The Movie Circus

War movies may not be the light-hearted thrill you’re looking for to relax on the weekend, but truth be told, this genre produces some of the best films to hit the big screen.  Often based on historical battles or conflicts, they recount actual events and travesties that other generations have faced.  In the ones where the ending is unbearably heartbreaking, we are reminded of the sacrifice and loss of those gone before us, and in the one’s that end with uplifting victory, we are reminded of the resilient spirit of mankind.  So, raise your glasses to our top ten picks for this decade’s best war movies.

1. Flags of Our Fathers (2006): Directed by Clint Eastwood, this WWII film tells the story of the 6 service men who raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi, an act which was photographed and became one of the most famous pictures in America.  Only three of the six survived the rest of the battle and went on to become American heroes.
2. 300 (2006): Reaching a little farther back in the history books, this is the story of the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC when a small, but courageous army of 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians are met by a Persian fleet of over 100,000 soldiers with the orders to take Greece. Though their defeat is inevitable, the Spartans wage one of the most heroic and determined fights in history, which happens to make for an incredible movie plot.
3. We Were Soldiers (2002): Starring Mel Gibson as Lt. Col. Hal Moore, this film tells the painful yet inspiring story of the soldiers sent into the first battle of Vietnam.  With a promise to be the first on and off the battlefield, Moore is a dedicated and noble leader to these brave men.
4. Enemy At the Gates (2001): This historical thriller about the battle of Stalingrad during WWII, tells the story through the eyes of a soldier from each side.  A sniper from Germany and a sniper from Russia each battle to defend their country as well as their own personal honor.
5. Black Hawk Down (2001): Directed by Ridley Scott and based on a bestseller, this is the story of a less-known, more undercover operation.  Josh Hartnett and Ewan McGregor star in this film about a group of U.S. Special Forces tasked with capturing Somalian war lords. When the mission starts to unravel, the success of this mission rests in the hands of these brave determined rangers.
6. Hotel Rwanda (2004): An inspiring, true story about one man’s attempt to save lives during the brutal massacre of Rwanda.  Neglected by the rest of the world, this country was left to face the unspeakable atrocities brought on by domestic terrorism.  Don Cheadle plays the role of Paul Rusesabagina who uses his hotel to house thousands of Tutsi refugees who are struggling to escape the Hutu militia.
7. The Patriot (2000): Another Mel Gibson hit, this is the story of Revolutionary War Hero, Benjamin Martin, who fights alongside his son Gabriel (Heath Ledger).  With his home burned and his family threatened, Martin leads a militia to fight the tyrannical British.
8. Letters from Iwo Jima (2006): Another Clint Eastwood film about the battle of Iwo Jima, in this film we see this historic battle through the eyes of the Japanese.  This Oscar-winning film makes you rethink all your preconceived notions about this unforgettable battle of WWII.
9. Jar Head (2005): Based on Anthony Swofford’s auto-biographical account of his time spent as a marine in Saudi Arabia prior to Desert Storm.  The strain of intense boredom followed immediately by an unbelievable rush of adrenaline and the struggle of these boys face as they fight in a land they don’t understand, gives us a glimpse into the tolls modern warfare take on our soldiers.
10. Gladiator (2000): Though unconventionally placed into this category, Gladiator is the story of a true soldier who fights to avenge the deaths of his family members who were killed as a result of his being chosen as heir to the Roman Empire.  This movie will make the top ten lists of many other genres including action and historical and we think it belongs in this one too.