15 Gripping War Movies
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” ― G.K. Chesterton
War - we humans have been participating and actively engaging in it for as long as historians have been able to document. It is part of our DNA, not necessarily to wage war, but to protect ourselves in the face of imminent danger from an enemy that will not hesitate to end us.
Many of us have never been part of a war, but through the art of cinema, we can peek into the most difficult and terrifying thing anyone on this earth will ever do. Going into the fire, into danger, knowing full well they might not make it back.
Here are some of the best war movies I have ever seen.
Enjoy!
Black Hawk Down
Summary: Arguably one of the best and most gritty war movies ever produced. “Black Hawk Down” is a war film directed by Ridley Scott that depicts the real-life events of the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. The story revolves around a U.S. military mission gone awry when a group of American soldiers, part of a UN peacekeeping operation in Somalia, faces unexpected resistance from local militia forces. Tasked with capturing a warlord, the mission quickly spirals into a chaotic and intense urban firefight, resulting in two American Black Hawk helicopters being shot down. The film vividly portrays the harrowing experiences of the soldiers as they attempt to rescue their comrades and navigate the hostile streets of Mogadishu.
Lone Survivor
Summary: Based on the true story of a failed United States Navy SEALS mission in Afghanistan. Directed by Peter Berg, the movie follows a four-man SEAL team on a reconnaissance mission to locate and eliminate a high-ranking Taliban leader. Their operation, however, is compromised when they encounter a group of goat herders, leading to a moral dilemma regarding whether to uphold their orders, or release the civilians.
The Covenant
Summary: In Guy Ritchie’s film “The Covenant,” the narrative unfolds around US Army Sergeant John Kinley, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his Afghan interpreter, Ahmed, played by Dar Salim. Following a perilous ambush, Ahmed displays extraordinary determination to save Kinley’s life. Complications arise, however, when Kinley discovers that the promised safe passage to America for Ahmed and his family was not fulfilled. Faced with a profound sense of duty, Kinley embarks on a perilous mission, returning to the war zone to retrieve Ahmed and his family before the looming threat of the Taliban puts their lives in jeopardy.
World War 2 From The Frontlines
Summary: “World War II: From The Frontlines” is a captivating six-part documentary series, skillfully directed by Rob Coldstream and narrated by John Boyega. Offering a fresh perspective on the monumental conflict, the series utilizes authentic footage from the frontlines of both the Axis and Allied powers. A disclaimer featured at the outset of the initial episode clarifies the “enhanced footage” concept, emphasizing that while the footage is genuine, certain scenes have been ingeniously combined to craft an immersive experience. Additionally, the footage has undergone meticulous restoration and colorization processes for enhanced visual impact.
Valley of Tears
Summary: “Valley of Tears” is an Israeli television drama set against the backdrop of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The series unfolds over 28 days, capturing the intense and emotional experiences of a diverse group of characters, including soldiers, civilians, and military leaders, as they navigate the harrowing conflict. The story primarily revolves around a group of young soldiers stationed in the Golan Heights, a strategically significant region during the war. The series skillfully weaves together personal stories of love, loss, and survival against the backdrop of larger geopolitical and military events. With the current events that have recently unfolded in the region, this movie is more poignant than ever.
1917
Summary: The movie follows two British soldiers, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake, on a perilous mission. The story revolves around a race against time as they traverse enemy lines to deliver a critical message that could save the lives of 1,600 men, including Blake’s brother. The film’s unique cinematography, presented as a continuous single shot, intensifies the sense of urgency and immerses the audience in the brutal and chaotic nature of trench warfare. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from this one, it felt like I was there, brilliantly shot!
American Sniper
Summary: “American Sniper” is a biographical war drama directed by Clint Eastwood that follows the life of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, portrayed by Bradley Cooper. The film chronicles Kyle’s military career during the Iraq War, highlighting his exceptional marksmanship skills and the toll it takes on his personal life. As the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, Kyle faces moral dilemmas and struggles with the impact of war on his psyche. The film explores themes of patriotism, duty, and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.
Saving Private Ryan
Summary: “Saving Private Ryan” is a gripping war film directed by Steven Spielberg that unfolds during the Normandy invasion in World War II. The story follows Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) and his squad of soldiers as they embark on a dangerous mission to locate and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), the last surviving brother of four servicemen. As they traverse the war-torn landscapes of France, the film vividly depicts the brutality and chaos of combat. The narrative delves into themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the human cost of war - while showcasing intense and realistic battle sequences. The movie’s emotional core lies in the moral dilemma of whether one life is worth risking for the greater good, making it a powerful exploration of the impact of war on individuals and the bonds formed amidst the horrors of conflict.
Full Metal Jacket
Summary: A classic! “Full Metal Jacket,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a war film that follows the transformation of a group of young U.S. Marine recruits as they undergo brutal training at Parris Island and later participate in the Vietnam War. The film is divided into two distinct halves: the first focuses on the dehumanizing and psychologically intense boot camp experience under the merciless drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, while the second shifts to the chaos and brutality of the Vietnam War itself.
The Hurt Locker
Summary: “The Hurt Locker” is a gripping war drama directed by Kathryn Bigelow that follows a bomb disposal team in Iraq during the Iraq War. The film centers on Staff Sergeant William James, a skilled and fearless bomb disposal expert, as he navigates the intense and dangerous task of defusing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). James’ unorthodox methods and fearless approach create tension within the team, particularly with his more cautious and by-the-book colleagues.
The movie received critical acclaim and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Inglourious Basterds
Summary: “Inglourious Basterds,” directed by Quentin Tarantino, is a World War II alternate history film that follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds, led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), on a mission to hunt and kill Nazis in German-occupied France. Simultaneously, Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish woman seeking revenge for her family’s murder, plans to destroy the Nazi high command by hosting a film premiere in her cinema. The film weaves multiple storylines together (including the presence of the charismatic and cunning SS Colonel Hans Landa, played by Christoph Waltz), all with Tarantino’s signature blend of tension, violence, and dark humor.
Dunkirk
Summary: “Dunkirk,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is a gripping World War II film that unfolds on land, sea, and air. Set in 1940, it chronicles the harrowing evacuation of over 300,000 Allied soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, surrounded by enemy forces. The narrative is divided into three interwoven timelines: one on the beach spanning a week, another at sea taking place in a day, and the third in the air occurring in just an hour.
Band Of Brothers
Summary: “Band of Brothers” is a critically acclaimed HBO miniseries that follows the true story of Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from their initial training at Camp Toccoa through their participation in key battles of World War II, including the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Through its intense and realistic portrayal of combat and the personal stories of the men involved, “Band of Brothers” provides a poignant and gripping account of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in one of the most significant conflicts in history.
Rescue Dawn
Summary: Werner Herzog & Christian Bale? Sign me up! “Rescue Dawn” tells the true story of Dieter Dengler, a U.S. Navy pilot shot down and captured during the Vietnam War. The film follows Dengler’s harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war in a Laotian prison camp, where he endures torture, starvation, and ultimately attempts a daring escape. As Dengler faces the challenges of survival in the harsh jungle environment, he forms bonds with his fellow captives.
13 Hours
Summary: “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” is a gripping war film directed by Michael Bay, depicting the true events of the 2012 Benghazi attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya. The movie follows six security contractors ( former military operatives), who heroically defend the American ambassador’s residence against a terrorist siege that lasts for 13 intense hours. As chaos ensues and communication breaks down, the team faces overwhelming odds and bureaucratic challenges while trying to save lives and protect their own.
