War and Anti-War Films
"War and Anti-War Films" often acknowledge the horror and heartbreak of war, letting the actual combat fighting or conflict (against nations or humankind) provide the primary plot or background for the action of the film. Typical elements in the action-oriented war plots include POW camp experiences and escapes, submarine warfare, espionage, personal heroism, "war is hell" brutalities, air dogfights, tough trench/infantry experiences, or male-bonding buddy adventures during wartime. Themes explored in war films include combat, survivor and escape stories, tales of gallant sacrifice and struggle, studies of the futility and inhumanity of battle, the effects of war on society, and intelligent and profound explorations of the moral and human issues.
Listed below are all the very best of this genre. Scroll yer heart out....
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (Blu-ray) (2016)
6.2/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Chris Tucker, Steve Martin, Vin Diesel, Kristen Stewart, Joe Alwyn, Garrett Hedl...
Two-time Academy Award® winner Ang Lee brings his extraordinary vision to Billy Lynns Long Halftime Walk, based on the widely-acclaimed, bestselling... Read more
Birdsong (2012)
7.4/10
Director: Philip Martin
Starring: Anthony Andrews, Matthew Goode, Marie-Josee Croze, Clemence Poesy, Eddie Redmayn...
This two-part made-for-British-television adaptation of Sebastian Faulks' epic love story stars Eddie Redmayne and Clemence Poesy. The action moves be... Read more
Bitter Victory (1957)
6.9/10
Director: Nicholas Ray
Starring: Richard Burton, Curt Jurgens, Ruth Roman, Christopher Lee, Anthony Bushell
Director Nicholas Ray's acclaimed mix of war drama and character study stars Richard Burton as a WWII British army officer sent to North Africa to hel... Read more
Black Book (2006)
7.8/10
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Sebastian Koch, Carice Van Houten, Thom Hoffman, Derek De Lint
Director Paul Verhoeven covered everything in Hollywood from erotic thrillers to science fiction films, but the return to his native country (and lang... Read more
Black Book ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
7.8/10
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Starring: Sebastian Koch, Carice Van Houten, Thom Hoffman, Derek De Lint
Director Paul Verhoeven covered everything in Hollywood from erotic thrillers to science fiction films, but the return to his native country (and lang... Read more
Black Hawk Down (2001)
7.7/10
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Ewen Br...
Director Ridley Scott's gut-wrenching military drama chronicles the doomed 1993 mission of American forces in the war-torn Somali capital of Mogadishu... Read more
Black Hawk Down ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
7.7/10
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, William Fichtner, Ewen Br...
Director Ridley Scott's gut-wrenching military drama chronicles the doomed 1993 mission of American forces in the war-torn Somali capital of Mogadishu... Read more
Blood Diamond (2006)
8/10
Director: Edward Zwick
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Arnold Vosloo, Kagiso Kuyp...
Mainstream director Edward Zwick tackles the political in this searing action-thriller set during Sierra Leone's bloody civil war. Leonardo DiCaprio... Read more
Blood Diamond ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
8/10
Director: Edward Zwick
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou, Jennifer Connelly, Arnold Vosloo, Kagiso Kuyp...
Mainstream director Edward Zwick tackles the political in this searing action-thriller set during Sierra Leone's bloody civil war. Leonardo DiCaprio p... Read more
Bomber Harris (1989)
7.2/10
Starring: John Thaw, Robert Hardy
John Thaw gives a compelling and insightful performance as the Commander-in-Chief of RAF Bomber Command, Sir Arthur Harris. One of the most controvers... Read more