With the help of superb actors, directors, producers and special effects to impact audiences with the reality of war, these films continue to leave their mark on movie goers.
From the battles of the American Revolution to the inner city guerrilla warfare of Mogadishu, Somalia, war films offer a glimpse into the sacrificial world of soldiers. Audiences are left with a deeper knowledge of what courage looks like up close (sometimes too close).
Sophie's Choice - 1982
William Styron's heart-breaking novel is brought to cinematic life with Streep as Sophie. During the Holocaust at Auschwitz, Sophie must make an impossible, unutterable choice which reverberates within her and within the hearts of movie goers forever after. A historical perspective of an impossible moment in time; insanity reigns.
Full Metal Jacket - 1987
Director Stanley Kubrick illuminates the revolting brutalities of the Viet Nam war and shoves them in your face. The title refers to the fully-loaded automatic weapons used by Marines in their nightmarish tour of duty. This film still raises the old question, "What the hell did we do here?"
Schindler's List - 1993
Spielberg shines a light on the plight of Jews as Poland falls under Nazi domination. Oskar Schindler, (Liam Neeson), a self-proclaimed profiteer 'awakens' from his selfish quest to save the lives of Jews in his factory. Inspiration spreads when this opportunistic man achieves much in spite of his imperfections.
Saving Private Ryan - 1998
In the first thirty minutes Steven Spielberg gives us all the reasons we should never go to war in a groundbreaking, graphic depiction of WWII. Based on real life stories, Private Ryan (Matt Damon) must be relieved from duty and sent home, but not for reasons one might imagine.
Patriot - 2000
Experience the American Revolution through the eyes of Benjamin (Mel Gibson), loving father and farmer in Colonial America. Watch him put on the armor of a warrior's vengeance to fearlessly battle for American Independence once his children are in harm's way. Don't miss Heath Ledger's award-winning performance as Mel's son.
Black Hawk Down - 2001
With single-minded intent to capture a renegade Somalian warlord and his lieutenants, one hundred Delta Force soldiers are dropped by helicopter into the heavily armed city of Mogadishu. Disastrous crashes, failed attempts at rescue bring the reality of modern-day battle into horrific clarity; a real-life mission of assault and redemption.
Cold Mountain - 2003
Cold Mountain is home to Inman (Jude Law), who struggles to return after a perilous stint in the Civil War. Ada (Kidman) waits bravely while running the family farm with Ruby's help, a fierce bite of a woman (Zellweger) who steals the show with her quirky vision and award-winning performance.
Flyboys - 2006
Naive, hopeful and brave, thirty-eight American volunteers arrive in France to fight with the Allied Forces in the Lafayette Escadrille squadron in 1917. The average life expectancy for these novice airman, the world's first fighter pilots, is only six weeks. See WWI in its earliest days of air warfare.
As long as there are conflicts and war, filmmakers will make us look at who we've become and how we got here. And as long as we look hard at ourselves, there's always a reason to hope for peace among men.
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