Tag Archives: kirk douglas

Best War Films of all times (10+1list)

Best War Films of all times.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

There are two categories of war films. The first type glamorizes and romanticizes the concept of war for the entertainment of the audience, as most of us want to enjoy the thrill of the battle-zone but shy away from the real horrors and perils of it.

Now the second kind of films actually portray war as realistically as possible; the bloodshed, the destruction, the cries of the wounded and the death of the young and innocents.

“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”

The cinemas listed below mostly belong to the second category; films that have the courage to paint the real ugly face of war and tell stories of not only courage and strength and also of brutality and helplessness of both soldiers and the civilians.

Let the list begin.

10. Paths of Glory (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

paths-of-glory-posterDirected by Stanley Kubrick, for me this film has always scored higher than his other two famous war films Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Dr. Strangelove (1964).

The ruthlessness of war (WW I) and the dirty war-politics played by the higher army officials – both portrayed to perfection.

One of Kirk Douglas‘s most memorable performances. 

9. Apocalypse Now (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkrhkUeDCdQ

apocalypse-now-posterDirector Francis Ford Coppola shot nearly 200 hours of footage – a film that took 16 months of shooting and 3 years of editing.

A highly potent mix of Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando and the disturbing Vietnam War. 

The sound of the helicopter wings panning from left to right as they are match cut with the ceiling fan – simply epic!

8. Come and See (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Ro0SZf438

Come-and-see-posterIn this film the horrors of war (WW II) is depicted in the most realistic manner (often too graphic and brutal). 

Directed by Elem Klimov, the film is about a young boy who finds an old rifle and decides to join the Soviet Army. 

Original uniforms and live ammunitions were used for authenticity.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiObc2XmVqw

all-quiet-on-the-western-front-posterBanned in Germany soon after it’s release as they claimed that the Germans were shown as cowards.

Directed by Lewis Milestone, this was the first talkie war film to win the Oscar! (won best picture and best director).

Though visuals of extreme violence was consciously avoided but still the film’s depiction of WW I is honest and brutal.

6. Das Boot (1981)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMj0_wCn6jM

das-boot-posterDirected by Wolfgang Petersen this is the epic tale of the crew of a German U-boat (submarine) during the last phase of WW II. 

Highly claustrophobic (most of the film is shot inside the submarine) and yet so dramatic and powerful. Some of the tensed moments in the film are slow and nerve wrenching.

Jürgen Prochnow gives a brilliant performance!

5. The Thin Red Line (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCmlOhsIwBk

The-Thin-Red-Line-PosterDirected by Terrence Malick the film was nominated for Oscars in 7 categories!

A kind of a philosophical war film starring Jim CaviezelSean PennNick NolteAdrien BrodyJohn CusackJohn C. ReillyWoody HarrelsonJared LetoJohn TravoltaGeorge Clooney.

‘Every man fights their own war’ and so does each of them!

4. The Cruel Sea (1953)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joUDAD3GB3g

cruel-sea-poster

Though successful when released, this one is among the less popular war films but believe me, it surely deserves a spot in this list.

Directed by Charles Frend, this one is a terrific war drama of a British convoy ship in action over the North Atlantic during the WW II. 

Powerful script and and tensed situations and superb acting, specially by Jack Hawkins.

3. Platoon (1986)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KztP7SKe0uk

platoon-posterWar often gets too brutal for the young recruits and the Vietnam War was no different.

The film is directed by Oliver Stone (himself a Vietnam veteran) and he also won the Oscar for this film on Vietnam War!

It is said to be the most complete war film ever made, though it’s banned in Vietnam because of its depiction of the Vietnamese

2. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlC7XBayj0s

bridge-on-the-river-kwai-posterDirected by  David Lean who is also famous for his other war films like In Which We Serve (1942) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962).

British prisoners in the Japanese camp ordered to built a bridge, one of the greatest WW II war drama. The film took 7 Oscars that year, won in all the major categories!

William HoldenAlec Guinness and Jack Hawkins has given their career best performances.

1. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EsVtn2GvBo

saving-private-ryan-poster

A team lead by Tom Hanks was set to save Private Ryan (Matt Damon) and bring him home.

Steven Spielberg directed this film and according to many it contains some of the most authentic war scenes ever filmed (specially the Omaha Beach battle sequence).

Probably the most popular war film ever. Also Voted #1 greatest war film in UK’s Channel 4 poll in 2005. 

