Tips for movies with a military theme

Pretty Woman, Cinderella, Shrek and a whole host of other fairy tales and romantic comedies graced us with their presence throughout the Christmas holidays. But maybe now you want to try something different for a change, and we have a few ideas for you. How about plunging into the whirlwind of military themes? For example, you can choose one of our recommended movies.

Swords and spears in the main role

At first glance, you probably think of the following films: Gladiator, Braveheart, Troy, 300 or the series Vikings. However, in recent years, several new and very interesting films and series have appeared, which are guaranteed to quench your thirst for excitement.

The Last Kingdom – 85%

Five seasons of Uhtred of Bebbanburg might seem like a lot of time to some, but by the end you'll find that you just can't get enough of Uhtred. The Last Kingdom series tells the story of an English boy who was captured by the Danes during an attack on an English fortress and then accepted into the Danish ranks as Uhtred Ragnarsson. The series offers an interesting look at the story of the main character, who feels that he is a member of the nation of Danes, but also of the English. So Uhtred is constantly waging a battle with which side to join.

The Last Duel – 82%

The captivating story offers a glimpse into an extraordinary chapter of world history and takes place in France in the 14th century. In it, the main character Jean de Carrouges fights to the death with his rival Jacques Le Gris, who was supposed to seduce Carrouges' wife in an unguarded moment. It is Carrouges' wife who then makes the accusation that results in that fateful duel. At the same time, the winner takes all, all actors risk their own lives. The story of the last official duel offers us several perspectives that tell the story of all three main characters.

The movie The Last Duel takes place in France in the 14th century. Source: ČSFD.

The King – 79%

The movie The King depicts the story of a disobedient prince who takes the throne of England after his father's death. Immediately after taking office, however, he has to deal with palace intrigues, chaos in his own ranks and, above all, a raging war.

The Great War

Who does not know films such as The Good Soldier Schweik, All Quiet on the Western Front, War Horse or Flyboys. But we also have three more recent pictures that deal with the theme of the First World War.

They Shall Not Grow Old – 87%

The director Peter Jackson presents images from the First World War as no one has seen them before. Black and white shots of the everyday life of soldiers come to life with the help of modern technology and show us the brutality of combat in its entirety. But in addition to fighting, the film also deals with ordinary worries in the life of soldiers, which are no less unpleasant compared to direct clashes with the enemy.

1917 – 81%

The movie 1917 presents us with the story of two British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), who must successfully complete a seemingly impossible task. In a very short time, he must pass through enemy territory and deliver a message that can prevent senseless bloodshed. The situation is all the more serious because Blake's brother is to join the attack on the enemy positions.

The movie 1917. Will the main characters manage to complete a seemingly impossible task and prevent unnecessary bloodshed? Source: ČSFD.

Merry Christmas – 79%

The movie is based on a true story that took place in the trenches on Christmas Eve 1914. On this day, soldiers from both opposing sides laid down their weapons and set out into no man's land, where they wished each other a Merry Christmas, sang songs, exchanged gifts, and they even played football.

All Quiet on the Western Front – 73%

If you're wondering if the movie was inspired by the famous movie predecessor and its book model, then you're on the right track. The gripping movie tells the story of seventeen-year-old Paul, who was recruited and then sent to the Western Front. However, Paul's initial enthusiasm quickly fades when faced with reality.

World War II

There are many films devoted to the Second World War. The movies Saving Private Ryan, Everyman's War, Battle of Britain, Pearl Harbor, Band of Brothers, Valkyrie, Tobruk or Enemy at the Gates are relatively well-known, but we definitely recommend watching them again, because they don't get tired easily. But if you already know them by heart, we have several other alternatives for you.

Generation War – 90%

The three-part miniseries depicts the fates of five friends: officer Wilhelm, his brother Friedhelm, young nurse Charlotte, talented singer Greta and her Jewish friend Viktor. The fates of the main characters continuously intertwine and develop across the raging war. Will everyone see the end of the war in good health? The German mini-series immediately pulls you into the story thanks to its exciting atmosphere.

Volhynia – 85%

The film Volhynia tells the story of Zosia Głowacka, who lives in the southwestern part of Volhynia. In 1939, the village became part of the occupied territory, later came the Jewish pogrom and the domination of the Germans. The story of a thousand inhabitants is captured thanks to the fate of Zosia Głowacka, which reflects all the suffering of that time.

Hacksaw Ridge – 83%

The film loosely follows the events of December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The protagonist is Private Desmond Doss, who has refused to use a firearm since the beginning of his military service. At first, he faces misunderstanding and rejection from the command, but in the end, thanks to his abilities, he reaches the Pacific and finds himself in the middle of a bloody hell, saving the lives of 75 men in 12 hours.

Unknown Soldier – 80%

The captivating Finnish movie The Unknown Soldier tells the story of Finnish men who, after being attacked by the Soviet Union, found themselves in a war that was not officially declared. The conflict, reminiscent of the fight between David and Goliath, developed dramatically, and the Finns even took the initiative after several years of fighting. The film The Unknown Soldier tells the story of a Finnish unit that took part in pushing the occupiers out of Finnish territory. The film was based on the book bestseller by Väinö Linna, which was itself based on his own wartime experiences.

