My Morning Jacket

Off-Topic => Off-Topic Ramblings => Topic started by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 01:18 AM

Title: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 01:18 AM
What do you think is the best, or your favorite, modern era war movie ever made?? Please explain why.

What your favorite non-modern era war movie??

When I say modern era, I mean a war movie based on a war/battle from WW1 on, so stuff like Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, Troy, etc. would fit the non-modern category.

My votes go to Apocalypse Now for post-WW1, and Braveheart pre-WW1
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: bold99 on Jan 15, 2009, 08:28 AM
Apocalypse Now hands down.  That movie just had everything.  Great story, great acting, great music.  

for non I can't really think of a lot I liked but Braveheart and Gladiator are up there.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Penny Lane on Jan 15, 2009, 08:38 AM
braveheart, apocalypse now, platoon, Mash, Patton, Uncommon Valour (sp?), Tora Tora Tora, (and even though it was a mini series) band of brothers, **Papillon**, honorable mention---Three Kings (is that a war movie?)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 15, 2009, 09:29 AM
...some are "Bests" and some are "Favorites"...

Apocalypse Now
Patton
Platoon
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Braveheart
Gettysburg / Gods and Generals
Dances With Wolves
Schindler's List
Saving Private Ryan
The Patriot
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Penny Lane on Jan 15, 2009, 09:43 AM
Quote...some are "Bests" and some are "Favorites"...

Apocalypse Now
Patton
Platoon
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Braveheart
Gettysburg / Gods and Generals
Dances With Wolves
Schindler's List
Saving Private Ryan
The Patriot

The Patriot, brad? i thought it was pretty bad.

i also forgot Glory.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 15, 2009, 09:49 AM
QuoteThe Patriot, brad?

I don't have to explain myself to you!!111!111!!

(http://beachblog.thestateonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/29beach_patriot.jpg)

But seriously, it's pretty much the only war movie based on resembling the Revolutionary War.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 15, 2009, 09:50 AM
I also want to add Master And Commander, Kingdom of Heaven, and Top Gun to my list.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Dodobird on Jan 15, 2009, 09:57 AM
What about the Hunt for Red October! The Longest Day, Kelly's Hero's (for the modern era). Band of Brothers was also incredible as a mini series.

I agree that Braveheart is probably the best non-modern era war movie. Or 300 (lol)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Paulie Walnuts on Jan 15, 2009, 10:04 AM
Isn't this thread about stating your favourite or best one and why? Not listing 10 and saying they are all good.

Mine is definitely Platoon. I don't know how authentic it was 'cos I never went to 'Nam, but it certainly felt realistic watching it. It had tension, fear and an inspired choice in Charlie Sheen.

Whatever happened to Tom Berenger?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: BH on Jan 15, 2009, 10:08 AM
Wow nobody has mentioned my favorite.  FULL METAL JACKET.  I love that movie.  I could watch it over and over again.

Also, , The Pianist, The Great Escape and Gone With The Wind.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Taterbug on Jan 15, 2009, 10:14 AM
Black Hawk Down  Is one of my favorite most recently made War Movies.  
Dirty Dozen is probably one of my all time favorites or Apocolypse Now,  Das Boot or Hunt For Red October.
There are so many.

Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: bold99 on Jan 15, 2009, 10:26 AM
Quote
QuoteThe Patriot, brad?

I don't have to explain myself to you!!111!111!!

(http://beachblog.thestateonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/29beach_patriot.jpg)

But seriously, it's pretty much the only war movie based on resembling the Revolutionary War.

Also a young Heath Ledger...I liked this movie.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Crispy on Jan 15, 2009, 11:02 AM
Lawrence of Arabia could be called a war movie I guess, and that's the best movie ever, period.

Paths of Glory is a great movie, early Kubrick - it really digs into injustice and horrors of war.
(http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/images/paths.jpg)

Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Penny Lane on Jan 15, 2009, 11:21 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteThe Patriot, brad?

I don't have to explain myself to you!!111!111!!

(http://beachblog.thestateonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/29beach_patriot.jpg)

But seriously, it's pretty much the only war movie based on resembling the Revolutionary War.

Also a young Heath Ledger...I liked this movie.

it was so bad---his acting was bad, too ....

well if i had to pick one, i'd go w/PAPILLION. classic steve mcqueen.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 15, 2009, 11:24 AM
Modern

Lots of good stuff listed here.  I do place Full Metal Jacket above Platoon and Apocalypse Now.

I also loved the Thin Red Line (very poetic) and Eastwood's recent 2 parter: Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwojima.

Pre

Glory and the Seven Samurai if it counts.

Also the 1st Lord of the Rings
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: BH on Jan 15, 2009, 12:29 PM
QuoteBlack Hawk Down  Is one of my favorite most recently made War Movies.  
Dirty Dozen is probably one of my all time favorites or Apocolypse Now,  Das Boot or Hunt For Red October.
There are so many.


Dirty Dozen!   I forgot about that one.  That was probably the first war movie I have ever seen.  
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 01:44 PM
QuoteIsn't this thread about stating your favourite or best one and why? Not listing 10 and saying they are all good.


I was just thinking this as I kept reading people's posts

;D :D ;D
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 01:48 PM
QuoteModern

Lots of good stuff listed here.  I do place Full Metal Jacket above Platoon and Apocalypse Now.

I also loved the Thin Red Line (very poetic) and Eastwood's recent 2 parter: Flags of our Fathers and Letters from Iwojima.

Pre

Also the 1st Lord of the Rings

Please elaborate on how FMJ is better than Platoon or Apocalypse Now?? I think the 1st half is entertaining, but the actual war portion of the movie is pretty lacking to me.

I liked Thin Red Line a good bit. It gets kind of overlooked since Saving Private Ryan came out the same year

I thought Flags of our Fathers was terrible. Probably the worst movie Eastwood's directed.

I dont think Lord of the Rings is eligible  ;D
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Taterbug on Jan 15, 2009, 02:04 PM
Quote
QuoteBlack Hawk Down  Is one of my favorite most recently made War Movies.  
Dirty Dozen is probably one of my all time favorites or Apocolypse Now,  Das Boot or Hunt For Red October.
There are so many.


Dirty Dozen!   I forgot about that one.  That was probably the first war movie I have ever seen.  

Thats a great  war movie to pop your cherry on, I think mine was The Bridge over the River Kwai.

I need more time to think about a CLEAR CUT bestest war movie ever, I honestly don't think I can.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ycartrob on Jan 15, 2009, 02:06 PM
The Deer Hunter

it shows the entire effect war has on a group of people; from before, during and after war.

Plus, the russian roulette scenes are brutal.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Penny Lane on Jan 15, 2009, 02:13 PM
QuoteThe Deer Hunter

it shows the entire effect war has on a group of people; from before, during and after war.

Plus, the russian roulette scenes are brutal.

ahhhhh yes of course!! can't believe i forgot that one!!
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 15, 2009, 02:14 PM
I don't care if it's a series, Band of Brothers is as great as any war movie.

