The 7 best war films released since 2000 – No. 2 is a British WW2 masterpiece | Films | Entertainment
War films can be a big hit or a miss because of the difficulties that come with translating such tragic events into captivating pieces of cinema that grip the audience, while honouring those who have lived through the experiences. However, the popular genre is one that has been loved by generations since its inception, and it has given film enthusiasts a significant number of masterpieces to enjoy.
The 21st century has also given film fans a series of gems, but out of all depictions, there are a few that both critics and audience members would agree are just ultimately some of the best of the century, maybe of all time, and the Daily Express has put together a list of seven of them for our readers to give a watch.
American Sniper is a biographical war film that presents a gripping portrayal of a true-life story. The two-hour and 12-minute film follows the life of Chris Kylie, who became the deadliest marksman in US history.
While his skill helped save numerous lives, it also put him in extreme danger, and after four tours of duty in Iraq, he struggles to leave the war behind him when he returns home.
Bradley Cooper was praised for his “incredible” performance, while co-producer Clint Eastwood was commended for providing “strong” and “solid direction”.
One viewer who watched it back in September said it is one of the “top 5 war movies of all time”.
American Sniper is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Sky Store.
(Image: Warner Brothers Pictures)
Following the true story of Desmond Doss, an American combat medic who refused to use weapons on religious grounds. The 2016 biographical film has a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film description explains: “Doss was drafted and ostracised by fellow soldiers for his pacifist stance but went on to earn respect and adoration for his bravery, selflessness and compassion after he risked his life — without firing a shot — to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa.”
Critics say that the “gripping” depiction is a “tribute to faith, valour, and the courage of remaining true to one’s convictions.”
And the viewers couldn’t agree more.
One said: “This is a really inspirational story of humility and staying true to your Faith even when under fire. Desmond Doss is now one of my faith heroes.”
Another wrote: “Superb hero story filled with conviction and passion for healing.”
Many also praised Andrew Garfield, who played the wartime hero in the film, describing his performance as “strong” and “moving”.
Hacksaw Ridge is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Sky Store.
(Image: LIONSGATE)
The film follows the nearly decade-long manhunt for Osama bin Laden, who supervised the execution of the 9/11 attacks in the US.
“Gripping, suspenseful, and brilliantly crafted” is what critics say of the film, and those who have watched it love it just as much.
On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer wrote: “Thrilling and suspenseful 2 and a half hours of adrenaline rush.”
Another said: “This is the best CIA movie ever. Gritty, realistic, hard to watch at times, brooding, building, tense. Amazing direction and cinematography, sound design. Katherine Bigelow won her Oscar for The Hurt Locker but this is head and shoulders better.”
The piece of cinema was another one that man fans say was one of their “all-time favourites”, with one evening adding that its “worth watching twice”.
Zero Dark Thirty is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Sky Store.
(Image: t)
Black Hawk Down is a war film especially loved by viewers. The film is based on US special forces entering Somalia in 1993 to deliver aid and destabilise the government.
However, when Somali fighters shoot down two Black Hawk helicopters, the soldiers have no choice but to fight for their survival.
The film is a “favourite war movie” for many of those who have watched it, with one fan highlighting the “phenomenal acting” and “brutal realism that makes it difficult to watch at times” despite the challenge, they added that the “raw honesty is what makes the film so powerful”.
Another simply stated that Black Hawk Down is “a must-watch for war film enthusiasts”.
Black Hawk Down is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Sky Store.
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Two British soldiers are handed impossible orders, involving crossing over into enemy territory in order to get a message across that could save 1,600 fellow comrades. That’s the story of the World War 1 film 1917.
With an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the “hard-hitting, immersive” World War 1 depiction is a film that, according to Subculture Entertainment, will leave you “in complete stunned silence as you watch it”.
What fans love about the film is the “unique point of view” and interesting shooting style that looks like “it’s one continuous shot with NO cuts”.
The “historic masterpiece” film is certainly one to watch, especially for those interested in World War 1.
1917 is available to buy on Apple TV and the Sky Store.
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