4 Great Lesser Known Films For War Veterans

The Importance Of War Films To Veterans

War films are epic because they reflect a profound commitment to duty on the part of the soldier, a commitment to ideals that are abstract in their importance but nevertheless personal. While some of these films demonstrate the valor and heroism of comrades in arms in overcoming a vicious and relentless enemy, others convey the essential harshness of war on the human psyche and its impact on veterans upon return from the front. Here at Veterans GI Bill, we have outlined just a few of our favorites:

The Hurt Locker

“The rush of battle is a potent and often lethal addiction, for war is a drug.”

William James is an Explosive Operations Device specialist who becomes a team leader in Bravo company after a previous Sergeant is killed by a radio-controlled device. James’ essential duty is to examine and dispose of IED’s while laboring inside a relatively clumsy bomb suit; he accomplishes this task while being protected by rifle cover from his company. A great deal of the film is focused on the action and the recklessness of James, who seems to defy the authority of his superiors while on duty. The film never lets up-we are either engaged with James and his company in tense and intricate bomb-defusing scenarios, or we are dealing with James’ interactions with ordinary Iraqi civilians. Usually, the former takes precedent in this sweeping examination of life in battle-torn Iraq. As a newly christened first-generation Veteran after having completed his tour, James returns from war only to realize that the action and duty of war is what gives his life its essential purpose. His need to escape into the war-zone once again is in the end overwhelming. As an examination of what veterans experience, it is both a reflection of their duty and themselves and what drives them.

The Bridge On The River Kwai

“The fact is, what we’re doing could be construed as – forgive me sir – collaboration with the enemy. Must we work so well? Must we build them a better bridge than they could have built for themselves?”

Concerned with the fate of a group of British military prisoners under the Japanese during World War 2, The Bridge On The River Kwai is loosely based on actual historical events. When a Large contingent of new British prisoners led by charismatic and tactically well educated and bred Colonel Nicholson arrives, a power struggle ensues. While Nicholson is able to at first successfully refuse participating in the building of the Kwai bridge with his men – refusing orders orders from the Japanese Commandant that is – he eventually gives in and constructs it purely for the sake of improving his men’s morale. Meanwhile, fellow prisoner and United States Navy Commander Shears – who up till this point had been biding his time and looking for ways to amuse himself, plans and succeeds in an escape attempt. Banding together with members of a local Siamese village, Shears plans a bombing of the bridge. The resulting conflict between what the two men (Nicholson and Shears) have planned results in a maddening and explosive climax!

Gallipoli

“Alright men… we’re going. But I want you to remember who you are. You are the 10th Light Horse! Men from Western Australia. Don’t forget it. Good luck.”

Divided in three parts, Gallipoli is certainly one of the most ‘epic’ war films thus far produced. This is true both in the sense of the breadth of themes covered (hope, innocence lost, friendship), as well as in the buildup of the storyline. Beginning in Australia before the outbreak of World War 1, we follow three friends – all three track sprinters who become increasingly influenced by the political circumstances in the tumultuous early part of the 20th century. Archy, Frank, and Les drift into the army and, who after a series of adventures in Egypt (drinking, partying, and visiting brothels), end up on the front lines in one of the most dispiriting battles in the war during an attempt to attack a narrow strip the width of three tennis courts defended by encamped Turkish machine guns. Nevertheless, the Australian general is convinced that he must commit himself to an attack that is certain to be suicidal. While reminding the viewer of the price of friendship in wartime, Gallipoli presents the side of war from a unique standpoint owing to its setting during World War 1. One of the central underlying themes is that of wasted potential. World War One in particular was a war in which thousands of men were cut down in their prime going over the hill in battles which were not strategically significant. This is part of the reason that the movie is so profound in its presentation. Fortunately for our current generation of veterans, the benefits of a military education and the importance of their service will ensure that their potential is not wasted. Instead, their potential is likely to be maximized though learning and the gaining of career opportunities!

The Eagle Has Landed

“I don’t know anything about you, except you can tie a man’s stomach in knots and make his tongue feel as thick as a saddle blanket.”

This World War 2 thriller, released in 1976 and adapted from the book of the same name, is unique in that it is presented from the German perspective. The impressive cast- featuring a young Donald Sutherland, Michael Caine, and Robert Duvall- are all German spies assigned with the implausible and highly dangerous mission of kidnapping Winston Churchill and bringing him to Hitler. The story is wrought with suspense; the spies, after spending years training and learning their craft, must pose as Polish paratroopers in an attempt to blend in with the local population before making their way to their sleeper cell agent. A firefight ensues when they are discovered by a local American unit stationed in the area, and they must fight for their survival while they attempt to escape and complete their mission. As a suspense film, it has garnered critical acclaim and a large cult following. The finale and resulting consequences for the German High Command is one way the film touches on the complexity of honor in military command and the duty of soldiers to their superiors. This film is both relentless and exciting.

Veterans and The Post 911 GI Bill

Here at Veterans Benefits GI Bill, we celebrate our veterans commitments and their service. By outlining just a few films which directly highlight the experience of War Veterans, we hope to reflect the experience of the average Veteran. Virtually all of the veterans of the films outlined above received their due from the government upon completion of military service, and rightly so. So while researching and learning about the benefits of the Post 911 GI Bill that you have earned, be sure to take a break and check out just a couple of these outstanding productions! For more specific information about maximizing your military benefits, please request our Free Military Handbook.