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most popular war movies of all time

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gakINGKONG On October 18, 2022




, Florida
#31New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 12:32:58
@Jennifer1984 Said

There is no such thing as a "good" war movie that celebrates or glorifies war or the men who take part in it.

Schindler's List is an example of an acceptable war film in that, among the godawful carnage, it shows how a man can rise above the horror being carried out all around him and do something decent at great risk to himself.

Private Ryan became too Gung-Ho and lost all sense of Noble Purpose with its lurid and blatantly chauvinistic Omaha Beach beginning, and the climactic final battle scene. In the end, SPR strays from it's initial theme of "Noble Purpose" and becomes just another kill-fest. This is a shame because the Captain Miller character was, at heart, a decent man but he was the only one in the group he led, who truly understood the mission for what it was. The fact that he was constantly having to control his own men, who saw no good in what they were doing, says much about the de-humanising effect of war among the common soldiery. If SPR makes any point at all, it's that.

Some war movies expose other kinds of horror and although they are stomach churning to watch do serve a sobering purpose..... to demonstrate how utterly dreadful war is. Into this category, I think, fall "Soldier Blue" and "The Killing Fields".

Soldier Blue told a bogus love story, but that was just filler material inserted as a lead up to the sickening depiction of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. Purely by coincidence, it ran in cinemas around the time that news of the My Lai massacre broke and became all the more notorious for that.

The Killing Fields told of the friendship between an American journalist and his Cambodian liaison officer as the Nixon bombing programme created the conditions for the murderous Khmer Rouge regime to take over the country.

War is bad. Bad, bad, bad. It is true that genuine heroes do arise during conflict, but as in Schindler's List and the Killing Fields, they're not the ones with guns.

They're the ones attempting to save lives. Not end them.


Sometimes war is bad.

And sometimes war is amazing.

I think it depends on your vantage when you make the observation.

Bush 41 passed and the nation of Kuwait mourns. They remember the military action he did and how it helped them.
shadowen On March 22, 2024




Bunyip Bend, Australia
#32New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 14:53:13
@gakINGKONG Said

Zulu

Aye, a classic. I thought Zulu Dawn was also very good.
Leon On December 21, 2023




San Diego, California
#33New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 16:20:51
@Jennifer1984 Said

I thought this would happen. lol.

I'm not going to get sucked in. You've done this before.

This is a thread about movies. So, let's talk about movies. If you want to start a thread dedicated to politics, fine. I'll consider engaging with that although to be honest it would be pretty pointless because our views were diametrically opposed then and I know mine haven't changed so the only reason to start another thread would be if you've moderated your position. Which I doubt.

Best if you keep your point of view and I'll keep mine and we don't end up in a pointless bicker that goes nowhere, proves nothing and just annoys the hell out of everybody else.

Now.... how about we all stay on topic, eh..?


Well I’ve asked you this question before in relevant threads and you’ve refused to answer, so I thought I’d try here, hoping that maybe the previous non-responses were simply a result of missing the inquiry. I’m not going to start a thread though on it, because, judging from the looks of it, it likely will be left unresponded.

Oh well. I really was interested in how a someone with the pacifist views like yours would respond to brutal aggressors like Hitler, in hope of opening my mind a bit in what I currently see no alternative but to respond with force. But I suppose that’s not going to happen.

But I’ll leave the question open to you in case you ever do decide that you want to educate us on your views in another thread. And leave it alone here.
Leon On December 21, 2023




San Diego, California
#34New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 16:25:31
Favorite war movies were Apocalypse Now and A Thin Red Line. Both looked in depth into the horrors of war, and, in my opinion, did a great job of it.
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#35New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 16:30:32
@Leon Said

Well I’ve asked you this question before in relevant threads and you’ve refused to answer, so I thought I’d try here, hoping that maybe the previous non-responses were simply a result of missing the inquiry. I’m not going to start a thread though on it, because, judging from the looks of it, it likely will be left unresponded.