Given our significant contrabutions to both World Wars and the Korean War, I wish Canada would make a great war movie - the recent Paschendale was well received, but it's not better than:

Bridge On The River Kwai
The Great Escape
All Quiet on the Western Front (the original)
Apocalypse Now
Full Metal Jacket
Paths of Glory
Tae Gukgi (Korean)
The Sand Pebbles - Steve McQueen's best role
The Dirty Dozen
Kelly's Heroes
MASH

I can't stand revisionism, and The Patriot takes the cake. Also, there were no explosives during the Revolutionary War.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Taterbug on Jan 15, 2009, 02:15 PM
QuoteThe Deer Hunter

it shows the entire effect war has on a group of people; from before, during and after war.

Plus, the russian roulette scenes are brutal.

I would have to say that was Christopher Walkens best performance EVER.  The roulette scene still gives me anxiety to watch. I need to rent this at blockbuster. I haven't seen it in at least 10-15 years.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 15, 2009, 02:20 PM
This Japanese animated film is devastating:


(// http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51389ATJRFL._SS500_.jpg%20 )
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 15, 2009, 02:21 PM
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2584666881_3a1066451f.jpg?v=0)
I feel nervous.

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 15, 2009, 02:22 PM
Ohh shoot.  I forgot about Christian Bale's best role ever.  Empire of the Sun
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 15, 2009, 02:26 PM
Quote(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2584666881_3a1066451f.jpg?v=0)
I feel nervous.

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.

Do you mean Hearts of Darkness, the doc directed by Coppola's wife? I thought it was fascinating and hilarious thanks to the lunatic cast (Sheen and Dennis Hopper) and stressed out director.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 02:28 PM
Quote

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.

Never heard of it
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 15, 2009, 02:29 PM
Quote
Quote(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2584666881_3a1066451f.jpg?v=0)
I feel nervous.

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.

Do you mean Hearts of Darkness, the doc directed by Coppola's wife? I thought it was fascinating and hilarious thanks to the lunatic cast (Sheen and Dennis Hopper) and stressed out director.

Well, we had to read Conrad then view the two.  Heart of Darkness is a more literal translation of Conrad's work (hence same name) and not so out there as Apocalypse Now.

Malkovich and Tim Roth.  Shoot, I hardly remember it.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 02:31 PM
QuoteOhh shoot.  I forgot about Christian Bale's best role ever.  Empire of the Sun

I saw this movie when I was like 8, and hated it. For the longest time whenever me and my dad would watch a bad movie or something, Id always say "well at least it was better than Empire of the Sun"  ;D

Im sure its actually pretty good, but when youre 8 yrs old it was teh ssuck. Maybe ill even watch it again sometime, but thatll always be what I associate that movie with.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ycartrob on Jan 15, 2009, 02:32 PM
Quote
Do you mean Hearts of Darkness, the doc directed by Coppola's wife? I thought it was fascinating and hilarious thanks to the lunatic cast (Sheen and Dennis Hopper) and stressed out director.

That was amazing, watching Sheen and knowing how wasted he actually was and on the verge of mental and physical collapse.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD1jkBL6NwA[/media]

There's that clip of Brando saying his lines and he stops and coughs and says, "I swallowed a bug" . Casey Affleck uses that line in Good Will Hunting b/c they thought it was so absurd when they saw it on Hearts of Darkness.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 15, 2009, 02:32 PM
Quote
Quote

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.

Never heard of it


Do you mean the original novel by Joseph Conrad or the documentary directed by Coppola's wife (shot during the making of the film)? I love the doc and so does evey critic on Rotten Tomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hearts_of_darkness_a_filmmakers_apocalypse/
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 15, 2009, 02:38 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote

Now I owe it to myself to give Apocalypse Now a proper re-watch before I comment anymore.
Anyone actually see the film Heart of Darkness?  I remember having to write a paper about the two films many years ago.

Never heard of it


Do you mean the original novel by Joseph Conrad or the documentary directed by Coppola's wife (shot during the making of the film)? I love the doc and so does evey critic on Rotten Tomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hearts_of_darkness_a_filmmakers_apocalypse/

Naw, I meant the movie based on the novel.  Now I guess I need to watch Heart(s) of Darkness.  I don't recommend Heart of Darkness

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110002/
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 15, 2009, 02:45 PM
Heart(s) of Darkness makes you sad that Mrs. Coppola didn't make any more films. She's got lots of talent.

I forgot to add that the 2nd craziest cast member was Brando. Here's my crazy list, in order (by the way, this is based on what I saw in Hearts of Darkness):

1. Hopper - drugged out of his mind
2. Brando - nuts
3. Coppola - stressed and angry at his impossibly crazy cast
4. Sheen - heart attack says it all
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ManNamedTruth on Jan 15, 2009, 06:38 PM
I can't really think of any pre-modern war movies right now.
My favorite modern war movie is probably Apocalypse Now, its like an art film that also happens to be a war film. Full Metal Jacket is a close second. Some other favorites:
Platoon
The Deer Hunter
Paths Of Glory
Saving Private Ryan
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 15, 2009, 06:51 PM
Tough one...Great Escape or Thin Red Line.

Do people really like Braveheart?!!
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 15, 2009, 06:55 PM
Quote
Do people really like Braveheart?!!

For Seriously??  :-?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 15, 2009, 06:59 PM
Quote
Quote
Do people really like Braveheart?!!

Seriously??  :-?
I liked it OK when it first came out but I can't even watch it now. Maybe it's just my strong dislike for Mel Gibson.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: MMJ_fanatic on Jan 15, 2009, 07:08 PM
Stalag 13
The Great Escape
Saving Private Ryan
U-571
Slaughterhouse 5 (not really a war movie, but...)
Deerhunter
The Longest Day
Patton
Apocalypse Now
Platoon
Fail Safe
Jarhead
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: red on Jan 15, 2009, 07:17 PM
recently saw paths of glory, and it stands right up there with apocalypse now for me.  add full metal jacket and deerhunter.  can't think of any others right now.

oh god, how could i forget mash?!  it's perfect.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ycartrob on Jan 15, 2009, 07:19 PM
QuoteThin Red Line.

and I would dare say if you didn't see Thin Red Line on the big screen, you might not get it. I mean, I had some of those shots of that hill with the wind whipping the tall grass stuck in my brain for a minute after coming out of the theater.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 15, 2009, 07:20 PM
I love most of the movies listed. I don't think anyone's mentioned Tigerland, I really like that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170691/
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ycartrob on Jan 15, 2009, 07:23 PM
(http://www.doloresparkmovie.org/images/stripes-poster.jpg)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 15, 2009, 07:24 PM
Quote
QuoteThin Red Line.

and I would dare say if you didn't see Thin Red Line on the big screen, you might not get it. I mean, I had some of those shots of that hill with the wind whipping the tall grass stuck in my brain for a minute after coming out of the theater.
You could well be right.

I was fortunate enough to see it at the cinema. I took my sister, she hated it, everything about it blew my away. The final scene is beautiful/perfect.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ALady on Jan 15, 2009, 07:24 PM
Stripes, YES!!!   ;D


Also Gone With the Wind, Dr. Strangelove, and Three Kings.

