The best American films about war: list, rating and description

Films on the theme of war are always relevant. They teach patriotism, love for the Motherland, courage and courage. Watching such pictures, we empathize with the main characters, admire their exploits, self-sacrifice, honesty, courage and fearlessness. American films about the war gave the world a lot of characters who became loved not only in the US, but throughout the world.

Classics of the genre

Of course, every person has his own preferences and tastes. Therefore, the topic of the best film about the war can be long and tedious to argue. Despite many discussions and opinions, there is a category of those paintings that have become classic for the world cinema. And it is to this legendary war drama directed by Steven Spielberg "Schindler's List" (1993). The film, based on real events, became the owner of seven Oscars. It is based on the story of a German businessman who during the Holocaust decides to help oppressed Jews. He starts the business and asks the German authorities to allow the use of cheap labor in production. Risking his own life and showing miracles of diplomacy, he saves more than a thousand Jews.

Describing the best American films about the war, we can not fail to mention the "Pearl Harbor" with Ben Affleck in the title role. The painting was shot in 2001 by director Michael Bay. This is a story about two pilots - comrades and colleagues who fell in love with one woman. But this did not destroy the friendship: it remained in their hearts until the last breath. This film is about how the fates of people melted in the furnace of battles and military operations. The past has become a conflagration, the future must be fought on earth and in heaven, in hatred and immense love.

American films about the Second World War

Speaking of the top five, the drama "Saving Private Ryan" (1998) deserves the rightful place in it, which tells about the landing of the Allies in France. The territory is under German occupation, and the Marines fall under heavy fire. Despite the shelling, Captain Miller collects the surviving soldiers and breaks through the defense. Now they have a new task - to find and save Ryan's co-worker. The picture, the main role in which played Tom Hanks, received five Oscars.

One of the newest films about the Second World War is "Rage" (2014). The picture tells about the crew of the tank that takes part in a virtually suicidal mission. For the commander, played by Brad Peet, the main task is to survive and save the lives of his soldiers. Other good movies about the war of 1941-1945 (American): "Yu-571" (2000) about battles with the participation of submarines, "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006) about the operation to capture infantrymen of the island of Iwo Jima during military operations against Japan. And, of course, the picture of Quentin Tarantino "Inglourious Basterds" (2009) about the American military, that by their ruthlessness terrorize fascists in occupied France.

The First World War

American films about the war did not ignore these tragic events in Europe that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. I think no one will argue that one of the best paintings on this subject are the good old "Legends of Autumn" (1994). In the center of the plot are three brothers, in love with one woman. It would seem that there is no way out of the situation, but everything is placed in its place by a ruthless and merciless war. The picture "Legends of Autumn" received an Oscar for the operator's work and the Golden Globe Award for the best dramatic film. Not inferior to him and the new work of Steven Spielberg - military drama "Battle Horse" (2011). This is a story about the incredible friendship of a young fellow Albert, played by a young actor Jeremy Irwin, and Joey's horses. When the war comes, the horse is taken to the cavalry regiment, which fights in the fields of France. The boy, despite his young age, goes to the very heat of war to find a friend.

The top three, no doubt, includes the film "Water Seeker" (2014), which the US withdrew together with Turkey and Australia. The main roles went to Russell Crowe and Olga Kurylenko. The action takes place at the end of the war - in 1919. The Australian, who lost three sons, goes to the Gallipoli peninsula. Here in a fierce battle, the guys died, the bodies of which he is trying to find. Unexpectedly for a man finds the meaning of life where he could not even be found.

Battles in Iraq

There are a lot of pictures in this category, as this war is relatively "fresh" and its events are very relevant for the United States. American films about the war in Iraq tell of the military operations taking place in Asia at the beginning of the XXI century. The first positions in the ranking of the best paintings are "The Lord of the Storm" (2008) - a story about the everyday life of three sappers. One of the friends, for whom war is passion, refers to dangerous work lightly. For him it's just an entertaining game. It is such a careless attitude and provokes the appearance of disagreements in the detachment.

Another work on this topic is the picture "Do not take it alive" (2009). According to the plot, CIA agents are unsuccessfully searching for traces of weapons of mass destruction in the "green zone" of occupied Iraq. Officer Miller, played by Matt Damon, sees that the investigation is biased and tries to betray his publicity. He rebelled against the generals, who at any cost try to restore order in these lands. The director is Paul Gringasse, who has a unique style. His fighters are deprived of soulless scenes with special effects - every detail is filled with deep meaning. Among the good films about the war in Iraq is also worth mentioning "Courage in battle" (1996), "Three Kings" (1999) and "In Ella Valley" (2007).