Oh well. I really was interested in how a someone with the pacifist views like yours would respond to brutal aggressors like Hitler, in hope of opening my mind a bit in what I currently see no alternative but to respond with force. But I suppose that’s not going to happen.

But I’ll leave the question open to you in case you ever do decide that you want to educate us on your views in another thread. And leave it alone here.



Actually, I have addressed the issue in many ways on many occasions. I think you're just trying to provoke a response to start a fight and I don't want to take the bait.

Start the thread if you want to and as tiresome as it will be, I'll repeat myself AGAIN in the hope that it will keep you from de-railing this discussion. I will make my point and then say no more. End of. Finito. And that will be the end of it as far as I'm concerned.

This is the last post I'll make on this thread in response to your baiting.

Put up or shut up.
Leon On December 21, 2023




San Diego, California
#36New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 16:39:12
@Jennifer1984 Said

Actually, I have addressed the issue in many ways on many occasions. You're just trying to provoke a response to start a fight and I'm not taking the bait.

Start the thread if you want to and as tiresome as it will be, I'll repeat myself AGAIN in the hope that it will keep you from de-railing this discussion.

I doubt it will end well though. It never has in the past.

This is the last post I'll make on this thread in response to your baiting.

Put up or shut up.


I never was a part of or even seen the said discussions. So I apologize if you’ve discussed it before.

So there’s that. If that’s not the reason, then I’m not sure why you see a simple question as baiting. But I’m not going to worry about it, as it obviously has something to do with you.

Sure I’ll start the thread. If you want, to save your time, since you also obviously don’t want to engage, you can just link the said previous discussion you’ve had with others on the topic and leave it at that instead of having to tiresomely repeat yourself.
Cpat92 On May 16, 2021
It's all or nothing





Lauderhill, Florida
#37New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 21:23:56
Not sure if anyone would, or wouldn’t consider this a war movie, but Operation Finale was amazing. I just saw it last night.
Leon On December 21, 2023




San Diego, California
#38New Post! Dec 12, 2018 @ 22:45:08
@Cpat92 Said

Not sure if anyone would, or wouldn’t consider this a war movie, but Operation Finale was amazing. I just saw it last night.


I saw this last week and agree with you. Very tense. Interesting to note how Ben Kingsley has now played both sides of the Holocaust (he played a Jewish captive in Schindler’s List).
chaski On about 19 hours ago
Stalker





Tree at Floydgirrl's Window,
#39New Post! Dec 13, 2018 @ 00:59:56
I also like Act of Valor.

Yes... it is a bit too much Yeah USA! for some... I can only say, think of your own county's Special Forces when watching it.

Yes... the acting is not the best, but many of the primary actors are actually Navy SEALs... and trust me (or not) that is the way they talk and act.

Yes... they rolled numerous missions into one story for the sake of drama (to a point).

If you want to watch a movie that shows what Special Forces (regardless of country) do this is a good movie.

Perhaps interesting (or not) there are a number of live fire scenes that are unequivocally real.

Even if you hate the military & violence (maybe even the USA), this movie presents reality.

(Don't believe me if you don't want to.)

PS
I guess it really isn't a "war movie".
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#40New Post! Dec 13, 2018 @ 11:00:10
I haven't seen the film and wouldn't care to do so, but out of sheer curiosity I flicked through the reviews on IMDB. The review that I cut and pasted below is, I think, fairly typical of the responses to the film that were made by those who took the trouble to do so.


If you've ever wanted to know what Call of Duty: The Movie would be like then look no further than Act of Valor, the action packed war film featuring active duty Navy Seals as some of the main characters. It's the story of a team of Seals who go on a covert mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA agent from terrorists. It's an extremely patriotic love letter to the armed forces, a film that shows undying respect for these brave men and women, romanticizing their valiant efforts overseas. It feels more like a recruitment video than a film, and I think it might have been better off as one instead.

Act of Valor is a film that wants to be intense, super cool, and also profound. However, it's profundities are incredibly shallow and all of the observations the film makes on war are nothing new, and provide no new insight into war. But as far as intense and super cool goes, Act of Valor accomplishes that more than anything else. It's one giant firefight after another, exemplifying the blaze of glory that the Seals fight within. It's a finely polished and explosively grand picture of modern warfare.

