War is obviously one of the worst things that can happen. And when we depict it in movies, we should remember that the deaths in real life are permanent. That being said, movies are an empathy machine where real lessons can be learned by depictions of what we can put on screen. Today, I want to go over some of the most harrowing depictions of war and battle on screen and talk about why they are so effective. Let's dive in. The D-Day Landings in Saving Private Ryan (1998)This opening sequence is almost universally cited for its unflinching and brutal depiction of the Omaha Beach invasion. The chaos, terror, and graphic violence of that day are brought to life with such intensity that it reportedly triggered PTSD in real veterans.It's a standout piece of filmmaking that wants you to know how horrible it is to go to war and what these men sacrificed for us all. The Battle of Okinawa in Hacksaw Ridge (2016)An absolutely graphic and harrowing scene that leaves you speechless. This film showcases the horrific conditions and sheer scale of violence during one of WWII's bloodiest battles, particularly through the eyes of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector. It's an interesting lens with which to view the destruction and degradation. The scenes in Hacksaw Ridge are a relentless onslaught of explosions, gunfire, and close-quarters combat.The Mogadishu firefight in Black Hawk Down (2001)Ridley Scott's film offers a gritty and disorienting depiction of modern urban warfare. The sustained assault and...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Monday, 23 June