Requested Review: My Top 10 War Films

War films have been with us for what seems like forever. They were obviously a big genre after WWII. Since then there has not as many, but every year there is always a solid amount of war action to get your teeth into. It's not always guns on the battle field, there are some very special war films that show a different aspect and send a very different message to expand their audience from many different backgrounds.

One film that I would like to give an honorable mention to is All Quiet On The Western Front. This 1930's ground-breaker really showed what film can do for this genre. With its epic battle sequences and first class acting, this was way ahead of its time. This brilliant story has had many valiant versions, but none have ever eclipsed this one. It is as terrific now as it was in 1930, and you will be amazed at how good it is, despite it being released 85 years ago.

As for my top 10, I feel it has a nice variety, and yet still shows the brutality of the war genre:

10) The Thin Red Line - I have only recently seen this and was completely blown away by Terrence Malick's 1998 Oscar nominated epic.
With Malick being known for his picturesque features, war has never looked so well shot.

With a who's who of acting talent that could rival the 60's epic The Longest Day, this story based on true events from a soldiers diary is one not to be missed.

9) The Bridge On The River Kwai - Prisoner of war movies are always anti-war movies and usually send a great message.

This iconic 50's film really shows the resilience of the human spirit. It also has Sir Alec Guinness, it is that good.

8) Stalag 17 - The original 'Great Escape' movie. Was really surprised how good this was. A lot of heart went into this.

There is a lot of laughs, but every so often there is a dramatic sense of betrayal within this particular P.O.W camp and it creates a thrilling conclusion.

7) Saving Private Ryan - Another Steven Spielberg classic featuring a never-ending list of top actors showing how important friends were during the war.

Set during and after the Normandy Landings. It is a big favourite with people within the army due to the impressive detail.

6) Gallipoli - Remember first seeing this in high school, and the emotions involved was just over-flowing.

Portraying one of the saddest incidents to occur in WWI and it centralises between a friendship that was only just beginning.

5) Joyeux Noel - One of my favourite Christmas films. This moving experience had me giving out so many emotions. It portrays the Christmas Day ceasefires during several war zones in WWI. It truly shows why War is such a hard thing for us humans to combat.

There is so much heart and warmth within this movie, despite the blood and violence others expect their soldiers to give.

4) Inglourious Basterds - Probably Quentin Tarantino's most perfect work. His terrific cast work manages to strike again in the form of Christoph Waltz who creates one of the scariest characters in modern cinema.

With the constant use of vintage soundtracks, this amazing piece of work also has what I think the best opening scene of all-time.

3) The Great Escape - Possible the ultimate British classic that is always shown during Christmas. It is a terrific family film that has everything you want. Importantly, it has enough violence for the kids to understand this horrible time, but the comedy element involved will definitely keep them hooked.

It also contains so much top acting talent that you will lose count of how many famous actors there are in this.

2) The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas - One of the very few films I cry every time I see this.
I was not expecting this one to hit me with such an impact.

It may be a war film, but not presented in the more traditional way. It is s terrific message that shows War through the eyes of a child. This also begins the already amazing acting career of Asa Butterfield.

1) Schindler's List - The true story of Oskar Schindler and how he saved the lives of many Jewish residents within Germany. A terrific story and perfectly presentation by the genius that is Steven Spielberg.

His nice use of the black and white really adds to the atmosphere well amongst all the high drama.