Must see war films?
Discussion
Didn't want to start a new thread, but 'Hell in the Pacific' is available to watch on 4OD and I couldn't see it mentioned on here previously.
Consists of four 45min documentaries - very sobering stuff and incredible footage. Reminds you how lucky we are. Just thought I'd add the link if people hadn't seen it before - its the sort of thing they should show in schools:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hell-in-the-pac...
Consists of four 45min documentaries - very sobering stuff and incredible footage. Reminds you how lucky we are. Just thought I'd add the link if people hadn't seen it before - its the sort of thing they should show in schools:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hell-in-the-pac...
For the guys that liked band of brothers, I've been slowly working my way through various books,
Dick Winters put a book out a while ago, it covers alot of the same events you see in the series, but with added insight from his perspective - the responsibility he felt as CO.
Don Malarkey (Sgt bt if you remember !) Tells a good story, the book starts with him contemplating a self inflicted injury to escape the cold forests of Bastogne, showing the confusion and mental torment of war, the book ends full circle with the realisation of why he and the rest of easy would never do that.. Malarkey is known as a rather emotional guy, apparently he was always the first to cry at the reunions!
The last one I've just finished was basically a transcript of chats by Bill "Wild Bill" Guanerre and Ed "Babe" Heffron. Heffron was a replacement who came in for Market Garden, they worked out that they had grown up blocks away from each other and were the same age. The book was released in 2008 - these two either see or speak to each other every day. The book covers their upbringing in the depression to enlisting and fighting in Europe and a little bit about reunions and their lives since 1945. There are several stories and incidents that are not in the tv series, the overwhelming message is the same as the series though - the close bond between the men. There is a fair bit of humour and banter but the serious side also comes across well.
I know Buck Compton wrote a book, he became a policeman after the war in Los Angeles, eventually becoming D.A. and prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Robert Kennedy. Not got that one yet.
One of the most contraversial members of Easy was David Webster. Webster was a Harvard man, a keen writer he turned down a officers commission to enlist, he thought the men would give him inspiration for his writing. He wrote a diary in the early 60s and this is available now to buy, he died in the 60s, a keen sailor he went out in his boat and never returned. Apparently Webster never really got or understood the bond between the men and for the most part he didn't think too much of the others who were all working class, as opposed to his priviledged upbringing.
Dick Winters put a book out a while ago, it covers alot of the same events you see in the series, but with added insight from his perspective - the responsibility he felt as CO.
Don Malarkey (Sgt bt if you remember !) Tells a good story, the book starts with him contemplating a self inflicted injury to escape the cold forests of Bastogne, showing the confusion and mental torment of war, the book ends full circle with the realisation of why he and the rest of easy would never do that.. Malarkey is known as a rather emotional guy, apparently he was always the first to cry at the reunions!
The last one I've just finished was basically a transcript of chats by Bill "Wild Bill" Guanerre and Ed "Babe" Heffron. Heffron was a replacement who came in for Market Garden, they worked out that they had grown up blocks away from each other and were the same age. The book was released in 2008 - these two either see or speak to each other every day. The book covers their upbringing in the depression to enlisting and fighting in Europe and a little bit about reunions and their lives since 1945. There are several stories and incidents that are not in the tv series, the overwhelming message is the same as the series though - the close bond between the men. There is a fair bit of humour and banter but the serious side also comes across well.
I know Buck Compton wrote a book, he became a policeman after the war in Los Angeles, eventually becoming D.A. and prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Robert Kennedy. Not got that one yet.
One of the most contraversial members of Easy was David Webster. Webster was a Harvard man, a keen writer he turned down a officers commission to enlist, he thought the men would give him inspiration for his writing. He wrote a diary in the early 60s and this is available now to buy, he died in the 60s, a keen sailor he went out in his boat and never returned. Apparently Webster never really got or understood the bond between the men and for the most part he didn't think too much of the others who were all working class, as opposed to his priviledged upbringing.
Eric Mc said:
I would agree with all the films (and TV programmes as well) listed above with the exception of "Kelly's Heroes" - which has f'all to do with war - especially WW2.
I also don't rate "Where Eagle's Dare" as a proper "war" movie.
Not seen in the lists above was "Memphis Belle" which is not that bad at all.
Eric, Where Eagles Dare not a proper war film? What is it then? It's got all the right ingredients, come on it has! I also don't rate "Where Eagle's Dare" as a proper "war" movie.
Not seen in the lists above was "Memphis Belle" which is not that bad at all.
Crafty_ said:
For the guys that liked band of brothers, I've been slowly working my way through various books,
Dick Winters put a book out a while ago, it covers alot of the same events you see in the series, but with added insight from his perspective - the responsibility he felt as CO.
Don Malarkey (Sgt bt if you remember !) Tells a good story, the book starts with him contemplating a self inflicted injury to escape the cold forests of Bastogne, showing the confusion and mental torment of war, the book ends full circle with the realisation of why he and the rest of easy would never do that.. Malarkey is known as a rather emotional guy, apparently he was always the first to cry at the reunions!
