Diksha Sundriyal
The world has been plagued by wars, since always. And while all sorts of violence and inhumane actions have been brought to the surface, in such times, there are acts of unimaginable strength and absolute human kindness that restore our faith in humanity. Films like ‘Schindler’s List’, ‘The Pianist’, and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ (to name a few) tell us the heroic tales that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. These films move us to tears and also, leave an effect that makes us question the reality of the human nature. Every year, there is at least one film that touches the topic of war and its effects. Here is the list of top war movies that came out in 2017. The list includes World War 2 movies as well.
10. Instrument of War (2017)
Based on true events, this film tells the story of a U.S bomber pilot, Clair Cline who is captured in Northern Germany. As he enters the depravity-stricken prisoners-of-war camp, he realizes that before the Germans get to kill them, depression and misery will devour their souls. He decides to make the best of his situation and helps his fellow prisoners to get their hopes back. ‘Instrument of War’ is the moving tale of strength that imposes the importance of ‘mind over matter’.
9. Their Finest (2017)
There have been so many movies about wars that we, now, feel an understanding with the soldiers on the fronts. However, the state of the people back home hasn’t been handled as frequently. And the issue of how the restlessness of people sending their family members to war and the fear of losing everything was moderated by the government hasn’t been discussed as much. ‘Their Finest’ tells the story of the screenwriters who set out to write a script for a fictional documentary while struggling in their personal lives, as well as, enduring the universal effects of the War.
8. Megan Leavey (2017)
This film tells the story of an US Marine corporal and the military working dog, Rex. As they serve deployments across Iraq, Leavey begins to develop a bond with Rex. They complete more than 100 missions. Ans then, a bomb explosion results in fatal injuries to both of them. While Leavey recovers, Rex develops a facial palsy due to which he is rendered unfit for further duties. Leavey decides to do something for Rex.
7. Last Flag Flying (2017)
Larry Shepherd is a Vietnam War veteran. When he loses his only son, who was posted in Iraq, Larry tracks two of his fellow veterans hoping that they will accompany him in collecting his son’s body and in giving him a proper funeral. As they take the journey, they take the road down memory lane. A lot of unpleasant memories and shameful actions resurface and they come to terms with the resentments they have, and the effects that their time in the Army had on their lives.
6. Thank You for Your Service (2017)
The time after the war is as, if not more, traumatic for a soldier as it is during a war. There are things that stay with you. This film is based on the experiences of the veterans who returned home after a 15-month long deployment in Iraq. Different things happen to them during their time in Iraq and when they go home, the wounds haunt them instead of healing. Dealing with the issue of PTSD, ‘Thank You for Your Service’ takes us through the journey of their physical restoration and emotional recovery.
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5. The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
A tale along the line of Oskar Schindler’s kindness, this film tells the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, who saved hundreds of Jews by smuggling them from the ghettos and hiding them in the Warsaw Zoo. Jessica Chastain played the role of Antonina who takes care of the animals at the zoo, along with her husband, her son, and a few other employees. As the German forces invade Poland, the zoo is reduced to ashes. Majority of animals die in the bomb raids. As the zoo and their house face desertion, the Jews are steadily nudged towards a bitter reality. The Zabinskis decide to help one of their friends, and soon, find themselves host to hundreds of people.
4. Pegasus Bridge (2017)
The Wars are replete with the valiant actions of the soldiers who took on arduous tasks in the face of insurmountable odds. ‘Pegasus Bridge’ is one such story. The tale of one of the boldest operations in history, it follows 181 men as they landed near the German-occupied lands to recover two bridges that would act as a focal point in the D-Day landings. One unit makes its way towards the bridges, while the other team tries to hold off German forces. But their numbers put them at a disadvantage.
3. Journey’s End (2017)
Starring Sam Claflin and Asa Butterfield (from ‘The Boy in Striped Pyjamas’, another harrowing Holocaust film), this film gives us a glimpse of the psyche of the soldiers who await their inevitable fate in the front-line trenches. In 1918, the war has affected the soldiers that have been there all along. Captain Stanhope is weary of the War and alleviates his fears by getting drunk, while other fellow soldiers remember their lives before the War. All the while, as the clock ticks away, German forces grow closer to them.
2. Darkest Hour (2017)
The role that finally won Gary Oldman a long-awaited and much-deserved Oscar was of Winston Churchill during one of the most trying times of his life. The Second World War is haunting the world, the Allied forces are facing continuous defeats from the Germans. Churchill, the newly appointed PM who isn’t much loved by anyone, is on the brink of being overthrown by his own party members. Pressure heightens on Churchill as he finds the whole world looking at him to save them from the impending defeat, while some secretly wait for him to commit a mistake.
1. Dunkirk (2017)
When Chris Nolan revealed that he was making a war-film, the audience couldn’t dial down their excitement. When such a director brings together a group of actors like Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Kenneth Branagh, to make a film on a subject that already has a heart-touching effect on people, the result is expected to be phenomenal. And ‘Dunkirk’ was all that. It had everything that can be expected of a war-film- the strength of character, acts of human compassion, the psyche of the soldiers’, and above all, the will of survival.
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