Top 10 war movies

A war is the best platform for filmmakers to reveal their creative thinking. Now you can see the game of guts-and-glory with handful of popcorns while sitting on your cineplex chair. From the stack of heroic and thrilling battlefields, Topyaps is fetching a list of ten war movies based on their cultural relevances.

10. Das Boot (1981):

Written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this movie explores patrotism, duty, fear and heroism of war. Revolving around World War II, this movie was conceptualized from Lothar-Gunther Buchheim’s novel ‘Das Boot’. In cinematic history, this is the one and only one movie which represents the enemy as human beings with the same anticipation, the same dream, the same fear and the same hope. If you’re keen to see realistic war-movies then Das Boot is strictly recommended for you.

9. 300 (2006):

Avoid previews and reviews because there are so many people who condemn this movie for its historical flaws. Contrary to the general trend of recycling old materials, 300 is a passionate and historical fantasy which illustrates the ‘Battle of Thermopylae.’ Directed by Zack Snyder with the super-imposition chroma key technique, this movie captures your attention with tremendous camera-work, lovely landscapes and powerful acting.

8. Platoon (1986):

The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound and Best Film Editing, Platoon was written and directed by Oliver Stone with the startrack of Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. Till the date, this earth shattering flick is considered as the best movie ever made on Vietnam war. However, this movie was criticized for depicting brutality and violence but for fans, Platoon is a tribute for the daredevil soldiers who died in the Vietnam war.

7. Braveheart (1995):

From the last 2-3 decades we have witnessed various movies based on war and no doubt, Braveheart is one of the most remarkable among them. An unforgettable portrayal of a 13th century Scottish knight, this war movie grabbed five Academy Awards. This movie has some historical errors but who cares when a movie is blended with superb acting, powerful direction and fascinating cinematography. A must watch movie with overwhelming brilliancy!!

6. Schindler’s List (1993):

One of the most astounding movie based on a true story, Shindler’s List is still adoring the top ten list of IMDB. Winner of seven Oscars, this classical war movie was directed by Steven Spielberg, a phenomenon of movie making. Based on Thomas Keneally’s novel ‘Schindler’s Ark, this movie narrates the story of Oscar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved the live of almost 1,200 Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Beautifully picturized in  black and white background, Schindler’s List is a movie which messages the perfect combination of power and forgiveness.

5. Full Metal Jacket (1987):

Poetically justification of a battlefield, this military brainwashing theme was based on Gustav Hasford’s novel ‘The Short Timers’ which was directed by Stanley Kubrick. This movie straightforwardly stares at the potential for violence along with the wickedness of war. Acting, sound track and cinematography of this fascinating movie is sufficient to freeze up your bones.

4. The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957):

Unlike some today’s war movies, The Bridge On The River Kwai drives you crazy as the story is beautifully interlaced. Dealing with the pathetic situation of British prisoners during World War II as well as the historical setting of Burman Railways during 1942-43, this masterpiece was extracted from the same novel of French writer Pierre Boulle and was directed by David Lean.

3. Apocalypse Now (1979):

After the groundbreaking success of first two ‘Godfather’ films, Apocalypse Now was an ‘method film making’ attempt of Francis Ford Coppola to unveil the actual circumstances of Vietnam war. Running around the hypocrisy of politicians and war conflict, this movie is a wide subject of psychological and philosophical aspects of a battlefield.

2. Saving Private Ryan (1998):

This American war movie revolves around the Normandy Landing during the World War II. Winner of Academy Awards if five categories and directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie is well known for the extraordinary acting of Tom Hanks as Captain John H. Miller. This movie illustrates the darkest moments of soldiers during war as well as realizes you that how duty and honor is precious for your life.

1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962):

Keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout its running time, this movie is a landmark in the cinematic history with superb pacing and direction. Winner of seven Academy Awards in all major categories, this movie stars Peter O ‘Toole in the lead role. This movie describes the personal experiences and emotional struggles of Lawrence during the World War I. This masterpiece of David Lean is counted among greatest movies of the “epic” genre.