War Docos
Innovative German film-maker Leni Riefenstahl's pioneering masterwork epic "Triumph of the Will" (1934) was explicitly propagandistic yet historical in its spectacular yet horrifying documentation of the Nazi Party Congress rally in Nuremberg in 1934. It was a revolutionary film combining superb cinematography and editing of Third Reich propaganda. She also documented the 1936 Berlin Olympics in the stunning film "Olympia" (1938) - with graceful and beautiful images of 'Aryan' athletes in competition. To respond to the Nazi propaganda, Frank Capra was commissioned by the US War Department to direct seven films in a "Why We Fight" (1943) series of narrated WWII newsreel-style films. The first in the series, "Prelude to War," a look at the events from 1931-1939, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1942. These and many other truely great War Documentaries, including the BBC's brilliant "World At War" series, are available by scrolling below.
Right: William Wyler's Academy Award winning "The Memphis Belle"Â
The Boneyard (2008)
5.4/10
Director: Jeff Watson
The Davis Monthan air force base in Tucson, Arizona is the home of AMARG the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group more commonly known as... Read more
Gallipoli Submarine (2008)
8.2/10
Director: Steve Westh
An Irish skipper. An Australian submarine. A daring mission and an amazing episode in the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign that history has overlooked for... Read more
The American War Machine of WWII (2008)
This is the story of the creation of the American Military from the small 100,000 man force of the post World War One era to the mighty military indus... Read more
Desert Fox: Rommel (2008)
5.7/10
The story of much respected German General Erwin Rommel whose expert and ruthless manner on the battlefield earned him his posting as the head of the... Read more
The Hunt For HMAS Sydney (2008)
Starring: (narrated by), Colin Friels
The wreckage of HMAS Sydney, sunk off the West Australian coast in 1941, has at last been found. The Sydney's entire crew of 645 went down with the sh... Read more
Reluctant Hero (2008)
7/10
Director: Steven O'Meagher
A profile of Willie Apiata that re-enacts the feat for which he received his Victoria Cross, looking at how this reserved Kiwi soldier has coped with... Read more
A Newsreel History of the Third Reich: European Domination 1940 (2007)
This educational and thought provoking series comprises German newsreel recordings and includes unique footage plundered by Russian troops. Directed a... Read more
A Newsreel History of the Third Reich: Hitler's Rise to Power (2007)
This educational and thought provoking series comprises German newsreel recordings and includes unique footage plundered by Russian troops. Directed a... Read more
Gallipoli: Brothers in Arms (2007)
7.5/10
Starring: Andrew Denton
Each year, thousands of Australians and New Zealanders of all ages make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac Day. For most, it is a profou... Read more
The Last Ridge: The Uphill Battles of the 10th Mountain Division (2007)
Director: Abbie Kealy
On February 18, 1945, the newly initiated 10th Mountain Division managed what many thought impossible in the mountains of Italy. Scaling a 2000 foot c... Read more