best.
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"Duke" Wayne was the quintessential World War II movie hero
In Harm's Way (1965) |
Flying Leathernecks (1951) |
Sands of Iwo Jima (1950) |
Back to Bataan (1945) |
The Fighting Seabees (1944) |
The Flying Tigers (1942) |