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most profound and unique one. A must watch).

+1. Ivan’s Childhood (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=setzqMoEEUU

ivan's-childhood-posterThis is the story of 12 year old Ivan directed by the famous Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky

A spy at such an young age, Ivan has seen the perils of war too closely and yet he again voluntarily wants to risk his life for his country.

The film is one of the most poetic and beautifully shot war films. Though it doesn’t show much of actual combat but still it delivers the chills of war to it’s full effect.

A few other war-films that could have easily made the list are Stalingrad (1993), Enemy at the Gates (2001), Patton (1970), Ran (1985), The Dirty Dozen (1967), The Cross of Iron (1977), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), Red Cliff (2008), Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), Rome, Open City (1945), The Guns of Navarone (1961), A Bridge Too Far (1977), The Hurt Locker (2008), Where Eagles Dare (1968) and La Grande Illusion (1937).

  • Share on Tumblr

Best of Stanley Kubrick

Best of Stanley Kubrick.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Regarded as the most talented and versatile film-maker of all times, Stanley Kubrick indeed was responsible for evolving Cinema to new heights.

Inspiration to the likes of Martin ScorseseSteven SpielbergJames CameronWoody Allen,The Coen brothersRidley Scott – in 2000, BAFTA renamed their lifetime achievement award in the name of Stanley Kubrick!

He never won an Oscar in the ‘best director’ category (the only time he won was in 1972 for his film 2001:A Space Odyssey in ‘best visual effects’ category) but all his films are immensely popular and groundbreaking in their own ways.

Introducing visual effects never seen before, using steady cams for the first time ever, shooting with lenses meant to be used by NASA and combining all that with brilliant selection of music – Stanley Kubrick is unique and awesome.

All of Stanley Kubrick’s films are favorites of mine and this list almost covers his entire life’s work.

Ok then, here we go.

10. Spartacus (1960)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcIMY1Ah3aw
Spatacus

A slave revolting against an empire – this film was the first of it’s kind.

Thanks to Kirk Douglas not only for his superb acting but primarily for looping in Kubrick as the replacement director for this film.

Won four Oscars Spartacus is one of the best historical film ever made.

Kubrick’s last Hollywood project.

9. The Killing (1956)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiDUFG56wT4

the killling

Kubrick’s first so-called professional film that has the touch of his genius.

Only in his twenties Kubrick managed to create a superb suspense thriller. One of the best in it’s genre till date.

Good performances and a gripping story line.

A classic heist story told in style – film noir at it’s very best.

8. Lolita (1962)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRVqgvW8100

lolita

Kubrick was bold enough to adopt Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel and that too successfully.

A young girl ‘a nymphet’ and a middle-aged professor (her step dad) – a scandalous affair in the making.

In those days when censor boards were proudly rigid only Kubrick could have done justice to such a plot. And believe me he did.

7. Paths of Glory (1957)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDA60X-f_A

paths of glory

WWI was never been shown in such realistic and non-glamorous way before this film.

According to many this film is Kubrick’s first masterpiece. Shot beautifully, superb script and great acting by Kirk Douglas.

An anti-war film that stands the test of time, one of my personal favorite.

A must watch.

6. Barry Lyndon (1975)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lzSoKOs1fc

barry lyndon

An artistic, slow yet passionate film that got seven Oscar nominations and won four of them.

A simple story of an Irish man, his love and his passion shown in gorgeous details.

Kubrick’s craftsmanship as a director is simply extraordinary in this film; each frame looks like a painting.

 

5. Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9f6JaaX7Wg

Full metal jacketThis time Kubrick tags the audience with a soldier’s journey- through the training till the actual war in Vietnam where as the poster says ‘the wind doesn’t blow, it sucks’.   

The first half connects us more strongly but the second half is equally important – the film is like an open-ended justification. (if that makes any sense at all).

The music is awesome – a special treat for war-film lovers.

4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE9CmX15PYA

Dr. Strangelove

A cup of fresh, dark, black comedy for you.

Only few filmmakers can take the most serious topic of the season and turn it into something hilarious. Kubrick yet again proves to be the master of it.

George C. Scott is too good in the film but Peter Sellers steals the show by playing three different characters in the film including Dr.Strangelove (as the title goes).

3. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEfyfcEdW4Y

Eyes Wide Shut

The last film of Kubrick – a film that denies to clarify realism from fantasy.