And in the nonfiction category, Body of War.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: bold99 on Jan 15, 2009, 07:39 PM
QuoteI love most of the movies listed. I don't think anyone's mentioned Tigerland, I really like that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170691/

I saw this so long ago but I remember really liking it.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 15, 2009, 08:38 PM
Speaking of war movies, I just bought Band Of Brothers very cheap. Never seen it but have heard so many good things. Any fans?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: bold99 on Jan 16, 2009, 08:19 AM
QuoteSpeaking of war movies, I just bought Band Of Brothers very cheap. Never seen it but have heard so many good things. Any fans?

This is really good.   I saw it right when it came out and have been wanting to revisit in sometime.  You will get hooked and want to watch it all at once.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Penny Lane on Jan 16, 2009, 08:49 AM
Quote
QuoteSpeaking of war movies, I just bought Band Of Brothers very cheap. Never seen it but have heard so many good things. Any fans?

This is really good.   I saw it right when it came out and have been wanting to revisit in sometime.  You will get hooked and want to watch it all at once.

i loved it! i always watch it again and again when it's on the history channel. great acting!
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: BH on Jan 16, 2009, 09:48 AM
QuoteSpeaking of war movies, I just bought Band Of Brothers very cheap. Never seen it but have heard so many good things. Any fans?

To me it had the same feel as Saving Private Ryan.  Extremely well produced.  Great special effects.  Great acting.  Those bullet sounds are just intense!  
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 16, 2009, 10:00 AM
Band Of Brothers is perfect. Every episode.

(And by the way, the source is much better than Saving Private Ryan)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Taterbug on Jan 16, 2009, 10:40 AM
I forgot about...
The Pianist
Tora Tora Tora
Manchurian Candidate
Patton
The Guns of Navarone
Good Mornin Vietnam

And any movie with Audie Murphy in it...  one of Americas treasures and greatest war heores.

(http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/images/audiemurphy.jpg)

Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 16, 2009, 06:47 PM
Sounds like I'm going to enjoy Band Of Brothers!

I don't think Where Eagles Dare has been mentioned?

& I know it's not strictly a war movie but this is the shit!

(http://www.filmquadposters.co.uk/posters/firstblood.jpg)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 16, 2009, 07:09 PM
QuoteSounds like I'm going to enjoy Band Of Brothers!

I don't think Where Eagles Dare has been mentioned?

& I know it's not strictly a war movie but this is the shit!

(http://www.filmquadposters.co.uk/posters/firstblood.jpg)

As Deadwood is to westerns, Band of Brothers is to war epics. They don't come any better, whether its film or TV.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ghostess on TV on Jan 16, 2009, 11:34 PM
Would Apocalypto be considered a war movie??  That movie's awesome!
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 16, 2009, 11:46 PM
QuoteWould Apocalypto be considered a war movie??  That movie's awesome!

No. It's an action/historical epic film. If you go to All Movie Guide, IMDB or just google war movies, you'll see the lists stick to films around WWI and after.

War movies depict 20th and 21st century wars/battles starting around WWI.  
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 16, 2009, 11:58 PM
There arent too many battles in it, but just remembered a very underrated/overlooked movie

(http://static.omdb.si/posters/active/422145.jpg)


Awesome movie, probably my favorite Ang Lee movie (either this or The Ice Storm). Great direction and cinematography. Its sort of a war movie in the sense the Assassination of Jesse James is a western, but thats not too great of a comparison.

The cast is great. Jeffrey Wright is fantastic (IMO 1 of the most underrated actors going). The rest is very good including Tobey Maguire, Tom Wilkinson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Mark Ruffalo, Simon Baker, Jim Caviezel, and even Skeet Ulrich and Jewel are pretty good.

I dont think Ive even met someone whose seen this movie its so overlooked, so again, highly recommend it - especially for those people who enjoy Civil War or pre-WW1 war dramas
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 12:56 AM
Hmm I'm pretty sure that's a Western? Jaimoe will call you out if you're not careful  ;)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 17, 2009, 01:01 AM
QuoteHmm I'm pretty sure that's a Western? Jaimoe will call you out if you're not careful  ;)

How is it a western if its based on life in like Tennessee or Mizzou or something during the Civil War??

and there are Blues and Grays??

you seen it DB?

(based on the cover it does appear to be a western though)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:03 AM
QuoteHmm I'm pretty sure that's a Western? Jaimoe will call you out if you're not careful  ;)

It's in a grey area. Civil War movies are simply put into the Civil War category, but the Ang Lee flick is harder to categorize.

Although The Assassination of Jesse James is a terrific revisionist/psychological western. These western descriptions are legit and recognized sub-categories: See the James Stewart films he made with Anthony Mann.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:05 AM
Quoteyou seen it DB?
No  :D
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:12 AM
Top 3 Genres listed on IMDb: Drama | Romance | Western  ;)

Not to worry, I was only winding you up, hence the wink.

Dances With Wolves is set during the civil war & features the blues and grays but is without any shadow of a doubt a western IMO.

Like I said, not to worry. I listed First Blood, which arguably isn't really a war movie...am I going to give a f**k if someone says "hey DB, I don't think that's a war movie!"? No
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:15 AM
IMDb is a great reference site, but I never use it as a reliable source for reviews. At the same time, Rotten Tomatoes is near flawless for reviews since it's a culmination of critiques across North America and I'm rarely disappointed with All Movie Guide.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 17, 2009, 01:21 AM
Quote

Dances With Wolves is set during the civil war & features the blues and grays but is without any shadow of a doubt a western IMO.

Is it really a western??

Id call it more of a historical drama (which now that I think about it, maybe Ride With The Devil would more suitably be categorized as that).

In this sense, there both fictionalized stories from whatever era and arent based on actual occurrences or history
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:23 AM
QuoteIMDb is a great reference site, but I never use it as a reliable source for reviews. At the same time, Rotten Tomatoes is near flawless for reviews since it's a culmination of critiques across North America and I'm rarely disappointed with All Movie Guide.
I like to use them all. I mostly cross-reference IMBD & Rotten Tomatoes for the fans/critics reviews. The problem with IMDB is there are too many people trying to give their fav movies high scores + the message boards are hilarious!
My problem with RT is they only have the 2 grades, rotten or fresh. If you actually read the reviews sometimes it's not that clear cut. Good reviews sometimes get rotten grades.
Yahoo movies is sometimes better because they give the same reviews A+, A-, B+ etc etc
Do you know how do they give the stars out over @ allmovie? Isn't it just one persons opinion? The stars on allmusic drive me mad sometimes...
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:27 AM
Quote
Quote

Dances With Wolves is set during the civil war & features the blues and grays but is without any shadow of a doubt a western IMO.

Is it really a western??

Id call it more of a historical drama (which now that I think about it, maybe Ride With The Devil would more suitably be categorized as that).

