View Full Version : Non mainstream war movies
GermanSynergy
08-19-10, 22:15
I'm a huge fan of foreign language war films, and was wondering who else was. Many of them offer non Hollywood inspired insight, and are well produced. Here are some in my collection.
Tae Guk Gi- Brotherhood of War (ROK)
Prisoner of the Mountains (Russia)
Come and See (USSR)
Brothers at War (USA)
Talvisota (Finland)
Tali Ihantala 1944 (Finland)
As Far as My Feet will take me (Germany)
Stalingrad (Germany)
Downfall (Germany)
Katyn (Poland)
Kippur (Israel)
Pretty Village, Pretty Flame (Serbia)
Hiroshima (1995)
When Trumpets Fade (1998)
On the Beach (2000)
You already have most of the good ones.
Stalingrad is good. Am not familiar with most of the rest you mentioned.
citizensoldier16
08-20-10, 00:08
Saints and Soldiers is another good one. It's based on a true story about some Airborne soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. It's on Hulu for those of you interested.
variablebinary
08-20-10, 00:19
Dead Presidents is one I've always enjoyed. It's not really a war movie, but kinda sorta.
The Killing Fields is a great movie.
Jacobs Ladder
Is Downfall the one they always ripoff for the Hitler spoofs?
variablebinary
08-20-10, 01:21
Is Downfall the one they always ripoff for the Hitler spoofs?
Indeed. I hear it's a good movie too. I'd like to see it at some point.
Cross of Iron
The Steel Helmet
Jacobs Ladder
Great movie. Excellent modern full length remake of Ambrose Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Occurrence_at_Owl_Creek_Bridge
You missed "Ambush". Finnish movie about the Continuation War (1941-1944).
Finnish bicycle troops.
Bad ass.
'nuff said.
Blackbook
Downfall
Boy in Striped Pajamas
Before the Fall
As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me
Dresden
Flame & Citron
Wind that Shakes the Barley
Amen
I'm anxious to view 'John Rabe'. I'm a huge fan of Ulrich Tukur, he doesn't make a bad film.
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/John_Rabe/70128349
Not quite war related, another Ulrich worth a view - North Face
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/North_Face/70119925
a few other foreign favorites on tap..
the tunnel
baader meinhoff complex
lives of others
the reader
bonhoeffer agent of grace
sophie scholl, the final days
children of huang shi
"Johnny Got His Gun" While it's not really a foreign film, it's been nearly impossible to get up until recently so it may as well be a foreign film. Sure, it's got an anti-war theme but it's still a great movie, IMO. For those of you who don't know, the book was written about WW I, which the author felt was a senseless war, unlike WW II.
Another book that was turned into a movie was "All Quiet On The Western Front." If the movie is anything like the book, it's got to be great. It's yet another book about WW I but it's written from the point of view of a German soldier.
sandman99and9
08-20-10, 11:44
One from my youth,
"Das Boot"
S.M.
Two of my favorites are British films... The Guns at Batasi and The Hill...
B
kaiservontexas
08-20-10, 12:35
9th Rota (Russia)
Dirk Williams
08-20-10, 12:40
Are these movies avalible at the standard rental outlets?. Id like to see all of them.
D Williams
Voodoochild
08-20-10, 15:09
Shot through the heart. Based on the Bosnian/Serb war.
When I lived in Germany, I saw a few "Steiner" WW2 movies. They were pretty good to watch.
kaiservontexas
08-20-10, 15:34
You missed "Ambush". Finnish movie about the Continuation War (1941-1944).
Finnish bicycle troops.
Bad ass.
'nuff said.
It is on youtube with subtitles. I am watching. Thanks for the heads up.
SeriousStudent
08-20-10, 19:58
"Breaker Morant" has long been one of my favorite films.
"Johnny Got His Gun" While it's not really a foreign film, it's been nearly impossible to get up until recently so it may as well be a foreign film. Sure, it's got an anti-war theme but it's still a great movie, IMO. For those of you who don't know, the book was written about WW I, which the author felt was a senseless war, unlike WW II.
Another book that was turned into a movie was "All Quiet On The Western Front." If the movie is anything like the book, it's got to be great. It's yet another book about WW I but it's written from the point of view of a German soldier.
I'd forgotten about that one (Johnny Got His Gun). Saw it at the theaters when it was first released.
And speaking of books made into movies, one I'd really like to see done is "Five Fingers". If it could stay fairly close to the book and have decent actors in it, IMO it'd be a heck of a movie.