It talks about sexuality in a way completely different from any other so-called sexual films.

The suspense that a single note of piano can create, the exquisite acting capabilities displayed by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman – Kubrick’s ultimate swan song.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2UWOeBcsJI

2001

According to many this film is Kubrick’s artistically most productive one.

A slow-paced film that tops the Sci-Fi genre (as most of Kubrick’s films tops their individual genre ratings).

Incredible advancements in visual effects (the film got an Oscar in this category), Kubrick not only makes a futuristic film but also enlightens the future of Cinema.

1. The Shining (1980)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S014oGZiSdI

the shining

It’s time to get scared as Kubrick contributes to the horror genre.

The film is interpreted in many different ways but still at the core it is a terrific horror thriller and probably Kubrick’s best creation ever.

Great performances by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and the kid who knows how to shine – Danny Lloyd.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most crazy one. A must watch)

+1. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmm5jeeH8mY

Clockwork Orange

Extreme violence, painfully sexual, emotionally draining, often perverse and deeply wicked – according to me this is the ultimate film that Kubrick made in his lifetime.

A crazy film and hat’s off to Malcolm McDowell for such a performance.

Art of film making at it’s best, Kubrick’s disturbing yet entertaining satire will make you uncomfortably satisfied.

Famous quote by Stanley Kubrick.

“How could we possibly appreciate the Mona Lisa if Leonardo had written at the bottom of the canvas: ‘The lady is smiling because she is hiding a secret from her lover.’ This would shackle the viewer to reality, and I don’t want this to happen to 2001″

  • Share on Tumblr

List of Legendary Actors who also directed films

Did you know that so many of our favorite actors are directors as well? May be all are not as glorious and successful as Charlie Chaplin or Clint Eastwood but some of these Hollywood actors who also directed films deserves a pat on their shoulders.

Let’s see how many of these movies have you seen which are directed by these legendary actors.

Actor turned Director                Popular films directed

(Note: many of the actors have directed more films than mentioned here but i have listed only the popular ones)

Kirk Douglas                                  Scalawag (1973), Posse (1975)

Richard Burton                            Doctor Faustus (1967)

Diane Keaton                                Unstrung heroes (1995)

Billy Bob Thornton                    Sling Blade (1996)

Danny DeVito                              Throw Momma from the train (1987)

John Wayne                         The Alamo (1960), The Green Berets (1968)

Liv Ullmann                                     Sofie (1992), Faithless (2000)

Barbra Streisand                         Yentl (1983), The prince of tides (1991) 

Paul Newman                                 The glass Menagerie (1987)

Bill Murray                                       Quick Change (1990)

Alec Baldwin                                      Shortcut to Happiness (2003)

Ed Harris                         Pollock (2000), Appaloosa (2008)

Denzel Washington                      The great Debaters (2007)

Ethan Hawke               Chelsea Walls (2001), The Hottest state (2006)

Forest Whitaker         Waiting to Exhale (1995), Hope Floats (1998)

Sylvester Stallone                     Rambo (2008),The expendables (2010)

Jodie Foster                              Little man Tate (1991),The beaver (2011)

Ben Stiller                                   The Cable guy (1996), Zoolander (2001)

Ralph Fiennes               Coriolanus (2011), The invisible woman (2013)

Jack Nicholson                        Goin’ South (1978), The Two Jakes (1990)

Morgan Freeman                       Bopha! (1993)

Drew Barrymore                       Whip It (2009)

Antonio Banderas        Crazy in Alabama (1999), Summer Rain (2006)

Nicolas Cage                                  Sonny (2002)

Angelina Jolie                               In the land of blood and honey (2011)

Anthony Hopkins                      Dylan Thomas: Return Journey (1990)

Dustin Hoffman                          Quartet (2012)

Keanu Reeves                              Man of tai Chi (2013)

Tom Hanks                                     That thing you do! (1996)

Johnny Depp                                 The Brave (1997)

Robert De Nero      A Bronx Tale (1993), The Good Shepherd (2006)

Al Pacino                                             Chinese coffee (2000), Salomé (2013)

Kevin Costner          Dances with wolves (1990), The postman (1997)

Mel Gibson                                        Braveheart (1995), Apocalypto (2006)

Sean Penn                                          The pledge (2001), Into the wild (2007)

George Clooney                            The ides of March (2011) 

Ben Affleck                                        Argo (2012), Gone baby gone (2007)

  • Share on Tumblr