In this sense, there both fictionalized stories from whatever era and arent based on actual occurrences or history
Dances With Wolves is definitely a western IMO. But you can go ahead & call it a historical drama if you want to...I think we can still be friends  ;)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 17, 2009, 01:31 AM
Yeah, probably is...I just kind of need cowboys or bankrobbers to call something a western

Im oldschool like that


....so I guess The Postman is a western too, right??
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:31 AM
Quote
QuoteIMDb is a great reference site, but I never use it as a reliable source for reviews. At the same time, Rotten Tomatoes is near flawless for reviews since it's a culmination of critiques across North America and I'm rarely disappointed with All Movie Guide.
I like to use them all. I mostly cross-reference IMBD & Rotten Tomatoes for the fans/critics reviews. The problem with IMDB is there are too many people trying to give their fav movies high scores + the message boards are hilarious!
My problem with RT is they only have the 2 grades, rotten or fresh. If you actually read the reviews sometimes it's not that clear cut. Good reviews sometimes get rotten grades.
Yahoo movies is sometimes better because they give the same reviews A+, A-, B+ etc etc
Do you know how do they give the stars out over @ allmovie? Isn't it just one persons opinion? The stars on allmusic drive me mad sometimes...

All Music Guide, just like All Movie Guide, use their stable of critics for their reviews. For the most part, AMG employs fairly reliable and knowledgeable critics and they've become influential in a relatively short period of time.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:36 AM
QuoteYeah, probably is...I just kind of need cowboys or bankrobbers to call something a western

Im oldschool like that

I hear ya, but there's also the modern western genre, which includes films like The Proposition, Bad Day at Black Rock, No Country For Old Men, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, There Will Be Blood, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia and many more.





Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:36 AM
QuoteYeah, probably is...I just kind of need cowboys or bankrobbers to call something a western

Im oldschool like that


....so I guess The Postman is a western too, right??
Haha I haven't seen The Postman. I only like Kevin Costner in good movies, the reviews have scared me away from that one.

Seriously though, it's an interesting point that you make. What if a movie has cowboys & native americans but no bankrobbers...something like A Man Called Horse, you wouldn't consider that a Western?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:38 AM
Quote
QuoteYeah, probably is...I just kind of need cowboys or bankrobbers to call something a western

Im oldschool like that


....so I guess The Postman is a western too, right??
Haha I haven't seen The Postman. I only like Kevin Costner in good movies, the reviews have scared me away from that one.

Seriously though, it's an interesting point that you make. What if a movie has cowboys & native americans but no bankrobbers...something like A Man Called Horse, you wouldn't consider that a Western?

It's a western. There's a few interesting sub-genres of westerns. However, a film like Gone With The Wind rarely gets mentioned as a western, well, I've never once heard it referred to as a western in my 40 years of film watching.

A film like Dead Man is a psychological western if there ever was one.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 01:42 AM
I'm off to the gym - good chatting with you boys!

Maybe you need to start a 'Best/Fav Western Movie' thread Capt?

(http://www.filmnet.dk/posters/american_tail_fievel_goes_west.jpg)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 01:46 AM
QuoteI'm off to the gym - good chatting with you boys!

Maybe you need to start a 'Best/Fav Western Movie' thread Capt?

(http://www.filmnet.dk/posters/american_tail_fievel_goes_west.jpg)

CC Baxter and I have chatted in the past regarding westerns. We should do it again and perhaps debate the superiority of the original 3:10 to Yuma over the Russell Crowe remake.

The great thing about Kurosawa was that his samurai films were partially inspired by western directors he admired like Hawks and Ford.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 17, 2009, 01:59 AM
Quote
QuoteYeah, probably is...I just kind of need cowboys or bankrobbers to call something a western

Im oldschool like that


....so I guess The Postman is a western too, right??
Haha I haven't seen The Postman. I only like Kevin Costner in good movies, the reviews have scared me away from that one.

Seriously though, it's an interesting point that you make. What if a movie has cowboys & native americans but no bankrobbers...something like A Man Called Horse, you wouldn't consider that a Western?

A Man Called Horse is definitely a western

According to my grandad, its the greatest cinematic piece of utopia ever made  ;D ;D ;D ;D

He's been pissed bc he hasnt be able to find his 25 year old semi-snowy VHS copy of it he recorded on some TV station with commercials for the last year or 2  ;D

I even called him up last week one night to specifically tell him Return of a Man Called Horse was on the Encore Western channel...he replies "yeah, i know, i watched a little bit of it. that shit dont have shit on the original though, no movie does"

ahh, grandad
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ManNamedTruth on Jan 17, 2009, 11:53 AM
Quote
QuoteIMDb is a great reference site, but I never use it as a reliable source for reviews. At the same time, Rotten Tomatoes is near flawless for reviews since it's a culmination of critiques across North America and I'm rarely disappointed with All Movie Guide.
I like to use them all. I mostly cross-reference IMBD & Rotten Tomatoes for the fans/critics reviews. The problem with IMDB is there are too many people trying to give their fav movies high scores + the message boards are hilarious!
My problem with RT is they only have the 2 grades, rotten or fresh. If you actually read the reviews sometimes it's not that clear cut. Good reviews sometimes get rotten grades.
Yahoo movies is sometimes better because they give the same reviews A+, A-, B+ etc etc
Do you know how do they give the stars out over @ allmovie? Isn't it just one persons opinion? The stars on allmusic drive me mad sometimes...

I use IMDB but I should start using another site as well. The message boards there are hilarious, pretty much ever movie I like there's always some asshole bitching about how bad it is. I do like IMDB mostly to resource what my favorite directors and actors have done.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Isobella on Jan 17, 2009, 01:36 PM
Modern - Saving Private Ryan
Premodern - Zulu
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 08:34 PM
Watched the first 2 episodes of Band Of Brothers last night - absolutely brilliant!!! Really, really superb television!

I forgot that Simon Pegg is in it  ;D
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 08:38 PM
Has anyone mentioned The Last of the Mohicans? (1992)

Is that a Western or a War movie? Either way, it's a great film.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 08:38 PM
QuoteWatched the first 2 episodes of Band Of Brothers last night - absolutely brilliant!!! Really, really superb television!

I forgot that Simon Pegg is in it  ;D

And it only gets better. I've given Donnie Wahlberg creative career decision free passes because of his role in this series.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Jan 17, 2009, 08:45 PM
I listed Last of the Mohicans as a pre-WW1 option in the OP, but I think thats it.

Awesome movie. My favorite native american involving flick (def better than Dances with Dogs)

I was just thinking about that western thing...Its def a war movie since its about the French & Indian War, but it has some western flavor
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 17, 2009, 08:48 PM
Quote(def better than Dances with Dogs)
Thin ice muthafucker, thin ice  >:( ;)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 08:53 PM
QuoteI listed Last of the Mohicans as a pre-WW1 option in the OP, but I think thats it.

Awesome movie. My favorite native american involving flick (def better than Dances with Dogs)

I was just thinking about that western thing...Its def a war movie since its about the French & Indian War, but it has some western flavor

There's gladiator movies and countless swashbuckling films with epic battles, but they don't fall into the war movie genre. Same with Last of the Mohicans. That film is a historical epic or colonial film all the way, no matter if there's battles or not. Same with The Man Who Would Be King. Not to offend, but this is not my opinion. Great films all around though.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 17, 2009, 10:52 PM
I guess not technically a war movie and more a military drama but man did I love the Caine Mutiny.  I just really enjoyed Herman Wouk's writing also.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 10:53 PM
QuoteI guess not technically a war movie and more a military drama but man did I love the Caine Mutiny.  I just really enjoyed Herman Wouk's writing also.

