Recently, I have discovered that I have become slightly (no, deeply) obsessed with war films. It all started when I was eleven years old, when I saw films such as Saving Private Ryan and The Hurt Locker (yes I might've been a little too young to watch these, but whatever) I instantly became hooked. So, after watching many many many other war films over the previously weeks, I've decided to celebrate them by creating a list of the top ten greatest of all.
10. Inglourious Basterds
Okay, so Inglourious Basterds isn't exactly your typical World War Two film, one thing being that what happens in it... didn't actually happen. Although, it is still a very highly acclaimed, wonderfully entertaining movie, and shows a terrific twist where the Jews of the Holocaust fight back and win against Hitler and the Nazis. It has all the controversial violence, loads of quality acting, an extraordinary plot and its director is one of the greatest of all time: Quentin Tarantino. If you want to see a war film with style and substance, then this is the one to see.
9. Black Hawk Down
This is a tale of modern warfare, and really takes the audience into the events which happen in Black Hawk Down. The film was controversial, and can be incredibly difficult to watch through, as a mountain of gore and violence takes place throughout it. But it will keep one at the edge of their seat, feeling as if one is actually part of the destruction and degradation. Director, Ridley Scott, is successful as the its realism takes us to a new era of war film.
8. The Thin Red Line
The Thin Red Line is a haunting phenomenon, which dives into the memories of the Second World War. It's theme is how bloody combat, men with their big guns, can destroy the nature around the battlefield they're fighting in. The really interesting thing about this film is how there are moments of such beauty in it, when it ironically touches such horrid events. The sense of depth inside it fascinates anyone who watches it, and toys with the mind even after one has watched it.
7. Platoon
This film, a winner of four Academy Awards, is a terrifyingly realistic drama which shows devastating chaos and horror in the Vietnam War. So much trauma is expressed throughout it, although the worst is the iconic scene of the death of Sgt. Elias, played by William Dafoe. The deep emotive bloodbath, when the character is defeated by the Vietcong, falls on his knees to the jungle terrain, and throws his arms into the air in an act of a 'too-late' surrender, bullets seen busting throw his chest. With a mesmerising soundtrack too, watching this is an experience one would not want to miss.
6. Saving Private Ryan
In this 90s epic starring Tom Hanks, one witnesses love, friendship and determination, but one also witnesses grief and bloodshed. Saving Private Ryan is about the gruesome combat of the war, all wars. It lays the cold, brutal truth of the violence, which is perfectly expressed in the very first, gut-wretching scene full of mass destruction. It's a film which will pluck at anyone's heart strings, and will make one cry in agony with the men experiencing all that pain throughout it.
5. Schindler's List
Steven Speilberg usually creates films for all ages to enjoy, but this film was completely different, and shows how talented and diverse the director was. Even when it was made in the 90s, the film was shot in a black and white median, to further emphasis the dark themes throughout it. It's based on a true story, of a hero called Oscar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson), and the helpless Jews who had to experience the Holocaust in World War Two. Schindler's List shows the evilness of some people during the war, but it also shows the deep goodness of others, and I would say it's one of the director's best work to date.
4. Full Metal Jacket
Stanley Kubrick's war time masterpiece could definitely be higher above this list, and personally, it is one of my favourite films ever. To watch this, one must have actual bravery, because many scenes throughout it can leave someone feeling so emotionally distressed. Full Metal Jacket is an anti-war film: it explores the mind of a soldier and shows how good men are turned into natural killers. Although it portrays a soldier's strength and determination, it also shows their deep lunacy inside. Throughout it a message is given: that war is not as glamourous as it is expressed to be, and instead it is one (literally) soul destroying, heart breaking and mind busting trauma.
3. The Deer Hunter
Yet another film about the Vietnam War, The Deer Hunter is astoundingly vicious and powerful. Unlike most war films, this one focuses on surviving a game of torture: Russian Roulette. Robert de Niro and Christopher Walken play two soldiers who were captured by the Vietcong, and are forced to play the horrific game. Seeing this onscreen is one of the most intense things, completely chilling to the bone. This film, with so many memorable moments, won 5 Academy Awards, and will be considered one of the best in cinematic history.
2. Paths of Glory
Yet another anti-war film from the infamous Stanley Kubrick. Released in 1957, it's the oldest film on this list. Although unsuccessful when first released, the movie is now considered one of the all-time greats. It stars Kirk Douglas, who acts out some outstanding performances throughout it and following the events of World War One, it can be known to be one of the darkest war films ever made. Kubrick was only 29 when he directed it, but the movie portrays such a harsh and stark setting that it shows the real mature perfectionist the director was.
1. Apocalypse Now
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning!" Based on Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' and directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, this film has to be the best. Watching it is an atmospheric and twisted rollercoaster of insanity and brutality. It roles into the life of the psychotic character Colonal Kurtz (played by the timeless Marlon Brando), whose use of monologue and intensity makes sure that one can't take their eyes off the screen. Even though it was a beast to film (and film it brilliantly) Coppola still created it into the classic it is, and that we won't forget about it ever.
- Hayley
