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Ok so maybe not really a war film but a film set during a war
Apocalypse Now, obvs....
kellys heroes.superb film
Zulu
Wow, no mention of Full Metal Jacket.
Wow, no mention of Full Metal Jacket.
^^^^^
and Full Metal Jacket (again the first part is the best).
😉
FMJ I think I mentioned as my second 😉
Ha! Time to buy some specs.
Not sure about all-time favourite, but if you sat me down now with them all available, I'd probably watch The Thin Red Line again.
TiRed
Member
FMJ I think I mentioned as my second 😉
To be fair, the OP did specify one title only so nobody is going to take any notice of your second choice 😉
Although the thread does seem to have mostly turned into a 'think of something not already mentioned' contest rather than just listing a favourite.
Kajaki or Cockleshell Heroes
Escape to Victory
I watched the Dambusters when it was on the other day. Not seen it for decades. I wasn’t offended by the name of anyone’s dog, but I was struck by what absolutely awful, jingoistic boys-own claptrap it is
Paths of Glory.
I can't get over the fact the FMJ was filmed in London as a stand in in for Vietnam. Spoils it for me
Fair point. There’s probably a far higher death toll in Hackney
I can’t get over the fact the FMJ was filmed in London as a stand in in for Vietnam. Spoils it for me
You do know that Star Wars wasn't actually filmed on other planets, right? Hope that didn't spoil it for you.
Kajaki
Hols2, I'm aware that's it makes no sense, most films aren't filmed anywhere near where the action is set, lots of fantastical adventures are obviously fictional. Just FMJ, dunno why just distracts from the film somehow, can't explain it.
turned into a ‘think of something not already mentioned’ contest rather than just listing a favourite
Explains bikebouy's selection. 😆
Binners, agree that the Dambusters is highly jingoistic.
But claptrap not so sure. The facts are simplified in the film, but essential points are true.
A squadron flew an experimental mission across hostile territory at night. At low level. They flew straight and level at a target at less than tree top night while being fired at by ack ack. Some were aiming using a piece of wood with a couple of stumps whilst bobbing along at barely a sneeze from crashing.
Some of the pilots flew against the targets multiple times to distract the defences - even putting their nav lights on to attract fire.
Very many did not return - no exaggeration about that in the movie.
Jingoistic maybe, but not claptrap.
I might agree on some of the Barnes Wallis characterisation, but the fundamental story and depiction of the bomb runs are pretty much on the money.
Rather them than me.
On a lighter note...
Broadsword calling Danny Boy...
Master and commander is top of my list but if we mean WW2 then it has to be Schindlers List.
Silly war films then Kelly's Heroes.
PS Luke's Star Wars X Wing attack on the Death Star was heavily influenced by the Dambusters, which I'm not sure supports the above.
But true fact.
I agree re FMJ and the location not working - I think the problem is that it so obviously looks like a gasworks in East London 😂
Cross of Iron or Jarhead for me.
Reject capitalist war profiteering by not watching militarist propaganda. Also avoid superhero films due to their sickening elitism.
rocketman
Member
Reject capitalist war profiteering by not watching militarist propaganda. Also avoid superhero films due to their sickening elitism.
Just porn then, huh?
The Thin Red Line - best war / art film everrrrr
I agree re FMJ and the location not working – I think the problem is that it so obviously looks like a gasworks in East London
And the rest of it was filmed at ATR Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, well, the bits where they are in Camp, and the Ranges are just down the road from there too..
Thin Red Line
Das Boot
And some day I'd like to make a Pearl Harbor undirectors' cut and take out all the bollocks, and just leave the raids- there's some amazing stuff in there. I need this like Ben Affleck needs acting school
Deep throat
Who framed roger rabbit
Das Boot
Das Boot
Wasn't filmed in a welly, so I struggle to take it seriously.
Not really into war films, but if I had to pick one it might be The Dirty Dozen.
Or maybe...
Does First Blood count? If it does then.... First Blood
the dirty dozen is quite a sinister film, burning a load of french prostitutes/Collaborator Girls alive in a cellar is pretty dark.
Platoon.
Am I the first to think that?
Watched dog soldiers last month and it hasn't aged well, but that or Kajaki are the only films I've seen that nail squaddies humour on the head.
Full
Metal
Jacket
Another vote for Saving Private Ryan, honourable mention to Band of Brothers (even though it's not a film).
Generation War:Our Mother's, our Father's
Although not exactly entertainment in the traditional sense, in which case...... Where Eagles Dare!
'Broadsword calling Danny Boy'
I would say Generation Kill but as it's not technically a film then Blackhawk Down.
And some day I’d like to make a Pearl Harbor undirectors’ cut and take out all the bollocks, and just leave the raids- there’s some amazing stuff in there. I need this like Ben Affleck needs acting school
Agreed - behind all the extra unneeded crap and the vastly overlong ending, there's actually a very good film trying to escape.
Where Eagles Dare is one that I can never get past how its so awful it's good. Riddled with plot holes, inconsistencies and plain stupidities and about 2hrs too long. If they'd have actually spoken the German bits of the film in German, I might let them off a sin point or two but as it is, I watch it just going "that bit is shit, that makes no sense, and pleease for the love of God, you're pretending to be German in the middle of Germany so speak German rather than trying to leave it to the imagination of the viewer!"
It's made worse by the fact that the Germans speak in English except for certain words like "schnell!!" and "Herr / Fraulein"
It’s made worse by the fact that the Germans speak in English except for certain words like “schnell!!” and “Herr / Fraulein”
And don't forget 'Raus!' of course.
Jarhead
The Thin Red Line - but you shouldn't really watch it looking for a war film.