Awesome film. Same with Mister Roberts.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Ruckus on Jan 17, 2009, 10:55 PM
Quote
QuoteI guess not technically a war movie and more a military drama but man did I love the Caine Mutiny.  I just really enjoyed Herman Wouk's writing also.

Awesome film. Same with Mister Roberts.

Will have to check out Mister Roberts
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 17, 2009, 11:01 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteI guess not technically a war movie and more a military drama but man did I love the Caine Mutiny.  I just really enjoyed Herman Wouk's writing also.

Awesome film. Same with Mister Roberts.


Will have to check out Mister Roberts

You haaaaaave to check out Mister Roberts. Cagney, Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, William Powell and Ward Bond. Cagney plays a mean cargo ship captain during WWII. Lemmon's character, a very lazy Ensign Pulver, silently terrorizes Cagney - Lemmon won an Oscar for his performance. John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy directed. A masterpiece and one of the best comedies of the 50's.

Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 18, 2009, 02:28 PM
RED DAWN
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 18, 2009, 08:48 PM
Seeing James McAvoy is Band Of Brothers last night (watched another 2 episodes) reminded me of Atonement. Has anyone else seen it? Part drama, part love story, part war film - highly recommended!

83%: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/atonement/
7.9: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Jan 18, 2009, 09:22 PM
QuoteSeeing James McAvoy is Band Of Brothers last night (watched another 2 episodes) reminded me of Atonement. Has anyone else seen it? Part drama, part love story, part war film - highly recommended!

83%: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/atonement/
7.9: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/


I want to see it.

I hope you have an HD-TV and a good sound system, DB? It makes the viewing experience that is Band of Brothers all the more powerful and terrifying.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: dragonboy on Jan 18, 2009, 09:37 PM
QuoteI hope you have an HD-TV and a good sound system, DB? It makes the viewing experience that is Band of Brothers all the more powerful and terrifying.
Silly question Jaimoe - I live in Japan, remember?  ;)

We've got the whole set up, big HD TV with a home theater sound system. When an airplane flies over or a tank comes rumbling by it sound fantastic. & the bullets?



Atonement has an incredible tracking shot set on the beach in Dunkirk, I'm sure you've heard about it:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-12-19-atonement_N.htm

"Quarterbacks throw "Hail Mary" passes. Tightrope walkers work without nets. Opera companies tackle Wagner's complete Ring cycle.

All these showboating moves are risky yet surefire crowd-pleasers.

But when filmmakers want to display their skills, no other camera trick impresses quite as much as the tracking shot, a long sequence that runs several minutes without an editing cut.

Many top directors are masters of the art, such as Martin Scorsese (his best is the trek through the Copacabana in Goodfellas) and Paul Thomas Anderson (the opening of Boogie Nights).

The latest filmmaker to impress with such a bravura segment is Joe Wright, whose tracking shot arrives midway through Atonement, a tragic romance set during World War II starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.

The 51/2-minute tour de force depicts thousands of Allied soldiers — dazed, drunk, disgruntled and determined to go home — crowding a bombed-out beach in France while awaiting the evacuation of Dunkirk in June 1940.


"I like the theatricality of the event," says Wright of the sequence filmed at the British seaside town of Redcar with 1,000 local extras and 300 crewmembers. "It is a microcosm of filmmaking, a testament to the collaborative effort."

The shot doesn't merely dazzle. It heightens the emotional impact of a massive effort that was considered a victory, resulting in the rescue of more than 300,000 troops. But lives also were lost.

"It is about the waste of war," says Wright, who personalizes such surreal images as a ghostly barge run aground and a military chorus singing a hymn by occasionally focusing on McAvoy's war-weary Robbie and his two soldier pals as they wander the beach.

A montage of individual shots was considered but dismissed. "It was done out of necessity and a fear of montage sequences," says the director, whose budget for Atonement is estimated at a modest $30 million or so. "A montage would require 30 or 40 setups — you can manage 15 a day at most — and we could only afford the extras for one day."

The drama behind the camera nearly matched that on screen. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., on one of the final days of shooting, the cast and crew rehearsed before attempting to film the shot four times.

"The first take was pretty awful," the director recalls. "The second was even worse. The third take miraculously seemed OK." The fourth was halted when the natural light began to wane. And they couldn't immediately check the playback of the third take because only white fuzz showed on the monitor.

The next day, a crowd of 150 held their breath as the rushes played. They soon happily exhaled.

A few reviews have suggested that the sequence might be too distracting. Says Wright: "I do ask myself, 'Am I just being flash?' I don't have an answer. But I do get a kick out of those shots."
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Angry Ewok on Jan 19, 2009, 02:33 PM
The sound is good and, thankfully, accurate. I'm able to differentiate between the sound of a Garand and a Kar, MP40 and a Thompson, etc - so when war movies just toss in any random gunshot byte, it really grinds my gears. It all matches up in Band of Brothers.

(I really need to grab BoB on Bluray)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 06, 2010, 02:44 PM
I thought there was a thread for this, so since you brought it up Yac, whats your favorite War movies?

Id also add Inglourious Basterds to my list. Not sure how high, but Christoph Waltz and a few great scenes in that one would put it up there.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 06, 2010, 02:48 PM
I thought maybe this was the time for a fresh start. I believe I chimed in on this thread multiple times.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 06, 2010, 02:57 PM
QuoteI love most of the movies listed. I don't think anyone's mentioned Tigerland, I really like that.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0170691/

I actually DVR'd this a couple days ago...I'll probably watch it sometime in the next few days
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 06, 2010, 03:00 PM
I really liked Generation Kill, probably more than the Hurt Locker.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 06, 2010, 03:09 PM
QuoteI really liked Generation Kill, probably more than the Hurt Locker.

I know I DVR'd G-Kill, but looking now, its not there. Must have been my last receiver. I cant wait for Simon's new HBO show Treme.

...and why do you want to start a new thread? I just read thru this one again, lots of good discussion. Plus, you dont have to demonstrate your vast knowledge of cinema again to everyone, its already here  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: johnnYYac on Apr 06, 2010, 03:44 PM
Way to recycle!  Let me get out of work and think on this for a few.  
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 06, 2010, 03:55 PM
Quote
QuoteI really liked Generation Kill, probably more than the Hurt Locker.

I know I DVR'd G-Kill, but looking now, its not there. Must have been my last receiver. I cant wait for Simon's new HBO show Treme.

...and why do you want to start a new thread? I just read thru this one again, lots of good discussion. Plus, you dont have to demonstrate your vast knowledge of cinema again to everyone, its already here  ;D ;)

I wish I had a vast knowledge of cinema. I know what I know, but keep in mind that I'm old and my late father and I would watch movies on PBS every weekend throughout the '70s. Also, TV Ontario (public and government funded non-profit channel) has a long-running show called, Saturday at The Movies, and it shows classic movies, uncut (TVO doesn't have commericals). BTW, the former host and founder of Saturday Night was Elwy Yost, a film historian and father of Graham Yost, screenwriter and co-producer of the Pacific and writer of the film Speed and several episodes of Band of Brothers.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Taterbug on Apr 06, 2010, 04:02 PM
That stokes some memories of me and my Dad,  we  would watch Family Classics on Sunday afternoons on WGN with Farzier Thomas.