The last one I've just finished was basically a transcript of chats by Bill "Wild Bill" Guanerre and Ed "Babe" Heffron. Heffron was a replacement who came in for Market Garden, they worked out that they had grown up blocks away from each other and were the same age. The book was released in 2008 - these two either see or speak to each other every day. The book covers their upbringing in the depression to enlisting and fighting in Europe and a little bit about reunions and their lives since 1945. There are several stories and incidents that are not in the tv series, the overwhelming message is the same as the series though - the close bond between the men. There is a fair bit of humour and banter but the serious side also comes across well.
I know Buck Compton wrote a book, he became a policeman after the war in Los Angeles, eventually becoming D.A. and prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Robert Kennedy. Not got that one yet.
One of the most contraversial members of Easy was David Webster. Webster was a Harvard man, a keen writer he turned down a officers commission to enlist, he thought the men would give him inspiration for his writing. He wrote a diary in the early 60s and this is available now to buy, he died in the 60s, a keen sailor he went out in his boat and never returned. Apparently Webster never really got or understood the bond between the men and for the most part he didn't think too much of the others who were all working class, as opposed to his priviledged upbringing.
I think whats also interesting is that so many wrote books- were you to read them all and watch the programme (I know...I know...) you will get a real insight from almost every perspective. Usually only one person in a regiment/squadron/airbase/battle has written a book, so you only have their perspective. When I read books about the RAF/USAF (my own personla intreest), I always try and find a book written from the opposition on the same aerial battle. Dick Winters put a book out a while ago, it covers alot of the same events you see in the series, but with added insight from his perspective - the responsibility he felt as CO.
Don Malarkey (Sgt bt if you remember !) Tells a good story, the book starts with him contemplating a self inflicted injury to escape the cold forests of Bastogne, showing the confusion and mental torment of war, the book ends full circle with the realisation of why he and the rest of easy would never do that.. Malarkey is known as a rather emotional guy, apparently he was always the first to cry at the reunions!
The last one I've just finished was basically a transcript of chats by Bill "Wild Bill" Guanerre and Ed "Babe" Heffron. Heffron was a replacement who came in for Market Garden, they worked out that they had grown up blocks away from each other and were the same age. The book was released in 2008 - these two either see or speak to each other every day. The book covers their upbringing in the depression to enlisting and fighting in Europe and a little bit about reunions and their lives since 1945. There are several stories and incidents that are not in the tv series, the overwhelming message is the same as the series though - the close bond between the men. There is a fair bit of humour and banter but the serious side also comes across well.
I know Buck Compton wrote a book, he became a policeman after the war in Los Angeles, eventually becoming D.A. and prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Robert Kennedy. Not got that one yet.
One of the most contraversial members of Easy was David Webster. Webster was a Harvard man, a keen writer he turned down a officers commission to enlist, he thought the men would give him inspiration for his writing. He wrote a diary in the early 60s and this is available now to buy, he died in the 60s, a keen sailor he went out in his boat and never returned. Apparently Webster never really got or understood the bond between the men and for the most part he didn't think too much of the others who were all working class, as opposed to his priviledged upbringing.
saw a Russian film about the occupation of Afghanistan, it was called Company C, it was awesome, very realistic and gripping.
also love Von Ryan's Express, whenever its on I scream at the telly...."Frank, if you set of now you'll make it, Go on frank...Go now, do it now"....Oh sh!t too late!
also love Von Ryan's Express, whenever its on I scream at the telly...."Frank, if you set of now you'll make it, Go on frank...Go now, do it now"....Oh sh!t too late!
maddog993 said:
FlossyThePig said:
It was made in 1930 in B&W
All Quiet on the Western Front
One of the few films that does the book justice All Quiet on the Western Front
ETA - Holy thread resurrection! :O
Edited by bint on Thursday 18th February 20:22
Gargamel said:
hugo a gogo said:
Come and See
I certainly would have order the mind bleach after watching that one. Good film though. The Four Feathers (the original)
Zulu
Reach for the Sky
Guns of Navarone
In which we serve
Hope & Glory
Schindlers List
Charge of the Light brigade
black hawk down does stand up to repeated viewing and the colouring and confusion add to the experience.
das boot total classic but the german not dubbed version - the book is excellent too.
platoon feels a tad dated now but probably due to the copies / parodies etc. still an excellent film.
i never really liked FMJ but thena gain non eof kubrcks films are easy viewing per se. i just didn't like the styling of it.
williamp said:
I think whats also interesting is that so many wrote books- were you to read them all and watch the programme (I know...I know...) you will get a real insight from almost every perspective. Usually only one person in a regiment/squadron/airbase/battle has written a book, so you only have their perspective. When I read books about the RAF/USAF (my own personla intreest), I always try and find a book written from the opposition on the same aerial battle.
Too true, Guarnere doesn't hold back either, he thought Market Garden was a total mess and blamed most of it on old Monty and believes had the yanks been in control it wouldn't of failed! Its just the sort of book you'd like to counter the TV Series, tells a few things that were left out..Have you read Geoffery Wellums book ?
Oh and to stay on topic, this could well be worth a look: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pacific_(miniseri...
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