So, I am sure there are plenty of players out there that do not know too much about World War I, otherwise called, “The Great War”, or “the war to end all wars” due to its then-unparalleled scale and devastation. Which is kind of sad in a way.
So, I figured I would share some of my favorite films which cover the topic. These are listed in no particular order. However, if you manage to watch them all, it will give you a good primer on the nature, devastation, human toll, and politics of the war, and a glimpse into the times.
I am sure others have their own favorites; if so, share them here. With that said, here are my picks - and I am looking forward to Battlefield 1.
- [WMD] NAVSPECWARCOM
“All Quiet on the Western Front” (1930) - War in France and the all too familiar “Trench Warfare”. The film is not about heroism but about drudgery and futility and the gulf between the concept of war and the actuality.
“Gallipoli” (1981) - The story of a group of young Australian men who leave their various backgrounds behind and sign up to join the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) in World War I. They are sent to Gallipoli, where they encounter the resolute Turkish army.
“Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) - Thomas Edward Lawrence, as a young intelligence officer in Cairo in 1916, is given leave to investigate the progress of the Arab revolt against the Turks in World War I. In the desert, he organizes a guerrilla army and - for two years - leads the Arabs in harassing the Turks with desert raids, train-wrecking and camel attacks. Eventually, he leads his army northward and helps a British General destroy the power of the Ottoman Empire.
“Paths of Glory” (1957) - The futility and irony of the war in the trenches in WWI is shown as a unit commander in the French army must deal with the mutiny of his men and a glory-seeking general after part of his force falls back under fire in an impossible attack.
“Wings” (1927) - Two young men, one rich, one middle class, who are in love with the same woman, become fighter pilots in World War I. Acclaimed for its technical prowess and realism upon release, the film became the yardstick against which future aviation films were measured, mainly because of its realistic air-combat sequences. It went on to win the first Academy Award for Best Picture.
) , Beneath Hill 60, The Red Baron, Company K which i just watched recently which is really good its at the end of the war with the Americans and deals with the horrors of war and emotional toll soldiers go through. The Water Diviner is also really great with Russel Crowe and is about a man who goes to Gallipoli to find his all 3 of his sons remains and theres lots of flashbacks and action its really great. Theres so many films man but these are some great ones i recommend seeing