(http://www.popmatters.com/columns/gibron2/images/060628-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: johnnYYac on Apr 06, 2010, 08:02 PM
Okay, my off-the-cuff top ten 15 list of war movies (and miniseries), in no particular order...

Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan
Apocalypse Now
Platoon
MASH
Galipoli
Bridge Over the River Kwai
Tora Tora Tora
Pearl Harbor (just kidding!)
Tropic Thunder (not kidding)
That one with Lee Marvin and the Japanese soldier stranded on an island together, I forget the name
Black Hawk Down
Three Kings
Deer Hunter - probably my favorite
Inglorious Basterds
Born of the Fourth of July
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 06, 2010, 08:17 PM
QuoteOkay, my off-the-cuff top ten 15 list of war movies (and miniseries), in no particular order...

Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan
Apocalypse Now
Platoon
MASH
Galipoli
Bridge Over the River Kwai
Tora Tora Tora
Pearl Harbor (just kidding!)
Tropic Thunder (not kidding)
That one with Lee Marvin and the Japanese soldier stranded on an island together, I forget the name
Black Hawk Down
Three Kings
Deer Hunter - probably my favorite
Inglorious Basterds
Born of the Fourth of July

To add to this, off the top of my head:

All Quiet on the Western Front (original with Lew Ayers)
Paths of Glory
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Longest Day
Das Boot
Dr Strangelove
Full Metal Jacket
The Great Escape
Pan's Labyrinth
The Sand Pebbles
Grave of the Fireflies*
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War*


* I made the mistake of watching these two great films (Grave is animated from Japan and Tae Guk Gi is a modern war film from Korea, regarding the Korean War) back-to-back, and I cried like a fucking baby, and I mean tears down my face. They are great films, especially the true retelling of Grave of the Fireflies.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: mjkoehler on Apr 06, 2010, 08:28 PM
Quote
To add to this, off the top of my head:

The Longest Day
Dr Strangelove
Full Metal Jacket
The Great Escape
The Sand Pebbles

all in my list of all time fav movies for various reasons. Dr Stranglove especially. There's a whole lotta goodness going on in that one.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 06, 2010, 08:45 PM
QuoteI thought there was a thread for this, so since you brought it up Yac, whats your favorite War movies?

Id also add Inglourious Basterds to my list. Not sure how high, but Christoph Waltz and a few great scenes in that one would put it up there.

I think Waltz performance was one beyond superb.  He sold it, 4 languages.  I hated that fucking Jew Hunter.

All the good one's have already been mentioned for the most part.  Do War documentaries count?  If so:

(in no particular order)
-Little Dieter Needs To Fly
-Apocalypse Now
-Full Metal Jacket
-Saving Private Ryan
-Band Of Brothers (Series since it's SPR the extended addition I count it as a movie).
-Platoon
-Rescue Dawn (even though it's Dieters story dramatized I think herzog did a great job again, but he's one of my favorite directors ever so I'm biased, I love almost everything the man puts out).
-Inglorious Basterds
-Three Kings
-Schindler's list
-Hotel Rwanda

I'm ashamed I've never watched Deer Hunter.  Downloading now...
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 06, 2010, 09:14 PM
I thought Rescue Dawn was decent, but I didnt like it all that much. Not sure if its because it felt slow to me or what.

I actually have Schindler's List and The Pianist both on my DVR, although I think those are more movies set during WWII than war movies so to speak.

Ive never seen Schindler's, The Pianist, or Dr Strangelove  :-[
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 06, 2010, 09:28 PM
I forgot about Schindler's List for some reason. Same with Stalag 17. Both are awesome, even if I can't watch Schindler's ever again.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 06, 2010, 10:36 PM
QuoteI thought Rescue Dawn was decent, but I didnt like it all that much. Not sure if its because it felt slow to me or what.

I actually have Schindler's List and The Pianist both on my DVR, although I think those are more movies set during WWII than war movies so to speak.

Ive never seen Schindler's, The Pianist, or Dr Strangelove  :-[

Have you seen Little Dieter Needs To Fly?  It's literally the same story as Dieter explained he experienced in that film.  At the very least I walked away with the knowledge of how to pick handcuffs.  It's probably not going to be for everybody since there isn't a lot of action but just the awareness and rawness of how often they shit themselves and the "food" they had to eat, whatever it was, was insightful.  Could Werner have gotten somebody better than Batman? Maybe, but I thought Bale was good.  not the top of my list by any means, figured it was mentionable.  I liked it better than thin red line or that one with owen wilson and gene hackman, I forget the name...

I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories when they're accurate to what actually happened.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 06, 2010, 11:27 PM
Quote
QuoteI thought Rescue Dawn was decent, but I didnt like it all that much. Not sure if its because it felt slow to me or what.

I actually have Schindler's List and The Pianist both on my DVR, although I think those are more movies set during WWII than war movies so to speak.

Ive never seen Schindler's, The Pianist, or Dr Strangelove  :-[

Have you seen Little Dieter Needs To Fly?  It's literally the same story as Dieter explained he experienced in that film.  At the very least I walked away with the knowledge of how to pick handcuffs.  It's probably not going to be for everybody since there isn't a lot of action but just the awareness and rawness of how often they shit themselves and the "food" they had to eat, whatever it was, was insightful.  Could Werner have gotten somebody better than Batman? Maybe, but I thought Bale was good.  not the top of my list by any means, figured it was mentionable.  I liked it better than thin red line or that one with owen wilson and gene hackman, I forget the name...

I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories when they're accurate to what actually happened.

Slowness doesnt typically bother me, and maybe it wasnt even that, but Rescue Dawn didnt really impress me. By no means do I think it was bad, but I dont think it was much better than movies like Windtalkers or We Were Soldiers. I dont think it was near as good as Thin Red Line, but it def is a lot better than Beyond Enemy Lines (I think thats what that Hackman/Wilson movie was called)

In this case, Id probably prefer the documentary. Before I even went down your list, when I saw that title, I figured it was on Bale's character in Rescue Dawn
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: johnnYYac on Apr 06, 2010, 11:32 PM
Quote
QuoteI thought Rescue Dawn was decent, but I didnt like it all that much. Not sure if its because it felt slow to me or what.

I actually have Schindler's List and The Pianist both on my DVR, although I think those are more movies set during WWII than war movies so to speak.

Ive never seen Schindler's, The Pianist, or Dr Strangelove  :-[

Have you seen Little Dieter Needs To Fly?  It's literally the same story as Dieter explained he experienced in that film.  At the very least I walked away with the knowledge of how to pick handcuffs.  It's probably not going to be for everybody since there isn't a lot of action but just the awareness and rawness of how often they shit themselves and the "food" they had to eat, whatever it was, was insightful.  Could Werner have gotten somebody better than Batman? Maybe, but I thought Bale was good.  not the top of my list by any means, figured it was mentionable.  I liked it better than thin red line or that one with owen wilson and gene hackman, I forget the name...

I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories when they're accurate to what actually happened.

Sticky, are you okay?

