The best American war films: list, rating and description

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

War-themed films are always relevant. They teach patriotism, love for the Motherland, bravery and courage. Watching such pictures, we empathize with the main characters, admire their exploits, self-sacrifice, honesty, courage and fearlessness. American war films have given the world many characters who have become beloved not only in the United States, but throughout the world.

Classic of the genre

Of course, each person has their own preferences and tastes. Therefore, one can argue long and tediously on the topic of the best film about the war. Despite many discussions and opinions, there is a category of those films that have become classics for world cinema. And it is to her that the legendary war drama directed by Steven Spielberg "Schindler's List" (1993) belongs. The film, based on real events, won seven Oscars. It is based on the story of a German businessman who, during the Holocaust, decides to help the oppressed Jews. He starts a business and asks the German authorities to allow him to use "cheap" labor in production. Risking my own life and performing miraclesdiplomacy, he saves over a thousand Jews.

Describing the best American films about the war, one cannot fail to mention "Pearl Harbor" with Ben Affleck in the title role. The film was shot in 2001 by director Michael Bay. This is a story about two pilots - comrades and colleagues who fell in love with one woman. But this did not destroy the friendship: it remained in their hearts until the last breath. This film is about how the fate of people melted in the furnace of battles and military operations. The past has become a conflagration, the future must be fought for on earth and in heaven, in hatred and great love.

American WWII movies

If we talk about the top five, then the drama "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), which tells about the landing of the allies in France, deserved its rightful place in it. The area is under German occupation and the Marines come under heavy fire. Despite the shelling, Captain Miller gathers the surviving soldiers and breaks through the defenses. Now they have a new task - to find and save a colleague Ryan. The film, starring Tom Hanks, won five Oscars.

One of the newest World War II movies is Fury (2014). The picture tells about the crew of the tank, which takes part in a virtually suicidal mission. For the commander, played by Brad Pitt, the main task is to survive himself and save the lives of his soldiers. Other good films about the war 1941-1945 (American): Yu-571 (2000) aboutbattles with the participation of submarines, "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006) about the operation to capture the island of Iwo Jima by infantrymen during military operations against Japan. And, of course, Quentin Tarantino's film "Inglorious Basterds" (2009) about the American military, which, with their ruthlessness, terrifies the Nazis in occupied France.

World War I

American films about the war did not ignore these tragic events in Europe that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. I think no one will argue that one of the best paintings on this subject is the good old "Legends of Autumn" (1994). In the center of the plot are three brothers in love with one woman. It would seem that there is no way out of the situation, but a ruthless and merciless war puts everything in its place. The film "Legends of Autumn" received an Oscar for cinematography and a Golden Globe Award for Best Drama Film. Not inferior to him and the new work of Steven Spielberg - the military drama "War Horse" (2011). This is a story about the incredible friendship of the boy Albert, played by young actor Jeremy Irwin, and Joey the horse. When the war comes, the horse is taken to the cavalry regiment that fights on the fields of France. The boy, despite his young age, goes into the thick of war to find a comrade.

The top three, without a doubt, includes the film "Water Seeker" (2014), which the United States shot together with Turkey and Australia. The main roles went to Russell Crowe and Olga Kurylenko. The action takes place at the end of the war - in 1919. The Australian who lost threesons, goes to the Gallipoli peninsula. Here, in a fierce battle, the guys whose bodies he is trying to find died. Unexpectedly for himself, a man finds the meaning of life where he did not even think to find it.

Battles in Iraq

There are a lot of pictures in this category, since this war is relatively "fresh" and its events are very relevant for the United States. American films about the war in Iraq tell about the military operations taking place in Asia at the beginning of the 21st century. The first position in the ranking of the best films is occupied by The Hurt Locker (2008) - a story about the everyday life of three sappers. One of his friends, for whom war is a passion, does not take dangerous work seriously. For him, it's just a fun game. It is this careless attitude that provokes the appearance of disagreements in the detachment.

Another work on this subject is the painting "Do not take alive" (2009). In the story, CIA agents unsuccessfully search for traces of weapons of mass destruction in the "green zone" of occupied Iraq. Officer Miller, played by Matt Damon, sees that the investigation is biased and tries to make it public. He rebelled against the generals who are trying to restore order in these lands at any cost. The director is Paul Gringass, who has a unique style. His action films are devoid of soulless scenes with special effects - every detail is filled with deep meaning. Other good movies about the Iraq War include Courage in Battle (1996), Three Kings (1999) and In Ella Valley (2007).

