DVDizzy Forum

With the run-up to Halloween, a bunch of us were watching horror/Halloween movies. But now with the run-up to Remembrance Day/Veterans Day/Armistice Day, I've been watching a few war movies...

K-19: The Widowmaker (Cold War) - An underrated movie. Based on a true story. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, who won the oscar this year for Hurt Locker. I found it interesting that National Geographic financed this movie. Pretty good movie about life aboard a Russian Submarine and sacrifice when the crew is endangered by a faulty reactor.

Pearl Harbor (World War II)- Just what Wikipedia says: "a love story of little historical accuracy." And that's just what it is. Better to forward right to about the 1:25 mark and watch about 35 minutes, then hit the stop button. Could've been so much better. Couldn't stand Bay's music video style camera work. But the effects during the attack scenes are pretty good.

Flight of the Intruder (Vietnam War) - Based on the book by Stephen Coonts. Pretty good movie, although in spots the acting is a little cheesy.

Empire of the Sun (World War II) - An underrated Spielberg movie. Very good. Great performance by Christian Bale in his first movie role. Malkovich is also pretty good in this. And an early role for Ben Stiller, albiet short. Interesting that this one hasn't found it's way to Blu-Ray yet.

Hoping to watch a few more titles before the end of Thursday.

Lest we forget.

Grave of the Fireflies - I can't help but cry at this movie. Really helps to put war into perspective.

The Great Dictator - Possibly the only film to get it's anti-fascist theme across through comedy. Chaplin was a true visionary and you can especially see this through the fact that the film was conceived before World War II and started shooting in the same month as the outbreak of war.

Downfall - The greatest portrayal of the fall of the Third Reich.

Au Revoir les Enfants - Great film about antisemitism as seen through the eyes of a child.

I'm also reading Empire of the Sun