Movies about the war in Vietnam

I want to immediately highlight the director's work of Randall Wallace "We were soldiers" (2002). In the center of the picture is a narrative about the first massive battle of this war: about 400 American soldiers are surrounded, forgotten and abandoned. Despite this, they are heroically fighting to the last gasp. The main character brilliantly played Mel Gibson. "Military Losses" (1989), with the participation of Sean Penn - another picture about Vietnam, which is based on real events. Private Ericson witnesses a terrible crime - the US military rapes and kills a Vietnamese girl. Condemning his comrades in a platoon, he is compelled to confront not only them, but also a cruel sergeant who has long forgotten what a feeling of compassion is.

Of course, the top three also includes the film "Apocalypse Now" (1979). The picture tells of a special agent who was instructed to go up the river to Cambodia. There he must neutralize the mad colonel, who created a realm of violence in a remote area. On his hard way, he meets face to face with all the horrors of the war. On the topic of Vietnam is also worth watching such American films about the war: "Deer Hunter" (1978), "Ptah" (1984), "Platoon" (1986), "All-metal shell" (1987) and "Good Morning, Vietnam" ( 1987).

Afghanistan

About military operations in this country many pictures of Russian directors have been shot. What is it worth all the beloved "Ninth Company" Bondarchuk. Americans also do not lag behind: they have a lot of interesting works on the events of that war. For example, "Restrepo" (2010), which fell in the Oscar nomination for the best documentary film cinema. "Restrepo" is an American base, the soldiers of which are guarding the process of active routing in a remote area. The local population is hostile to the project, so conflicts between the Taliban and the military constantly erupt. The film is a synthesis of heroism, brotherhood, death fights and hard work.

The rating, which includes the best American films about the war in Afghanistan, does not do without the picture "The War of Charlie Wilson" (2007). In the lead roles - famous Hollywood celebrities: Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. The picture tells of the legendary operation "Cyclone", which affected the outcome of the fighting. The plan was conceived by an employee of the Capitol, who organized the delivery of weapons to militiamen. The film caused a flurry of disagreements: in a number of countries it was called unreliable, in other states it was recognized and loved. Among the pictures about Afghanistan, we should also highlight "Legends for Lambs" (2007) and "Beast" (1988).

Other war movies

And about other battles and battles tell American movies. About the war in Japan, for example, narrates "The Last Samurai" (2003) with Tom Cruise in the title role. On account of this military drama with elements of adventure 40 nominations, four times he claimed the prestigious Oscar. The picture describes the events of 1870, taking place in Japan. The emperor decided to modernize the state system according to the Western model. But this only aroused the anger of citizens who organized mass riots. To calm the "savages" invited retired American officer Nathan Olgran. Nobody knew how this visit would end.

"The Last of the Mohicans" (1992) is a picture of Michael Mann, which brings viewers to the uneasy period of colonization for America. In 1757 a war broke out between France and England for these lands. The daughters of Colonel Monroe are trying to get into the besieged fort when the Falcon eye comes to their aid - a young white hunter brought up by the Indians. Between the young man and the elder girl Kora, love flares up. Now only a man and his friends from the tribe can save the beloved protagonist and her sister from the French captivity.

Mel Gibson's paintings

This actor showed excellent director's work - movies about the war (American). The list of the best US military paintings is incomplete without the amazing drama Braveheart (1995), which received five Oscars, including the best film. The story tells of events in Scotland, oppressed by the cruel, bloodthirsty tyrant Edward the Long-legged. To save the people, a simple farmer William, who not only raises the mass of villagers, becomes a hero, but also conquers the heart of an English princess. Mel Gibson and Sophie Marceau played these roles amazingly.

Another of his films is about a different war. The main director's work was done by Roland Emmerich, but, they say, Mel Gibson contributed to his screenplay in a solid manner. In the center of the plot of "Patriot" (2000) - civil war. Thirteen British colonies stand for freedom and independence. The father of seven children, Benjamin, tries not to take part in the battles. But when his eldest son fell on the battlefield, he changes before our eyes. A peaceful farmer turns into a cold-blooded commander, who leads a detachment of insurgents. This film, like the other pictures above, deserves your attention. If you have not seen these works, be sure to take the time and review it in the coming weekend.