Anthropoid – 78%

The story of Josef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš has been captured in a number of films, and the Czech-British concept is definitely one of the more successful ones. Come and remember the heroic deeds of the Czech resistance fighters, but also the immense suffering of their families.

Jojo Rabbit – 78%

Ten-year-old Jojo is helped on his way to success by an imaginary friend, a bit silly Adolf Hitler, who advises Jojo in various life situations and helps him become the right guy. The satirical film will definitely make you laugh thanks to its cracked concept.

Jojo and his eccentric imaginary friend. Source: ČSFD.

1944: Forced to Fight – 76%

The movie tells the story of Estonian men, a large part of whom were conscripted into the Red Army in 1940. Just one year later, the soldiers of the German army pass through Estonia, and a large number of Estonians voluntarily enter it to oppose the Soviet Union. In 1944, both groups of Estonians clashed in a battle in which they stood on opposite sides of the barricade.

Modern conflicts

Full Metal Jacket, American Sniper or Black Hawk Down? If you are familiar with this timeless classic, we have recommendations for other interesting films from the modern battlefield.

Jarhead – 80%

The plot of the movie Jarhead takes place during Operation Desert Storm. The main character, Anthony, decides to heed the call of his ancestors and joins the US Navy. Similar to the film All Quiet on the Western Front, here too the loss of ideals is brilliantly portrayed. In war, they will immediately disappear. But constant training with a rifle and moving with a heavy backpack is nothing against the ever-present boredom that every soldier copes with in his own way.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi – 77%

Did you want a real burst of action? You should have it. The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a quintessential film in which a handful of heroes hold off a massive onslaught of enemies. Terrorists from Africa decided to attack the American embassy in Benghazi, Libya. However, the secret services completely underestimated the security threat and thus the embassy staff found themselves in direct danger to their lives. Fortunately, there is a security group of former elite marines operating in the area.

The Hurt Locker – 77%

The film The Hurt Locker is a great example of the fact that it is possible to make a great movie even without constant gunfights. The movie shows the work of elite units, which have the task of deactivating bait devices directly in action. The main character, James, approaches deactivating the bombs with no respect and no fear of death at all.

The movie The Hurt Locker describes the work of elite units in deactivating explosive devices. Source: ČSFD.

Lone Survivor – 75%

Four members of a unit of Navy Seals are dropped in enemy territory in the mountains of Afghanistan. However, upon entering the target area, their poor decision ignites a life-and-death battle in which the elite unit is chased by a large number of enemy soldiers.

Mosul – 71%

The movie Mosul tells the story of a young policeman whose life is saved by an Iranian unit. After some thought, a police officer joins the unit in the fight against the Islamic State in what used to be the streets of bustling Mosul.

Postapo

The Matrix, Blade Runner, I Am Legend or Mad Max, these are the movies that the genre stands on. Due to its great popularity, however, more and more movies are being created that deal with this topic.

In Time – 77%

Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried play a couple who live in a world where money no longer holds any weight. The main article is time. Want to buy food? No problem, just transfer a few minutes to the business account. Every day, the protagonists find themselves in a world where every second is worth its weight in gold.

Zombieland – 76%

If you're in the mood for some comedy after all that fighting and surviving, we've got a really good one for you. The main characters are two men, but they are completely different. One is a heartless killer and the other? Let's just say he likes his rules to keep him alive. If you liked the action comedy Zombieland, you can also watch its sequel Zombieland: Double Tap.

Do you like postapo comedies? Try the movie Zombieland. Source: ČSFD.

Shaun of the Dead – 75%

Among the movie tips, we got one more satire. Shaun of the Dead is a very funny comedy full of British humor. It tells the story of the businessman Shaun. He goes to town one day, at first everything seems fine, but gradually Shaun realizes that something is really going on. Then when a woman impales herself on a stake in his garden and is still alive, Shaun realizes that the world is coming to an end.

The Road – 73%

The movie The Road is a classic representative of the postapo genre and tells the story of a father and son who embark on a dangerous journey to the coast after the country is invaded. During their journey, they encounter many difficulties and dangers. They find support in their travel trolley, in which they have all their necessary equipment.

A Quiet Place – 73%

Can you imagine living in a world where you can't even make a sound? The protagonists, the Abbotts, don't have a choice. The earth has been attacked by unknown creatures with perfectly developed hearing that follow them at every turn. A loud sound means almost certain death.

Bonus for fans of the survival theme

Alone

Alone is an American survival competition series that follows the daily struggle of ten individuals to survive alone in the wilderness for as long as possible using a limited amount of survival equipment. With the exception of medical checks, participants are isolated from each other and from all other people. They can disconnect at any time or be disqualified due to a failed medical check.

The contestant who lasts the longest wins the grand prize of $500,000, later increased to $1,000,000. Individual seasons were filmed in a variety of remote locations, usually in territories controlled by the natives, including northern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Nahuel Huapi National Park in Argentina, Patagonia, northern Mongolia, Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories, and Chilko Lake in the interior of British Columbia.