War—a tragic yet constant theme in civilization, has long been a significant component of popular cinema, with its representation dating back to the inception of the medium. From the revolutionary film All Quiet on the Western Front in the 1930s to animated war films by Disney promoting American unity against Germany, Hollywood’s early days exhibited an engagement with the war genre that rivals even today’s cinematic offerings. Films addressing ongoing conflicts, like The Hurt Locker and Casablanca, as well as those made long after their respective wars concluded, such as The Thin Red Line and Flags of Our Fathers, demonstrate the timeless power of compelling storytelling. Stanley Kubrick‘s controversial film Paths of Glory, which was banned in France due to its critical portrayal of WWI generals, is celebrated worldwide and remains a classic anti-war narrative to this day.
There are countless approaches to depicting the subject of war. For example, Kubrick’s later film Full Metal Jacket stands in stark contrast to Paths of Glory: while the latter is in black and white, the former is in vibrant color, employing a non-linear narrative in its latter half and focusing on the military training experience in the first act. Various films capture the soldier’s experience in combat with striking realism, such as Alex Garland‘s Warfare, while others depict the harrowing experiences of prisoners of war, like Werner Herzog‘s Rescue Dawn. Films that showcase soldiers during combat and their lives at home, such as Clint Eastwood‘s American Sniper, offer a multifaceted perspective, while films like The Pianist grant us a glimpse of wartime through the eyes of civilians. The last fifty years have seen a remarkable diversity in war films, but the greatest ones share a common thread: they encapsulate the haunting reality of the phrase, “War is hell.”
10
‘Platoon’ (1986)
Directed by Oliver Stone
As one of the most profound films about military life, Platoon draws directly from Oliver Stone‘s personal experiences as a soldier during the Vietnam War. The film stars Charlie Sheen as Private Chris Taylor, a college dropout who joins the American military effort, a decision he will come to deeply regret as the narrative unfolds. Stone intricately details the numerous challenges soldiers faced, from battling the elements, such as ants, to the harrowing struggle to stay alert during critical night watches, emphasizing the psychological and physical toll of war.
This film distinguishes itself from other Vietnam War narratives by opting for a more grounded approach, focusing on the experiences of ordinary soldiers rather than grandiose narratives. It delves into the harrowing reality of combat, where soldiers are often forced to engage with enemies they cannot see amidst the dense jungle. Furthermore, it does not shy away from depicting the morally questionable actions of American soldiers towards Vietnamese civilians during that tumultuous period. Nearly four decades after its release, Platoon remains a poignant and essential viewing experience.
Platoon
- Release Date
-
February 6, 1987
- Runtime
-
120 Minutes
9
‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ (2006)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood’s remarkable film Letters from Iwo Jima is notable for being predominantly spoken in Japanese, positioning it as a critically acclaimed counterpart to Eastwood’s other film about the Battle of Iwo Jima. While Flags of Our Fathers focuses on the American perspective and the subsequent media campaign during World War II, this film immerses viewers in the battle from the Japanese soldiers’ viewpoint. The narrative starkly illustrates the overwhelming odds faced by the Japanese forces, who are tragically outnumbered and fighting a losing battle.
The film’s harrowing context is underscored by the cultural expectation among Japanese soldiers to commit suicide rather than be taken captive. Historical data reveals the tragic reality of this conflict: around twenty thousand Japanese soldiers fought, yet only about 216 were taken prisoner, while the vast majority did not survive. Ken Watanabe delivers a powerful performance as a Japanese general employing unconventional tactics to impede the American advance, while Kazunari Ninomiya provides a compelling portrayal of a private grappling with the intense dilemma of opting for survival over suicide.
Letters from Iwo Jima
- Release Date
-
February 2, 2007
- Runtime
-
141 Minutes
-
-
Kazunari Ninomiya
General Tadamichi Kuribayashi
8
‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg revolutionized the portrayal of World War II with his groundbreaking film Saving Private Ryan, renowned for its hyper-realistic representation of D-Day and the brutal realities of war. The intense and graphic depiction of the Normandy invasion in the film’s opening sequence is so visceral that it has changed the way war is depicted in cinema. The first fifteen minutes are particularly noteworthy for their ability to convey the horrifying nature of war, highlighting the terrifying consequences of 20th-century weaponry.
The film’s premise raises significant ethical questions about warfare: a group of soldiers risks everything to save one man solely because his three brothers have died in combat, and the military wishes to spare his mother from the pain of losing all her sons. Although the film does exhibit some of Spielberg’s sentimental tendencies toward the end, the nuanced commentary on the horrors of war, combined with its intense portrayal of combat, provides a compelling critique that outweighs its few shortcomings.
7
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)
Directed by Isao Takahata
Renowned director of animation and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Isao Takahata showcased his unparalleled storytelling prowess in Grave of the Fireflies, a film that powerfully illustrates the devastating effects of war on civilians. Based on a poignant short story set during World War II, the film opens with a heartbreaking scene where a young boy, Seita (Tsutomu Tatsumi), succumbs to starvation in a train station. The narrative then takes us back in time to explore the events leading to this tragic fate, revealing the harrowing struggles faced by Seita and his little sister (Ayano Shiraishi) as they navigate a war-torn Japan grappling with severe ration shortages.
