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best war movies
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best war movies |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space 
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with the deluge of war films leading up to today's ceremonies i wonder, what are your favourite movies and why? it's not easy depicting something as ugly and confusing as war artistically. for me it's about maintaining a balance between art and realism while avoiding sentimentalism or glorification. here are 3 of my favourites: Apocalypse Now Redux: haunting look at the madness of the vietnam war. the redux version is vastly superior as the added footage fleshes out the story and helps the viewer further understand kurtz' and willard's positions. Saving Private Ryan: Unsurpassed realism and incredible cinematography. though, i sometimes find the ending borders on sap. The Longest Day: excellent storytelling and international casting. the acting is fantastic for an older film with the exception of John Wayne, (sorry just never got him) Are we etched in stone or scratched in the sand waiting for the waves to come and reclaim the land? ~ The Stone Roses |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Stalag 17 |
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Ringo 
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
Saving Private Ryan- The realism of the opening scenes showing the horrors of killing, and the storyline showing the humanism of all wars. Hamburger Hill- The futile actions taken in the name of war. Even though the battle was a success (if it can be called that), the units fighting took too many casualites and fought over that rock much too long. Boys In Company C- The ONLY war flick my father refused to watch. He said it was the closest that he had ever seen... especially that scene on the bridge. The Sands Of Iwo Jima- the only movie I was allowed tos ee in Boot Camp. Besides (sorry, Raph) It has the Duke in it. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again... |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Apocalypse was a great movie but completely unrealistic for the most part to anyone I know who was there. My vote, beyond a doubt, goes to Hamburger Hill. My second choice may be surprising but I would select Gone With the Wind and, frankly my dear......  |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
"Full Metal Jacket" probably because I was at a wierd stage in my life. I saw this film when I was like 13 or so, but it sticks in my mind. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
The first one that came to mind is a total rave fave of mine--I watch it whenever I can. "The Dirty Dozen" A great story and a fine ensemble of actors. (and no, not too great on the realism, but you want to see war depicted realistically, try rennovating a house with your significant other.  ) |
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Michelle_loves_Mike
since 2003-12-20
Posts 1189Pennsylvania |
"Full Metal Jacket" cause it was so funny...the boot camp part that is,,that Drill Sgt. has a monologue that just didn't stop "Heartbreak Ridge" cause it showed how, ummm, well, how sometimes, smart alec lil know it alls (that happen in all walks of life) can keep good soldiers from being born. "The Red Line" wow, that one,,showed me, how very fragile humanities grasp on life is And, I have to add Stalag 17 as well, taught me the name "Snickelfritze"........ I wish all could find the true happiness I have found,,in the eyes of Mike |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
While more a series than a movie... Band of Brothers comes to mind... Had to smile at 'Deer's choice of Gone with the Wind...one of my favorite movies of all time, frankly...and all  |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
add *A Bridge Too Far never heard of it Pdv but read an outline and it sounds interesting thanks Ringo, been meaning to see Sands, as for the Duke hejust seems like a caricature in every movie Deer for the most part yeah, apocalpyse is way over the line but that it serves to heighten the tension of the story. As for Hamburge Hill i'm not sure i've seen the entire movie, it's one of those ones i keep meaning to but forget. Jeffrey maybe because drill Sgt. Hartman's speeches are hard to forget. grin Great on K, no not entirely realistic but a great movie. I'll pass on the home reno show thanks thanks michelle, yup who can forget the sweet talking drill Sgt. Karilea Band of Brothers is brilliant, an excellent companion to Private Ryan. |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
The one that sticks in my mind is Casualties of War. I usually won't watch war movies but this one was based on truth so I watched it. |
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Ringo
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
The reason the Drill Instructor in Full metal Jacket seems so realistic, and... viscious... is because the actor, R. Lee Ermey, was- in fact- a Marine Corps Drill Instructor during the Vietnam era. He got together with the script writer and the director and re-worked all of the DI's lines. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again... |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Bridge Over the River Kwai. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
That one too, Christopher... Yep... And what was the one that Jimmie Stewart was in? Seems to me he was in a couple of them, but I can't remember the names... |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
The Deerhunter |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Nicely done, Paula...yes! Definitely!! |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
Oh I highly suggest if you have not seen "Harrison's Flowers" do so... "cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind" |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I remember two "war" movies of Stewart's now..."Shenandoah" [fairly romantic, I know, but still...] and "Strategic Air Command". Gads, I'm old. |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
'Patton' which has withstood the scrutiny of most historians and men who were there -- including Patton's own son who said George C. Scott had him nailed to a 'T'. More fictional and not so real but still a good yarn -- 'Where Eagles Dare'. A movie that didn't glorify war but bore the name 'Glory'. One that I saw at a drive-in movie (you're not so old Sunshine) when they still had playgrounds in front of the screen which is also well respected is 'Tora Tora Tora'. Watch 'History vs. Hollywood' on the History Channel and you can get some really good perspectives on some of these. Not that I don't like most of the ones already mentioned -- just thought I'd throw some on the board that weren't named. And Raph -- if you don't get Duke Wayne you just don't get the USA... not a charicature -- I grew up around men who were just like him. The question stands to reason though -- was life imitating art? who knows? |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
..still had playgrounds... and girls took a dime to call their Dad in case the boy tried anything stupid... Oh, there's a serenity story in there now... |
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rosepetals25
since 2000-05-31
Posts 3076PA |
Well, I really don't like war movies. The only war movie I can say I'm glad I watched is Saving Private Ryan. Even though I cried like a baby through the whole entire thing LOL. |
