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malory · 03-18-2008, 18:50 PM

Hey folks, lots of good titles here. But as war movies (particularly WW2) are a great passion of mine, I'd like to make a few suggestions.

If you like films about WW2 aviation, the two best -- hands down -- are Thunderbolt and Target for Tonight. Both are without paid actors and 100% of the footage is real.

Thunderbolt is particularly breathtaking because it not only covers an obscure AO but is shot in original color. I really can't recommend this film enough. It's the best WW2 gun-camera footage I have ever seen. T for T speaks for itself.

Battle of Britain is a classic, despite its campy cast. But for something more modern, try the similarly themed Dark Blue World, a Czech movie with excellent air combat scenes.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Finnish movie Talvisota (you can rent it in the USA under its English title The Winter War.) It's a grueling and bloody movie about a conflict Hollywood will probably never touch.

Burnt by the Sun isn't a war movie strictly speaking, but it's an interesting glimpse into the Russian revolution.

There's also Europa Europa, Empire of the Sun, Sink the Bismarck, A Midnight Clear

If you're interested in Rwanda, the best one I've seen is Shooting Dogs, although it's tough to find it at most movie stores.

But Come and See might get my vote as the best war movie of all time. Saving Private Ryan is an afternoon popcorn-muncher compared to this one (IMO).

Anyway, enough from me for now ... Cheers fellas.

Edit: No one mentioned STALINGRAD !!! This flick easily dethrones the holy Saving Private Ryan/Apocalypse Now/Black Hawk Down trinity.

03-18-2008, 18:50 PM	#112 (permalink)
malory *Military Professional* Join Date: 03-18-08 Location: Ft. Benning, GA Posts: 16 Country:	Hey folks, lots of good titles here. But as war movies (particularly WW2) are a great passion of mine, I'd like to make a few suggestions. If you like films about WW2 aviation, the two best -- hands down -- are Thunderbolt and Target for Tonight. Both are without paid actors and 100% of the footage is real. Thunderbolt is particularly breathtaking because it not only covers an obscure AO but is shot in original color. I really can't recommend this film enough. It's the best WW2 gun-camera footage I have ever seen. T for T speaks for itself. Battle of Britain is a classic, despite its campy cast. But for something more modern, try the similarly themed Dark Blue World, a Czech movie with excellent air combat scenes. I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Finnish movie Talvisota (you can rent it in the USA under its English title The Winter War.) It's a grueling and bloody movie about a conflict Hollywood will probably never touch. Burnt by the Sun isn't a war movie strictly speaking, but it's an interesting glimpse into the Russian revolution. There's also Europa Europa, Empire of the Sun, Sink the Bismarck, A Midnight Clear If you're interested in Rwanda, the best one I've seen is Shooting Dogs, although it's tough to find it at most movie stores. But Come and See might get my vote as the best war movie of all time. Saving Private Ryan is an afternoon popcorn-muncher compared to this one (IMO). Anyway, enough from me for now ... Cheers fellas. Edit: No one mentioned STALINGRAD !!! This flick easily dethrones the holy Saving Private Ryan/Apocalypse Now/Black Hawk Down trinity. Last edited by malory : 03-18-2008 at 18:53 PM.