The film portrays their plight with a retrospective lens, capturing even their moments of joy with a tragic undertone. Iconic images, such as warplanes soaring over a beach and the haunting grave of fireflies, serve to highlight the film’s profound anti-war messages. Regarded as one of the finest animated films ever made, Grave of the Fireflies remains a timeless classic that critiques the horrors of conflict.
6
‘Schindler’s List’ (1993)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
While Steven Spielberg‘s Schindler’s List may not fit the conventional definition of a war film as seen in Saving Private Ryan, its portrayal of the Holocaust is deeply intertwined with World War II’s narrative. The film opens with Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a businessman eager to profit from the war by manufacturing weapons, showcasing his transformation from a greedy opportunist to a figure of defiance against the Nazi regime. This character arc is compelling and highlights the moral complexities of human nature amidst chaos.
The film also delves into the psyche of second-lieutenant Amon Goth (Ralph Fiennes), who commits heinous acts throughout the narrative. Screenwriter Steven Zaillian expertly balances Schindler’s redemptive journey with Goth’s sociopathic tendencies, ensuring that the film does not shy away from the horrific realities of the Holocaust. Although the central theme revolves around Schindler’s efforts to save 1,200 Jews, the film unflinchingly reminds viewers of the countless others who suffered unimaginable fates, solidifying Schindler’s List as one of the most impactful Holocaust films ever created.
5
‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)
Directed by Michael Cimino
In a striking portrayal of both the brutality of war and its lingering impact on soldiers, Michael Cimino‘s The Deer Hunter stands as one of the most emotionally resonant war films ever created. The film juxtaposes the joy and celebration of a wedding in its opening act against the harrowing experiences of soldiers as prisoners of war, ultimately exploring the profound psychological trauma they carry upon returning to civilian life.
Robert De Niro delivers a stunning performance as a veteran who finds himself embroiled in a romantic relationship with his best friend’s girlfriend (Meryl Streep) while his best friend (Christopher Walken) is sending money back home. Their poignant reunion during the film’s climax is memorable, solidifying The Deer Hunter as a beautifully tragic epic that captures the complex emotional realities of war.
the
4
‘City of Life and Death’ (2009)
Directed by Lu Chuan
Renowned for its harrowing storytelling, Lu Chuan‘s City of Life and Death presents one of the most brutal narratives in cinematic history. The film offers a gritty portrayal of the Rape of Nanjing during World War II, highlighting the horrific brutality inflicted by Japanese forces upon Chinese civilians, a topic that remains historically significant and deeply disturbing. It captures the essence of human suffering and the moral quandaries faced during wartime.
What sets this film apart is its multifaceted perspective, showcasing not only the Chinese victims but also the internal struggles of a young prisoner of war and a Japanese soldier grappling with the unethical actions of his comrades. This film is a stylistic triumph, presenting a complex tapestry of narratives that provide a nuanced understanding of a war that has long since ended, allowing viewers to reflect on the lasting impacts of violence.
3
‘Ran’ (1985)
Directed by Akira Kurosawa
Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, Ran stands out as one of the most visually stunning war films in cinematic history. The film is marked by breathtaking outdoor imagery, often set against majestic mountain landscapes, which contrasts sharply with the brutal realities of war depicted within it. Though the film takes its time before diving into the war scenes, once they commence, the violence is depicted without reservation. Viewers are confronted with harrowing visuals, such as men shot by arrows and disturbing scenes of self-sacrifice, culminating in a powerful examination of the human condition.
This masterpiece resonates through its exceptional sound design, blending the sounds of nature with evocative musical scores that heighten the emotional impact. Inspired in part by Shakespeare’s King Lear, Ran exemplifies the art of storytelling by adapting a classic narrative into a uniquely cinematic experience.
Ran
- Release Date
-
December 20, 1985
- Runtime
-
160 Minutes
-
Tatsuya Nakadai
Lord Hidetora Ichimonji
-
Akira Terao
Taro Takatora Ichimonji
2
‘Come and See’ (1985)
Directed by Elem Klimov
Elem Klimov‘s powerful film Come and See is not for the faint of heart, as it delivers an unfiltered and harrowing portrayal of the brutality of war. Set in 1943 Belarus, the story follows a young teenager who joins the partisans in their fight against the German invasion. However, the overwhelming force of the enemy is so immense that the boy never even gets the opportunity to engage in combat. This film starkly contrasts any romantic notions of warfare, presenting a series of traumatic events that unfold like a relentless nightmare.
The opening scene, where the boy discovers a gun buried in the sand, sets a surreal tone that permeates the film. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the psychological weight of conflict, revealing the devastating effects on those who endure war. Klimov’s poetic style intertwines with the hyper-realistic depiction of the horrors faced by those who survived the Nazi occupation of Belarus, creating a deeply impactful cinematic experience.