Vietnam War Movies

I want to immediately highlightdirected by Randall Wallace We Were Soldiers (2002). In the center of the picture is the story of the first mass battle of this war: about 400 American soldiers are surrounded, forgotten and abandoned. Despite this, they heroically fight to their last breath. The main character was brilliantly played by Mel Gibson. "War Losses" (1989) with Sean Penn is another picture about Vietnam, which is based on real events. Private Erickson witnesses a terrible crime - the US military rapes and kills a Vietnamese girl. Condemning his platoon comrades, he is forced to confront not only them, but also a cruel sergeant who has long forgotten what a feeling of compassion is.

Of course, the top three also includes the film "Apocalypse Now" (1979). The film tells about a special agent who was assigned to go up the river to Cambodia. There he must neutralize the crazy colonel, who has created a kingdom of violence in a remote area. On his difficult path, he comes face to face with all the horrors of war. On the subject of Vietnam, you should also watch such American films about the war: "The Deer Hunter" (1978), "Bird" (1984), "Platoon" (1986), "Full Metal Jacket" (1987) and "Good Morning Vietnam" (1987).

Afghanistan

A lot of films by Russian directors have been made about military actions in this country. What is everyone's favorite "Ninth Company" of Bondarchuk. The Americans are also not far behind: they have a lot of interesting works on the events of that war on their account. For example, "Restrepo" (2010), which was nominated for an Oscar for best documentary film. "Restrepo" is an American base, whose soldiers guard the process of active laying of the route in a remote area. The local population is hostile to the project, so conflicts constantly flare up between the Taliban and the military. The film is a synthesis of heroism, brotherhood, mortal combat and hard work.

The rating, which includes the best American films about the war in Afghanistan, is not complete without the picture "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007). Starring famous Hollywood celebrities: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. The picture tells about the legendary operation "Cyclone", which influenced the outcome of the hostilities. The plan was conceived by an employee of the Capitol, who arranged for the delivery of weapons to the militias. The film caused a flurry of controversy: in a number of countries it was called unreliable, in other states it was recognized and loved. Among the films about Afghanistan, we should also highlight "Legends for the Lambs" (2007) and "The Beast" (1988).

Other war films

And American films tell about other battles and battles. About the war in Japan, for example, tells "The Last Samurai" (2003) with Tom Cruise in the title role. On account of this military drama with elements of adventure 40 nominations, four times he claimed the prestigious Oscar. The film describes the events of the 1870s taking place in Japan. The emperor decided to modernize the state system according to the Western model. But this only aroused the anger of the citizens, whoorganized mass riots. To calm the "savages" they invited a retired American officer, Nathan Algren. No one suspected how this visit would end.

"The Last of the Mohicans" (1992) - a picture of Michael Mann, which takes viewers into the difficult period of colonization for America. In 1757, a war broke out between France and England over these lands. The daughters of Colonel Monroe are trying to get into the besieged fort when Hawkeye, a young white hunter raised by Indians, comes to their aid. Between the young man and the older girl Cora, love breaks out. Now only a man and his friends from the tribe can save the protagonist's beloved and her sister from French captivity.

Mel Gibson Paintings

This actor showed excellent directorial work - films about the war (American). A list of the best US war movies is incomplete without the amazing drama Braveheart (1995), which won five Oscars, including Best Picture. The story tells about the events in Scotland, oppressed by the cruel bloodthirsty tyrant Edward Longlegs. The simple farmer William is trying to save the people, who not only raises the masses of the villagers to revolt, becoming a hero, but also wins the heart of the English princess. Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau are amazing in these roles.

Another of his films is about a different war. Roland Emmerich did the main directorial work, but Mel Gibson is said to have contributed to the script as well. At the center of the story"Patriot" (2000) - civil war. Thirteen British colonies stand for freedom and independence. The father of seven children, Benjamin, is trying not to take part in the battles. But when his eldest son fell on the battlefield, he changes before our eyes. A peaceful farmer turns into a cold-blooded commander who leads a detachment of rebels. This film, like the others mentioned above, deserves your attention. If you haven't seen these works yet, be sure to take the time to check them out this coming weekend.