But if you're looking for any kind of story, characters, or halfway decent dialogue then Act of Valor is not what you want. I said before that the film stars actual Navy Seals, so it should be expected that the acting will be dreadful... and it is. But I can easily forgive this. However, what I can't forgive is the paper thin story that is devoid of all substance, as well as the pathetically dry dialogue. The script is beyond awful with incredibly cheesy and lifeless dialogue and a terribly empty story that most certainly, perhaps even deliberately, takes a back seat to the visual spectacle aspect of Act of Valor.

All in all the story is practically non-existent here and the only thing this film has going for it is it's patriotism and firefights. But even the fighting gets a little tedious with it's overuse of the shaky cam and first person video game style camera work that gets overused to the point where it's almost gimmicky. I won't deny that Act of Valor is pretty cool and it certainly makes one proud to be an American, but I cannot say that it's a good film. It's a definite dud and there is little point in seeing this film, especially if you value story, characters, and dialogue.



Of course, you may find other reviews there or elsewhere that give it glowing praises. It's all opinion.

But perhaps the film wasn't intended to be entertainment. If it was, why use real special forces troops...? As a gimmick...? Hmmm.... haven't those soldiers got anything else better to do..? Still, at least it's better that they play at war for the cameras than do it for real I guess.

But I digress.

The plot, apparently, is wafer thin and poorly acted but what is not skimped on is the action.... the shooting.... the stuff that gives men a hard-on. Perhaps that's the real point of it..?

If the film isn't intended for "escapism type entertainment" what IS it intended for..? Recruitment..? Propaganda..? Justification...?

The reviewer asks that question. And it's a valid one.
shadowen On March 22, 2024




Bunyip Bend, Australia
#41New Post! Dec 13, 2018 @ 14:10:12
"Beasts of no nations" is worth a look.
Erimitus On July 01, 2021




The mind of God, Antarctica
#42New Post! Dec 13, 2018 @ 16:55:31
@shadowen Said

"Beasts of no nations" is worth a look.



Disturbing film. I wonder what Agu was like when he grew up...
shadowen On March 22, 2024




Bunyip Bend, Australia
#43New Post! Dec 13, 2018 @ 17:22:38
@Erimitus Said

Disturbing film. I wonder what Agu was like when he grew up...


I have seen a couple of doco's regarding the rehabilitation of child soldiers. There were some very positive outcomes. I like to think that Agu would have been one of these success stories.
Jennifer1984 On July 20, 2022
Returner and proud





Penzance, United Kingdom
#44New Post! Dec 14, 2018 @ 08:39:57
Another film that included the use of child soldiers in its storyline was Blood Diamond.

While it's true that most child exploitation as soldiers occurs in Africa, it's not confined solely to that continent.

Worldwide, 20 countries recruit youths as young as 16 into their regular armed forces. Britain is one such country. And it's a disgrace.

Military Academies in many countries indoctrinate children into the military culture from a very young age. Has anybody seen "Taps"? (a very young Tom Cruise's screen debut, I believe)

Neo-military organisations such the Army Cadets, Sea Scouts and the Scout Movement also indoctrinate young people towards a military life.

No... child soldiers are not confined to Africa.
cole On October 22, 2023




Stirling, United Kingdom
#45New Post! Dec 14, 2018 @ 13:14:09
@Leon Said

How should have Hitler been handled then?
Milk, Cookies and lots of hugs?

I'm going with Saving Private Ryan too, although the 3 times I see it i'm alseep just after the bridge scene where they actually catch up with Matt Damon. Up until that point thought it's a very bad war movie. Just the best bad.

I liked/hated the Omaha Beach scene as I thought it captured the horror of the war quite well and given the director's and Tom Hank's ideas around film making i do not believe it was done for glorification. Shock and horror value perhaps but war is like that i suspect.

I also liked Dunkirk as it had a more hopeful vision behind the message even though the troops were in a very dire situation.
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