The Odd Angry Shot.
Australian SAS in Vietnam.
Shot through the heart. Based on the Bosnian/Serb war.
That one and Savior. How could I forget.
The Odd Angry Shot.
Australian SAS in Vietnam.
Bravo Two Zero.
RogerinTPA
08-21-10, 08:27
Definitely Savior.
"Hamburger Hill" maybe.
I really don't think it got the credit it deserved. I would argue that it is one of the most realistic movies on how real combat soldiers actually look and act. It got overshadowed by that POS film "Platoon" by Oliver Stoner.
"Jarhead" also didn't get the credit it deserved.
Hamburger Hill was a great movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9U1XPyg-gM&feature=related
Now days the ivory tower educators inform us that soldiers being spit on or yelled at was just a "myth".
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1276799/posts
Moose-Knuckle
08-21-10, 12:18
The Siege of Firebase Gloria (R. Lee Ermey at his finest)
The Beast (Soviet tank crew in Afghanistan)
The Siege of Firebase Gloria (R. Lee Ermey at his finest)
Now that was a good movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQEQaFzVQIM
"Give him a rifle and put him on the line."
"Hey, hey, you can't do this, I'm a civilian man!"
"Yeah, well, you've just been f*cking drafted, sweetheart."
I like the 1930 version of "All Quiet on the Western Front" better than the one with "John-Boy Walton" playing the lead.
My war movie suggestion is "Go Tell the Spartans."
Fail Safe
Bedford Incident
and of course Dr. Strangelove
I recommend The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara (2003). Amazing, thought provoking movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317910/
Shot through the Heart
-two boyhood friends, a Serb from Banja Luka and a Croat from Sarejevo, end up on opposite sides of the front. Both competed in 600meter rifle competition. They hunt each other as snipers around Sarejevo.
Don't forget "Before the Rain" (I think that is the name) Bosnian honor killing & teen love in wartime.
Ex is 1/2 Serb, 1/2 Croat & now lives in Zagreb.
That one and Savior. How could I forget.
I still think No Mans Land is one of the best. It's anti-war just to let people know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ElnNxGj_Ts&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iGsj4JpmVM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxxioydkZZw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FUD3tbu9CM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I49RT9Va7lE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmj8aPP1Q1k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MVUGXFRtbA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIorSwzEhKc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-TmqzkG0Js&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs7SBonoHkw&feature=related
GermanSynergy
08-21-10, 22:56
Grbavica-Land of my Dreams
Snow (2008 Bosnian film)
Welcome to Sarajevo
Out of the Ashes
Days of Glory
Passchendaele
Fuse
kaiservontexas
08-24-10, 10:33
Thanks to Templar's Finnish war movie recommendation I have discovered Tali-Ihantala.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378848/
Also there is the Winter War (Talvisota) which is good.
FlyAndFight
08-24-10, 13:15
One from my youth,
"Das Boot"
S.M.
A classic.
GermanSynergy
08-24-10, 15:24
Great movie.
Thanks to Templar's Finnish war movie recommendation I have discovered Tali-Ihantala.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0378848/
Also there is the Winter War (Talvisota) which is good.
Dersu Uzala. No combat or war fight scenes, but some of the main characters are Russian troops exploring and charting the Siberian wilderness. Dialog in Russian with English subtitles, directed by Akira Kurosawa. Amazing survival movie.
kaiservontexas
08-24-10, 20:44
The last one I ran into, I think. I feel like I opened some unknown box in this world.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377935/
Beyond Enemy Lines 2004
It features somebody who later became important to the SF community if what I read is true online, Lt.Col. Alpo Marttinen.
Anyway, I think have now watched all the Finnish war movies, which makes me wonder if the Suomi semi-autos I see are worth anything . . .
which makes me wonder if the Suomi semi-autos I see are worth anything . . .
They're not.
I will, however, let my Finnish M39 with a Continuation War dated barrel from FN (German contract) go for fairly cheap......
What you really need is a DP-28 and a bicycle. :D
"Zulu" about the Battle of Roarke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in Natal in 1879. Eleven Victoria Crosses awarded to the defenders.
Michael Caine's first major role.
Excellent work with Martini-Henrys. The Zulu war chants are especially unnerving.
There is a prequel that was made ~15 yrs later - "Zulu Dawn" about the Battle of Isandhlwana, which occurred immediately prior to the action at Roarke's Drift.
kaiservontexas
08-24-10, 22:52
They're not.