I went over your post a dozen times.  I see no profanity (actually, "shit" once), no references to your penis or balls.  Are you sure everything is okay?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on Apr 07, 2010, 12:20 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteI thought Rescue Dawn was decent, but I didnt like it all that much. Not sure if its because it felt slow to me or what.

I actually have Schindler's List and The Pianist both on my DVR, although I think those are more movies set during WWII than war movies so to speak.

Ive never seen Schindler's, The Pianist, or Dr Strangelove  :-[

Have you seen Little Dieter Needs To Fly?  It's literally the same story as Dieter explained he experienced in that film.  At the very least I walked away with the knowledge of how to pick handcuffs.  It's probably not going to be for everybody since there isn't a lot of action but just the awareness and rawness of how often they shit themselves and the "food" they had to eat, whatever it was, was insightful.  Could Werner have gotten somebody better than Batman? Maybe, but I thought Bale was good.  not the top of my list by any means, figured it was mentionable.  I liked it better than thin red line or that one with owen wilson and gene hackman, I forget the name...

I'm a sucker for movies based on true stories when they're accurate to what actually happened.

Sticky, are you okay?

I went over your post a dozen times.  I see no profanity (actually, "shit" once), no references to your penis or balls.  Are you sure everything is okay?

;D

For Bluntmaster's apparent proficiency in movieography, Im surprised he doesnt post in the Movie Thread
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 07, 2010, 12:31 AM
oh I don't swear and say penis that much.. tis a chill evening.  plus War is serious wtf?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: ManNamedTruth on Apr 07, 2010, 02:46 AM
Quote
QuoteOkay, my off-the-cuff top ten 15 list of war movies (and miniseries), in no particular order...

Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan
Apocalypse Now
Platoon
MASH
Galipoli
Bridge Over the River Kwai
Tora Tora Tora
Pearl Harbor (just kidding!)
Tropic Thunder (not kidding)
That one with Lee Marvin and the Japanese soldier stranded on an island together, I forget the name
Black Hawk Down
Three Kings
Deer Hunter - probably my favorite
Inglorious Basterds
Born of the Fourth of July

To add to this, off the top of my head:

All Quiet on the Western Front (original with Lew Ayers)
Paths of Glory
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Longest Day
Das Boot
Dr Strangelove
Full Metal Jacket
The Great Escape
Pan's Labyrinth
The Sand Pebbles
Grave of the Fireflies*
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War*


* I made the mistake of watching these two great films (Grave is animated from Japan and Tae Guk Gi is a modern war film from Korea, regarding the Korean War) back-to-back, and I cried like a fucking baby, and I mean tears down my face. They are great films, especially the true retelling of Grave of the Fireflies.

I'd hardly consider Pan's Labyrinth as a war movie. That would be like calling Monty Python And The Holy Grail a period piece, or Fight Club an action movie.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 07, 2010, 03:00 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteOkay, my off-the-cuff top ten 15 list of war movies (and miniseries), in no particular order...

Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan
Apocalypse Now
Platoon
MASH
Galipoli
Bridge Over the River Kwai
Tora Tora Tora
Pearl Harbor (just kidding!)
Tropic Thunder (not kidding)
That one with Lee Marvin and the Japanese soldier stranded on an island together, I forget the name
Black Hawk Down
Three Kings
Deer Hunter - probably my favorite
Inglorious Basterds
Born of the Fourth of July

To add to this, off the top of my head:

All Quiet on the Western Front (original with Lew Ayers)
Paths of Glory
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Longest Day
Das Boot
Dr Strangelove
Full Metal Jacket
The Great Escape
Pan's Labyrinth
The Sand Pebbles
Grave of the Fireflies*
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War*


* I made the mistake of watching these two great films (Grave is animated from Japan and Tae Guk Gi is a modern war film from Korea, regarding the Korean War) back-to-back, and I cried like a fucking baby, and I mean tears down my face. They are great films, especially the true retelling of Grave of the Fireflies.

I'd hardly consider Pan's Labyrinth as a war movie. That would be like calling Monty Python And The Holy Grail a period piece, or Fight Club an action movie.

General Franco and the Spanish Civil War is the backdrop for Pan's and the US firebombing Japan underscores Grave of the Fireflies. Not conventional war films, but war is at the core of their plots. Inglorious Basterds is a revisionist fantasy and is a lot of fun. I don't mind looking outside the conventional box from time to time - I do the same with westerns and romantic comedies. Life is Beautiful is on the fence for me too.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 07, 2010, 07:44 PM
this thread is full of war movie snobs.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 10, 2010, 02:01 AM
alright so what the fuck guys I finally finished watching and digesting "The Deer Hunter" and all I've got to say is, BOR-ING.

The cast was awesome, I'll give you that.  There were definitely some crazy moments but 3 hours to tell that story?  What a joke.  That Wedding sequence felt like it was an hour long.  I hate weddings, I don't want to watch a fake one.  Deniro was creepy and bad ass at the same time but Walken, holy shit.  What a bad ass.  His performance was the only thing that made me want to keep watching.  Meryl Streep can suck it.  She looks old as fuck even when she was young, nasty.  Why does it gotta be all lovey dovey 90210 secret dramafest for so much of it?  

I got the whole thing about people loosing it when they go to war and whatever but come on, 3hours?  That theme song..

to be honest it wasn't that bad I just want to start a war movie fight.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Soulshine on Apr 10, 2010, 02:19 AM
Platoon
Apocalypse Now
Band of Brothers
Saving Private Ryan


I thought The Hurt Locker was great too

Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jaimoe on Apr 10, 2010, 02:25 AM
Quotealright so what the fuck guys I finally finished watching and digesting "The Deer Hunter" and all I've got to say is, BOR-ING.

The cast was awesome, I'll give you that.  There were definitely some crazy moments but 3 hours to tell that story?  What a joke.  That Wedding sequence felt like it was an hour long.  I hate weddings, I don't want to watch a fake one.  Deniro was creepy and bad ass at the same time but Walken, holy shit.  What a bad ass.  His performance was the only thing that made me want to keep watching.  Meryl Streep can suck it.  She looks old as fuck even when she was young, nasty.  Why does it gotta be all lovey dovey 90210 secret dramafest for so much of it?  

I got the whole thing about people loosing it when they go to war and whatever but come on, 3hours?  That theme song..

to be honest it wasn't that bad I just want to start a war movie fight.

I agree; that first hour featuring the wedding is torture. However, the war scenes are riveting. I think John Savage is the best thing about the Deer Hunter. He gives the movie a soul.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Soulshine on Apr 10, 2010, 02:50 AM
Quotealright so what the fuck guys I finally finished watching and digesting "The Deer Hunter" and all I've got to say is, BOR-ING.

The cast was awesome, I'll give you that.  There were definitely some crazy moments but 3 hours to tell that story?  What a joke.  That Wedding sequence felt like it was an hour long.  I hate weddings, I don't want to watch a fake one.  Deniro was creepy and bad ass at the same time [highlight]but Walken, holy shit.  What a bad ass.  His performance was the only thing that made me want to keep watching[/highlight].  Meryl Streep can suck it.  She looks old as fuck even when she was young, nasty.  Why does it gotta be all lovey dovey 90210 secret dramafest for so much of it?  

