Medieval
This story is based on a true story about Jan Zizka of Bohemia. The period is around 1415 and revolves around the power politics of the Bohemian court involving the actions of Sigismund a Son of King Charles IV of Bohemia.
Jan Zizka fights for and defends the Bohemian people against the oppression of a corrupt feudal system. Fighting against huge odds he adopts innovative methods and uses the natural geography to his advantage to defeat the enemy. The movie although lacking in some respects is quite impressive in portraying the spirit of Zizka who identifies with and is able rally ordinary people around him to fight for a higher cause. Perhaps this is why he was undefeated.
All Quiet on the Western Front
An adaptation of a classic 1930 novel by the same name. This movie focuses on the experiences of young German recruit Paul Bäumer through various battles of World War I. The Language used in the movie is German giving the movie an authentic feel. The subtitles are sufficient in providing the viewer with a strong storyline.
The viewer is taken on a journey into the psyche and deprivation of this German soldier who battles constantly to keep his spirits up and survive death. Brutal and realistic fighting scenes are coupled with the narrative of peace talks being conducted. The uncertainty of the possibility of an armistice being reached in time to save the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers adds an extra layer of suspense. Superb cinematography keeps the viewer transfixed for the length of the movie. The harshness of action scenes are balanced by the portrayal of the comradeship that Paul experiences with his fellow soldiers.
This is an impressive movie nominated for 9 Oscars including Best Picture and winning 4 for Original Score, Cinematography, Production Design and International Feature.
Das Boot
This is an extraordinarily good movie about a German U-boat (submarine) patrolling the Atlantic during World War II. It details the everyday life as well as the thrilling battles fought in the Atlantic. It focusses on the captain’s role in keeping his staff motivated in their claustrophobic surroundings and the more often than not difficult decisions that he must take to ensure their survival.
It shows characters at their most vulnerable and emotionally frayed states given their perilous livelihood. Stellar acting from nearly all the cast along with a directorial commitment to authenticity with regards to the interior of the submarine makes for a very realistic and moving experience. This is a thrilling movie expertly crafted. It was nominated for 6 Academy awards namely Cinematography, Direction, Sound, Sound effects, Screenplay and Film editing
Operation Mincemeat
This movie is a factual story about one of the greatest intelligence successes by the Allies in World War II. This tells the story of an intelligence operation to secure a safe landing for Allied troops into Sicily. In 1943 the Germans expect an invasion from the South of Europe but are unsure from exactly where it will take place.
The Allies hope to convince the Germans that the invasion will take place in Greece. In order to do this, they construct an elaborate ruse using the body of a dead man disguised as military person, killed with sensitive information on his person pertaining to the invasion, in the hope that the Germans will get hold of the information and believe it to be true.
This movie is a thriller with very good acting by Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald and Matthew Macfadyen and excellent direction by John Madden.
Passchendaele
This production is the biggest Canadian movie made to date. It tells the story of Canada’s 10th Battalion in an epic battle in World War I through the life story of Sergeant Michael Dunn.
Michael Dunne is relieved from combat duty on medical grounds and sent back to Alberta to heal from his wounds. At the hospital he falls in love with his nurse. After recovery, he pursues a relationship with her while working at the local recruitment center. The Nurse’s family are stigmatized due to their German roots and suffer at the hands of local bullies. The Nurse’s brother gets into the Army even though he has a severe medical condition and Michael rejoins active combat duty just to protect the boy.
The Film is significant from a historical point of view as it portrays one of the greatest Canadian battle victories ever even though it does feel like a documentary at times. The portrayal of the battle scenes is honest and it has quite good sound effects apart from good production and costume design.