All tagged war film

Episode 30 - Saving Private Ryan

This week, we watch what many consider to be the best war movie ever made. While the opening Omaha Beach scene might stick out as a highlight, this rest of this film also contains some of the most intense and upsetting portrayals of combat ever committed to film. Saving Private Ryan (1998), directed by Steven Spielberg.

BONUS EPISODE - Sparticus

This week, we watch the film that allowed Stanley Kubrick full creative control over all his subsequent projects. This film was out of his control, however, and he later tried to disassociate himself from it. Structured as one half war epic and the other half sappy romance, Kirk Douglases chin might not be enough to save this one. Spartacus (1960), directed by Stanley Kubrick.

Episode 83 - Lawrence of Arabia

This week, we watch the historical epic that not only paved the way for all blockbuster films to come after it, but also one that stands the test of time while being a work of art that will never see an equal. The list of films influenced by this masterpiece is massive, and includes every single Steven Spielberg movie, as seeing this in the theater as a child was the reason he became a director. Lawrence of Arabia (1962), directed by David Lean.

Episode 87 - Full Metal Jacket

This week, we watch Stanley Kubrick’s take on the Vietnam War. Instead of being a rehash of the ideas explored in the many other war films made by the time of its release, Kubrick focuses on the human aspect of turning men violent. The result is an extremely tense and unpleasant viewing experience that many veterans claim is the closest a film has come to realistically portraying what being sent to war is like. Full Metal Jacket (1987), directed by Stanley Kubrick.

Episode 94 - Inglourious Basterds

This week, Tarantino rewrites history for the first time in his action/fantasy tale about Nazi’s screening a film in a movie theater, and the surrounding plans to kill Hitler and his top advisers. Utilizing his powers of dialogue and quick, brutal violence, Quentin weaves together five chapters of tense and hilarious character interactions. And you know something, Utivich? I think this just might be his masterpiece. Inglourious Basterds (2009), directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Episode 132 - The Bridge on the River Kwai

This week, we watch the classic war film that dominated the Oscars the year it was released. On a remote Japanese island, a large group of British and American soldiers, now prisoners, are forced to build a bridge. The movie’s production took place in the jungle, and included hundreds of extras and enormous sets, yet the story of the soldiers is what makes this film a classic that still holds up today. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), directed by David Lean.