I got the whole thing about people loosing it when they go to war and whatever but come on, 3hours?  That theme song..

to be honest it wasn't that bad I just want to start a war movie fight.

Do you got a fevah?
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Sticky Icky Green Stuff on Apr 10, 2010, 03:13 AM
Quote
Quotealright so what the fuck guys I finally finished watching and digesting "The Deer Hunter" and all I've got to say is, BOR-ING.

The cast was awesome, I'll give you that.  There were definitely some crazy moments but 3 hours to tell that story?  What a joke.  That Wedding sequence felt like it was an hour long.  I hate weddings, I don't want to watch a fake one.  Deniro was creepy and bad ass at the same time [highlight]but Walken, holy shit.  What a bad ass.  His performance was the only thing that made me want to keep watching[/highlight].  Meryl Streep can suck it.  She looks old as fuck even when she was young, nasty.  Why does it gotta be all lovey dovey 90210 secret dramafest for so much of it?  

I got the whole thing about people loosing it when they go to war and whatever but come on, 3hours?  That theme song..

to be honest it wasn't that bad I just want to start a war movie fight.

Do you got a fevah?

(http://www.moillusions.com/wp-content/uploads/i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/vurdlak8/freakouteyes.gif)
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Soulshine on Apr 10, 2010, 03:25 AM
Quote
Quote
Quotealright so what the fuck guys I finally finished watching and digesting "The Deer Hunter" and all I've got to say is, BOR-ING.

The cast was awesome, I'll give you that.  There were definitely some crazy moments but 3 hours to tell that story?  What a joke.  That Wedding sequence felt like it was an hour long.  I hate weddings, I don't want to watch a fake one.  Deniro was creepy and bad ass at the same time [highlight]but Walken, holy shit.  What a bad ass.  His performance was the only thing that made me want to keep watching[/highlight].  Meryl Streep can suck it.  She looks old as fuck even when she was young, nasty.  Why does it gotta be all lovey dovey 90210 secret dramafest for so much of it?  

I got the whole thing about people loosing it when they go to war and whatever but come on, 3hours?  That theme song..

to be honest it wasn't that bad I just want to start a war movie fight.

Do you got a fevah?

(http://www.moillusions.com/wp-content/uploads/i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb234/vurdlak8/freakouteyes.gif)


I love you!! How do I walk with this in all areas of my life?!
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jbones72 on May 08, 2010, 11:19 AM
Steve McQueen is one of my favorite actors. I love him the Great Escape & Papillon but he probably should have won an Oscar for The Sand Pebbles..Richard Crenna was great too.
I loved Band Of Brothers..but the current mini series The Pacific really hit home for me. Most of my WW2 vets in my immediate family served in the Navy & Marines.
Not sure if anyone mentioned Downfall, some non-movie fans probably only know about it from the youtube videos but it's a great movie.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: pawpaw on May 08, 2010, 11:46 AM
Most of my favorites have already been mentioned, but I'll put an emphasis on Black Hawk Down. Also, there was a little war brewin' between the Empire and the Rebels in Return of the Jedi. That's my favorite war movie.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on May 08, 2010, 05:30 PM
QuoteSteve McQueen is one of my favorite actors. I love him the Great Escape & Papillon but he probably should have won an Oscar for The Sand Pebbles..Richard Crenna was great too.
I loved Band Of Brothers..but the current mini series The Pacific really hit home for me. Most of my WW2 vets in my immediate family served in the Navy & Marines.
Not sure if anyone mentioned Downfall, some non-movie fans probably only know about it from the youtube videos but it's a great movie.

I think youre the first person Ive seen say they like Pacific more than BOB. I have em all DVR'd and will probably watch them soon, and I havent seen BOB yet, so it seems like win-win no matter what

Ironic you mention Downfall because last week Youtube removed all the Hitler parody videos on there for some sort of moral reason
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: capt. scotty on May 08, 2010, 05:31 PM
QuoteMost of my favorites have already been mentioned, but I'll put an emphasis on Black Hawk Down. Also, there was a little war brewin' between the Empire and the Rebels in Return of the Jedi. That's my favorite war movie.

Yeah, I dont think theres been a better war movie since Black Hawk Down came out in like 2000 or 2001. Most have been disappointing
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jbones72 on May 08, 2010, 05:41 PM
Quote
QuoteSteve McQueen is one of my favorite actors. I love him the Great Escape & Papillon but he probably should have won an Oscar for The Sand Pebbles..Richard Crenna was great too.
I loved Band Of Brothers..but the current mini series The Pacific really hit home for me. Most of my WW2 vets in my immediate family served in the Navy & Marines.
Not sure if anyone mentioned Downfall, some non-movie fans probably only know about it from the youtube videos but it's a great movie.

I think youre the first person Ive seen say they like Pacific more than BOB. I have em all DVR'd and will probably watch them soon, and I havent seen BOB yet, so it seems like win-win no matter what

Ironic you mention Downfall because last week Youtube removed all the Hitler parody videos on there for some sort of moral reason



Yeah it really is a win win, The Pacific just hit home more for me b/c of my relatives. I especially liked the focus they put on the Battle Of Peleliu. I'd bet that most people haven't heard of it. I think the film company made them take the Downfall vids down,they were pretty funny.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: Jbones72 on May 08, 2010, 05:45 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteI guess not technically a war movie and more a military drama but man did I love the Caine Mutiny.  I just really enjoyed Herman Wouk's writing also.

Awesome film. Same with Mister Roberts.

Will have to check out Mister Roberts


Jimmy Cagney w/ the "Plam Tree" is one of my favorite movie scenes of all time.
Title: Re: Best/Favorite War Movie
Post by: johnnYYac on May 08, 2010, 06:02 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteSteve McQueen is one of my favorite actors. I love him the Great Escape & Papillon but he probably should have won an Oscar for The Sand Pebbles..Richard Crenna was great too.
I loved Band Of Brothers..but the current mini series The Pacific really hit home for me. Most of my WW2 vets in my immediate family served in the Navy & Marines.
Not sure if anyone mentioned Downfall, some non-movie fans probably only know about it from the youtube videos but it's a great movie.

I think youre the first person Ive seen say they like Pacific more than BOB. I have em all DVR'd and will probably watch them soon, and I havent seen BOB yet, so it seems like win-win no matter what

Ironic you mention Downfall because last week Youtube removed all the Hitler parody videos on there for some sort of moral reason



Yeah it really is a win win, The Pacific just hit home more for me b/c of my relatives. I especially liked the focus they put on the Battle Of Peleliu. I'd bet that most people haven't heard of it. I think the film company made them take the Downfall vids down,they were pretty funny.

I must say, The Pacific has gotten better and better each week.  I think I was quick to judge it less than Band of Brothers because I didn't have the emotional investment in The Pacific that I have in BoB.  Now, I would say they're very close to me in terms of quality historical drama, similar in good ways, different in great ways.  

The Iwo Jima episode was devestating.  I now care about these characters (not that I should be calling them characters; they're (based on) real people).

Has anyone read the books (The Pacific, Helmet for My Pillow, I'm Staying with My Boys, Hero of the Pacific)?