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All this Hurt Locker talk has got me thinking about the best war movies. Here's my list

Posted by Doug Flynn on March 6, 2010 at 19:12:12:
1. Come And See (WWII) - Psychedelic, intense, rich in allegory and biblical references (the title comes from chapter 6 of the Book of Revelation). No special effects as real guns and ordinance were used. The cow strafing scene is frighteningly real (note to Hollywood - this is what real tracer rounds look like!).

2. The Thin Red Line (WWII) - Undoubtedly influenced by the above. A visual and metaphysical masterpiece from Terrence Malick. Why in God's name is this not on Blu-Ray?

3. Gallipoli (WWI) - For various reasons the disastrous Gallipoli campaign has become an indelible part of the Australian national psyche. Full of Australian humour which will go over the heads of everyone else.

4. Das Boot (WWII) - Claustrophobic and dark, it almost makes the viewer feel sorry for the Germans.

5. The Battle For Algiers - A matter-of-fact portrayal of the insurgency and counter-insurgency which led to tactical victory for the French but ultimately independence for Algeria. Non professional actors give it authenticity, along with it being filmed on location where the actual events took place. Banned by the French for several years.

6. All Quiet On The Western Front (original)(WWI) - I still think the 360 degree panoramic shot of the machine-gun mowing down advancing infantry is the most harrowing scene in any war movie ever made.

7. The Longest Day (WWII) - Sean Connery, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Rod Steiger, Robert Wagner, Henry Fonda. I mean, who ISN'T in this movie? An absolute classic. The Free French attack on the Ouistreham casino (complete with nuns) is still thrilling after all these years. Looks great on Blu-Ray.

8. Downfall (WWII) - Bruno Ganz steals the show as Hitler.

9. Black Hawk Down - A hardcore minimalist combat movie from Ridley Scott. No subplots, no crappy romantic love interest with a Hollywood "it girl", no politics, no top brass, just the guys on the ground doing their thing. Phenomenal on Blu-Ray.

10. Breaker Morant (Boer War) - Partly a courtroom drama, but it deals with the colonial politics of the British Empire well. Edward Woodward puts in a fantastic performance.

I don't think there are any great Vietnam War movies (unless you count The Odd Angry Shot, but that is too obscure to include, and it would only make sense to Australian audiences). Correct me if I am wrong about there not being any great Vietnam movies.