Tri-Service

Real To Reel: The Imperial War Museum’s War Movie Exhibit

Almost everyone has a favourite war film, and now it’s your chance to tell us yours.

Choose out of a sample of classic films from the Imperial War Museum’s new exhibit.

Here’s a rundown and rating of each from Forces TV.

THE DAM BUSTERS (1955)

A dated film to be sure, and black-and-white to boot, but The Dam Busters still holds up, telling the incredible true story of 617 Squadron’s daring raid, and the battle behind-the-scenes to get the operation approved. Forces TV rating: 3 stars out of 5.

WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968)

On the surface, it’s a mission to rescue a captured Allied general with plans for D-Day, but as the plot thickens, it becomes clear that Richard Burton’s MI6 agent has found about the most elaborate and difficult way possible for himself and OSS operative Clint Eastwood to catch German double-agents. No matter – the exciting, well-acted film makes you suspend your disbelief. 4 out of 5 stars.

APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)

Coppola’s brooding take on Vietnam pits Martin Sheen against Special Forces Colonel Marlon Brando, who’s gone crazy and disappeared into the jungle. It features a boat scene spoofed by Charlie Sheen in Hot Shots! Part Deux, a cameo by Harrison Ford, and a decapitated head. 4 out of 5.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN (1969)

A well-paced telling of events leading up to the iconic 1940 air battle that has dated well. Unfortunately the final battle falls a bit flat by today’s standards. 3 stars.

DAS BOOT (1981)

Wait! What’s happening? I’m rooting for the Nazis!! This film drops you inside a U-boat and keeps you on the edge of your seat as the crew battles the odds of a 75 per cent chance of being sunk. 4.5 stars.

CASABLANCA (1942)

With four writers, this film could have been a complete mess, but everything came together to give us memorable dialogue, an iconic finale, and a rousing confirmation in the righteousness of America entering the war against the Nazis. 5 stars.

JARHEAD (2005)

Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jamie Foxx give realistic portrayals of U.S. marines in the first Iraq war, not just in combat, but also in how they deal with the aftermath. 3 stars.

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998)

Probably the most realistic war film ever made, Steven Spielberg’s war film credentials came a long way from 1941 and stealing the Das Boot boat for Raiders of the Lost Ark. The sound effects and film editing make this film as immersive as it gets. 5 stars.

ATONEMENT (2007)

The story of two star-crossed lovers played by Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, separated first by a miscarriage of justice, and then by events at Dunkirk. 3.5 stars.

WAR HORSE (2011)

The story of a soldier looking for his childhood horse during World War One worked well in the West End because of its elegant staging. On film, it’s harder to be forgiving of inaccuracies and the silliness of crossing paths with one horse by chance on a frontline of 400 miles. 2 stars.

Forces TV nominates Saving Private Ryan as the best war film from this selection for its strong characterisations, historical accuracy, and wholly immersive story.