I will, however, let my Finnish M39 with a Continuation War dated barrel from FN (German contract) go for fairly cheap......
What you really need is a DP-28 and a bicycle. :D
That would be a site on a bicycle, but then I would have to find a period bike to match. :lol:
Ok back on track.
The Lost Battalion
A surprisingly good WWI flick.
The Lost Battalion
A surprisingly good WWI flick.
With Rick Schroeder. Hell of a good movie.
GermanSynergy
08-25-10, 12:47
They're not.
I will, however, let my Finnish M39 with a Continuation War dated barrel from FN (German contract) go for fairly cheap......
What you really need is a DP-28 and a bicycle. :D
Suomi is a fascinating language- must have been a dilly of a pickle for Ivan to intercept :sarcastic:
kaiservontexas
08-25-10, 14:40
Rick Schroeder was in a war movie? Silver Spoons Rick Schroeder? I have to look that one up now.
Moose-Knuckle
08-25-10, 15:51
"Zulu" about the Battle of Roarke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in Natal in 1879. Eleven Victoria Crosses awarded to the defenders.
Michael Caine's first major role.
Excellent work with Martini-Henrys. The Zulu war chants are especially unnerving.
There is a prequel that was made ~15 yrs later - "Zulu Dawn" about the Battle of Isandhlwana, which occurred immediately prior to the action at Roarke's Drift.
Ah yes Zulu, one of my father's all time favorite movies. Never saw Zulu Dawn but will look for that one now.
The Lost Battalion.
Forgot about that one, good movie based on a true story.
If you like WWI flicks then may I suggest The Blue Max. Another modern movie I really enjoyed was Fly Boys. It was about Lafayette Escadrille, young Americans who volunteered for the French military before the U.S. entered World War I, and became the country's first fighter pilots.
Rick Schroeder was in a war movie? Silver Spoons Rick Schroeder? I have to look that one up now.
The very one, all grown up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLhasKqP3Yw
Rick Schroeder was in a war movie? Silver Spoons Rick Schroeder? I have to look that one up now.
Yep, seen it on the Military Channel a few times.
kaiservontexas
08-26-10, 09:52
You know I think I have seen that one before . . . thanks for the youtube link, Templar.
They're not.
What's the story on the semi Suomi? I was half thinking of getting one.
GermanSynergy
08-26-10, 14:17
Just got a DVD in today "Men behind the Sun". It's about Unit 731 in Manchuria. I'll watch it and report back on my impressions.
kaiservontexas
08-26-10, 14:27
What's the story on the semi Suomi? I was half thinking of getting one.
Ok, I will go start a thread over in other assault rifles.
Thread here:
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=61133
Back to movies!
Gallipoli (1981) directed by Peter Weir before he got huge.
Somebody already meantioned Flame & Citron (2008), it is very good.
Defiance (2008) is also very good, but maybe is mainstream.
kaiservontexas
08-26-10, 15:03
What is the name of that movie that is set in the Balkans and a guy gets stuck on a mine with reporters and the UN bugging him?
Moose-Knuckle
08-26-10, 15:46
Defiance (2008) is also very good, but maybe is mainstream.
Damn good movie none the less.
What is the name of that movie that is set in the Balkans and a guy gets stuck on a mine with reporters and the UN bugging him?
No Man's Land.
Bosnian gets stuck on a mine in a trench, his buddy (with a Bulgarian milled underfolder AK-47) takes a Serb/Yugo Army conscript hostage.
The only real "good guy" is the French armored car commander.
GermanSynergy
08-26-10, 22:30
No Man's Land.
Bosnian gets stuck on a mine in a trench, his buddy (with a Bulgarian milled underfolder AK-47) takes a Serb/Yugo Army conscript hostage.
The only real "good guy" is the French armored car commander.
Don't forget the German EOD guy! :cool:
I liked the Yugo Mausers in the first scene.
Having spent some time there, my time in the Balkans can be summed up as..... surreal.
Gutshot John
08-27-10, 23:30
Right now on the Military Channel is one of my favorites:The Train (Burt Lancaster, John Frankenheimer directing, yes of Ronin fame) this was one of my dad's favorites. Gotta love the name LaBiche. :)
Others: The Blue Max (George Peppard) another one of my dad's favorites; additional votes for Gallipoli, Das Boot, When Trumpets Fade, The Lost Battalion, Shot Through the Heart, Hamburger Hill and 84 Charlie Mopic.
