Top Ten War Movies

This week’s movie of the week is… Full Metal Jacket!

Ever since watching David Letterman for the first time in the early 80’s I have been a big fan of top ten lists. So this week is another top ten: a list of the greatest war movies. In my humble opinion, of course. To help narrow the list down I am using the following two criteria: Current Era – Most of us, when we hear the term “war movie” we picture men in camouflage fatigues and helmets fighting in fox holes and/or jungles. And that is the type of movie I’m sticking with–modern era wars. Otherwise we’d have to make room for Braveheart and 300. War Plot – A specific war needs to be part of the plot with the focus of the action taking place with the soldiers, the war personnel and the battle field. Unfortunately this eliminates great movies like Life is Beautiful, A League of Their Own and Forrest Gump. And I’m sure there are plenty of movies (Ran, The Deer Hunter, Born on the Fourth of July, etc.) that should be on such a list, but… I’m sure you understand. So here we go…

10. Good Morning Vietnam – I believe this was Robin Williams’ breakout

movie making his switch from funny TV alien to serious (well, and funny) Hollywood actor. The the thought-provoking dialogues and hilarious monologues by Williams make this the easiest for war movie for people to stomach and enjoy.

9.The Hurt Locker – Like Das Boot I can hardly pinpoint why I like this movie so much. You definitely find yourself sitting at the edge of your seat for most of the film, which is something most of us love. But still, it seems strange that this movie draws me to itself so well. Hurt Locker is a one of a kind movie–I can’t think of any other to compare it to. Definitely a movie that needs to be experienced.

8. Inglourious Basterds – I could not stop thinking about this movie after watching it. Quentin Tarantino really knows how to tell story with different twists, perspectives and possibilities than what we’re used to. There are enough scenes to give you an unsettled feeling after watching it, but your mind wants to keep going back to it for more.

7. Black Hawk Down – The strength of this movie is its ability to seem so real. Not only is it based on real events that took place only 21 years ago (and only 8 years from the time that the movie was made), but watching it feels like you are watching an extra long news program, minus the anchors and reporters.

6. Das Boot – I’ve already talked about this one at length. I’ll move on…

5. Apocalypse Now – Another Stanley Kubrick war movie and just as provocative as our Movie of the Week. “The horror!” There is so much to be said about it, but all I’m going to say is that Robert Duvall rocks and his speech in this movie (“I love the smell of napalm in the morning…”) is incredible.

4. Platoon – If you haven’t realized already that war sucks and that it raises countless questions and objections in our hearts and minds, this movie can take care of that for you. I remember as a teenager Platoon’s impact on the world when it came out, and having watched it just two years ago I now see why.

3. Paths of Glory – Yet another Stanley Kubrick war flick. This is a great WWI movie that addresses humankind’s inhumanity to humankind. The drama that takes place in the courtroom and amoungst the characters is intriguing, even enthralling.

2. Full Metal Jacket – Again Stanley Kubrick, and again humanity’s inhumanity to humanity. There are scenes that will stay with you for a very long time. Definitely deserving of the MOTW title.

1. Saving Private Ryan – Were you surprised?

Congratulations Full Metal Jacket. This is your week.

And the Oscar goes to…Best Actress: Definitely Anne Bancroft for her role as Mrs. Kendal in The Elephant Man, though I loved Cathy Moriarty in Raging Bull. Best Actor: Robert Deniro of course! Joe Pesci is a close second though. Best quote: “I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!” – Elephant Man

The 80’s was a great decade, and 80’s movies were no exception. Notice that 40% of the movies in my list are from that decade? But as much as I liked the movies, I’m sure we can all agree that war is awful and should be avoided as much as possible at all times. That is, unless we’re talking between hockey fans. Now that’s different!