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Marshalzu
since 2001-02-15
Posts 2681Lurking |
- "We were Soldiers" - "M*A*S*H" - "Catch 22" |
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hush Senior Member
since 2001-05-27
Posts 1653Ohio, USA |
Yeah, definitely Glory... And, um... Kelly's Hero's... talk about realism  |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
thanks everyone LR it's not the bravado or machismo, but the delivery that just never worked for me |
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Ringo
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
I'm not gonna hitcha... I'm not gonna hitcha... Like HELL I'm not!!" SMACK Raph- How can you NOT love that??? lol Or the fight scene in A Quiet Man where he and Wallace Beery fight throughout the entire town, stop at the pub abd then continue to fight... Well.. I guess not every actor is for every viewer... Another one I forgot, although it is more about one man's struggle than a war flick, is The Patriot with Mel Gibson. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again... |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
ringo classic line and i do love it, only thing is it was the same character in every movie and in the end it seemed like a caricature. i can understand his icon status, but never thought he was a great actor. like you say to each his own, i'm a Brando, Pacino, Duvalle kind of guy. |
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hush Senior Member
since 2001-05-27
Posts 1653Ohio, USA |
Heh... yeah, Ringo, that scene in the Quiet Man was one of the funniest things I've ever watched. Incidentally, have you ever seen They Live? (Sorry, I'm digressing here...) Man, that scene where Rowdy Roddy Piper and his buddy get in a fight over wearing sunglasses... classic. |
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Ringo
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
My apologies for getting off post here, however, They Kive has one of the DUMBEST lines to have ever been written, and it shows the amount of talent my man Roddy didn't have... "I'm here to kick (you get the idea) and chew bubblegum... and I'm all out of bubblegum." Still a classic movie!! lol Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again... |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
quote: Ummm, the town I live in STILL has one of those LOL Other than being eaten alive by mosquitoes, the drive-in movie is a pretty cool adventure ... the popcorn, the hotdogs, the smell of gasoline and exhaust ... man I can't wait 'til this weekend now hehe |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
All Quiet on the Western Front (based on the brilliant book by Erich Maria Remarque.)=brilliant film, certainly the b+w version is. Sophie's Choice The Piano and Possibly, Captain Corelli's Mandolin But All Quiet... is definitely number 1. "Time has told me not to ask for more, one day our ocean will find its shore" ~Nick Drake |
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ESP Member Elite
since 2000-01-25
Posts 2556Floating gently on a cloud.... |
Oh and if we are allowed series.... Blackadder goes Forth (!!!) Oh oh oh and "Testament of Youth" If anyone hasnt read the book that is based on, do so!! BBC made a series of it. Very worthwhile seeing. oh and another film: Regeneration "Time has told me not to ask for more, one day our ocean will find its shore" ~Nick Drake |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
ESP All Quiet is one of my favourite books of all time, I've yet to see the movies though |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
The Patriot I also really like The Last Samurai - I have a thing for historical settings |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Braveheart |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
Last Samurai was great, anyone know if there is any historical basis for it? Braveheart yesss Paula, though historically inaccurate one of my favourite movies of all time |
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Craw Member
since 2003-09-11
Posts 73Scotland |
Braveheart's provenance is interesting because the script is based almost entirely on Blind Harry's Poem 'The Wallace' written in the late 15th Century during the reign of James 111 and reckoned to be a response to an upsurge in national feeling at a time when the King was perceived to be pursuing a foreign policy too friendly to the English. Therefore while some of the events portrayed may seem total hoo-hah, it does give a very accurate insight into a period of medieval Scotland. Just not the one it was meant to be talking about. |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
Oh I agree Craw, all movies need artistic license and I wasn't knocking the movie or passing it off as fiction. I'd just read with regards to accuracy, that the producers made some changes because they felt the actual events were too difficult to portray on film. In a documentary I recently saw concerning Wallace, they mentioned that one of the major battles portrayed, (I believe the one with Wallace's brilliant use of spears) actually took place on a key bridge not a field. So I can understood how impossible and awkward that would have been to film. |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
One I saw that I liked, not too long ago, was Tears of the Sun... a Bruce Willis flick. Surprised me. Mel Gibson war movie = over-dramatic grunting, excessive mud, & a scene of utter devastation (typically due to stubborness on Mel's part).  |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
actually... i think that covers ANY movie with Mel Gibson in it... |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
Tears was great..and it had Monica Bellucci in it And yes Gibson rarely knows where to draw the line, his excesses hinder his films |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
Lest we forget.. 'Mars Attacks' and the Slim Whitman solution..???  (just thought of it today for some reason) |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
yak yak, yak-yak-yak. LOVE that movie, Reb. Heh. Gonna have to go watch it again now. |
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Aenimal Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350the ass-end of space |
Lol Reb, gotta love Burton |
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Tequilia_Sunrise Senior Member
since 2003-02-19
Posts 612Lochalsh, Ontario, Canada |
"Full Metal Jacket" kurbrick is a crazy man, i love his movies! |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Windtalkers |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Hmmmm....Now, Enemy at the Gates was pretty good... as was Spartacus...which I saw at a very early age... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Just watched a remake of a "non-war" movie... but thought I'd add it to the list. Fail Safe |
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Jeffrey Carter
since 2000-04-08
Posts 2367State of constant confusion! |
Ok, I have to add "We Were Soldiers" to my list. I just finished watching it, and I must say that it is not only one of the best war movies I have ever seen, but one the best movies, of any genre, that I have ever seen. It shows the human angle from both sides of the battlefield. If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. |
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