If you can handle French movies "Patrouille de Choc" (Shock Patrol) is pretty awesome.
I saw "Restrepo" the other day at the theater. Other than the shaky-cam making me nearly puke, it was pretty interesting. It really illustrates why so many people want .308s over in A-stan.
While not a 'war movie' per se, I still think "The 13th Warrior" holds up with the best of them. Peckinpah's "Cross of Iron" is also excellent.
Nathan_Bell
08-28-10, 12:05
Das Boot is a great flick. Particularly if you have read "Iron Coffins" http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Coffins-Personal-Account-Battles/dp/030681160X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283014676&sr=8-1
I recommend reading the book first.
Cannot recall this flick's name, but it was D-Day and the Invasion seen from the point of view of a Panzer Lehr tank commander. Saw it once when insomnia channel surfing, and never been able to track it down.
Speed and Angels
Best Ive seen in a really long time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8H9wDYKdxU&feature=fvw
variablebinary
08-29-10, 00:20
I saw "Restrepo" the other day at the theater. Other than the shaky-cam making me nearly puke, it was pretty interesting. It really illustrates why so many people want .308s over in A-stan.
While not a 'war movie' per se, I still think "The 13th Warrior" holds up with the best of them. Peckinpah's "Cross of Iron" is also excellent.
Restrepo comes out here on 9/03
I am really looking forward to seeing it.
Moose-Knuckle
08-31-10, 16:50
9th Rota (Russia)
http://www.9thcompany.com/
Just got it on DVD here. Good movie, the last group of young Soviets drafted into military service for the Afgan war circa 1988-1989.
http://www.9thcompany.com/
Just got it on DVD here. Good movie, the last group of young Soviets drafted into military service for the Afgan war circa 1988-1989.
Some guys were just talking about this movie this morning at PT. Apparently it's like a Russian version of Platoon?
Another pretty decent one is The Last Bullet (1995).
Set during WWII, an Australian and Japanese soldier play a deadly game of Cat and mouse in a South Pacific Jungle.
Moose-Knuckle
09-01-10, 17:21
Some guys were just talking about this movie this morning at PT. Apparently it's like a Russian version of Platoon?
Yeah it gets compared to it a lot.
Necro post....the final fight scene from The Lost Battalion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHF8qBNmyFk&feature
Tae Guk GI(Brotherhood of War)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnx2CjhHADM
boggyboy72
04-04-11, 22:48
Europa,Europa.
Jewish kid pretends to be a Nazi to survive.He ends up fighting in the German and Russian Army.
variablebinary
04-05-11, 03:39
Europa,Europa.
Jewish kid pretends to be a Nazi to survive.He ends up fighting in the German and Russian Army.
Awesome recommendation. Great movie.
Spurholder
04-05-11, 08:29
I didn't really like the entire film, but "The Boys in Company C" is still one of my favorites.
LCpl Washington (Stan Shaw): "Yeah, I did it. And I hope I got your mama."
Others: The redux version of "Apocalypse Now," "The Dogs of War," "The Wild Bunch."
For more recent stuff, anyone else catch "The Battle for Marjah?"
The_War_Wagon
04-05-11, 14:26
Can't believe no one's mentioned "The Wild Geese" yet! All-star English cast in a thinly-veiled attack on Rhodesia! Not a LOT of good flick on the African Bush Wars out there, but this one works!
Can't believe no one's mentioned "The Wild Geese" yet! All-star English cast in a thinly-veiled attack on Rhodesia! Not a LOT of good flick on the African Bush Wars out there, but this one works!
You may not believe this, but I was just getting ready to mention that movie!!! I love the soundtrack.
Excellent cast.
Chalk me up as another Cross of Iron, Stalingrad, and Das Boot fan.
Moose-Knuckle
04-05-11, 14:42
The Wild Geese and The Wild Geese II were great! Love merc movies, Dogs of War hands down best in this genre.
Can't believe no one's mentioned "The Wild Geese" yet! All-star English cast in a thinly-veiled attack on Rhodesia! Not a LOT of good flick on the African Bush Wars out there, but this one works!
You may not believe this, but I was just getting ready to mention that movie!!! I love the soundtrack.
Excellent cast.
Chalk me up as another Cross of Iron, Stalingrad, and Das Boot fan.
The Wild Geese and The Wild Geese II were great! Love merc movies, Dogs of War hands down best in this genre.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Africa%20Hot/P1000176.jpg
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