False Writer's Top 25 Movie Battles

[False Writer]

False Writer's Top 25 Movie Battles

This is my first time doing a list like this. Apologies if it comes off as amateurish.

For this list I will name the 25 battles in film that I think are the best. No genre is off limits. I plan on posting 3 movies a day up to number 5, then post the last 4 in 2's.

I'm not too strict on what qualifies as a battle—two groups of multiple foes in conflict. However, there are a few exceptions, scenes depicting one-on-one showdowns and/or John Woo style 2vs50 shootouts are omitted. Those would be saved for a "Top Fights" or "Top Shootouts" if this one goes well.

I will kickoff the countdown momentarily. Hope you all enjoy!

[hello101]

Cool topic for a list.

[Citizen Rules]

Yup, cool topic and original too, I haven't seen anybody do this. So thumbs up:up:

[Fabulous]

Cool idea. I look forward to seeing what you come up with! :flair:

[False Writer]

25. Assault on Jamestown - The New World (2005)

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/the-new-world-2006/large_iyewGoeofrRkfeDlwXguen3dzjH.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fb-sk5bmyxg/UjtU4JgBbkI/AAAAAAAAD94/g_4L8haC6ro/s1600/new-world-2.jpg

In The New World, Terrence Malick gives his take on the classic tale of the founding of the Jamestown Settlement in Colonial America and the romance between Captain John Smith and Pocahontas.
This film only has one battle, but it's one that is well made and executed and really enhances the 170+ minute film. When the Powhatan Indian tribe learns that the English do not intend to leave their land, they try to make them leave by force. They attack the fort hoping to drive the settlers out but are met by a surprisingly well armed and defended (despite being hindered by sickness and famine) English force commanded by Smith. The English are successful in repelling the attack, despite having to withstand the assault that lasts well into the night.

Defining Scene: The Indians charging out of the tall grass screaming their battle cry.

[False Writer]

24. Assault on Hill 937 - Hamburger Hill (1987)

http://www.joblo.com/posters/images/full/1987-hamburger-hill-poster1.jpg

http://www.maailmapalaa.net/data/imagegallery/db8e738a-7f78-ec84-ba2f-c7876f46a4b7/6755e9c8-7512-d4be-9813-7596cf0faf6d.jpg

This was a polarizing pick for me. On one hand, I know that this film has its flaws. There are better Vietnam films out there such as Full Metal Jacket and Platoon, but the thing about those films is that their battles are more small scale and isolated. Hamburger Hill in my opinion does one thing better than those films, and that is portraying the combat.

Hamburger Hill depicts the factual battle for Hill 937 and the brutality and hardship the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division had to go through to reach the top and claim the hill from the well fortified North Vietnamese Army. The battle scenes are filled with brutality and emotion, showing graphic images like an NVA getting his head blown off by machine gun fire and an American soldier trying to call for airstrikes while not realizing that he no longer had an arm. When the few soldiers left alive finally reach the top and take the hill, you really feel for both them and the ones that never made it. It's even more heartbreaking when you learn that in reality, after all the blood shed and lives lost taking the hill, it was soon found out that the hill was useless and soon after completely abandoned.

Defining Scene: The soldiers battling uphill in the rain. Trying to climb the hill through the mud with some sliding all the way back down to where they started, all while NVA soldiers fire down at them in trenches.

[False Writer]

23. Natives vs. Dead Rabbits - Gangs of New York (2002)

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http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rnJaQ_9ZPDM/maxresdefault.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrnJaQ_9ZPDM&ei=rkbIVMu2MdPCsAS03IH4DQ&bvm=bv.84607526,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNFYhtpzJ681H-GKvMXBh7Kujb9xpw&ust=1422497630133497)

Gangs of New York's opening scene is among my favorites. From the very start you can feel the tension that something epic is about to go down. The crude battle music plays as Priest Vallon and his gang, the Dead Rabbits, march through the slums of Lower Manhattan to Paradise Square, where they meet Bill "the Butcher" Cutting and his gang: The Natives. They engage in a bloody territorial battle to see which gang gains control over the Five Points. When the fighting ends, it is the Butcher and his Natives who stand victorious over Priest Vallon and the Dead Rabbits are no more. The battle that takes place is especially brutal, with dozens of fellow New Yorkers stabbing, bludgeoning, and dismembering each other. The editing and music during the battle is especially well done. It's just a shame that the rest of the movie couldn't quite match up to how epic the opening was.

Defining Scene: The Natives tossing their top hats in the air just before they clash with the Dead Rabbits.

[False Writer]

22. Battle of la Drang - We Were Soldiers (2002)

http://www.countryarts.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/weweresoldiers_pic1.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OiSBMkBINiM/maxresdefault.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiSBMkBINiM)

We Were Soldiers depicts the first major battle of the Vietnam War: The Battle of la Drang. This movie has the largest scale battle of any Vietnam film I've seen thus far. Once the combat starts it is continuous and unrelenting, with few pauses in the action. The film contains hundreds of extras and never-ending explosions that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's also worth noting that this is one of the very few Vietnam films that shows both sides throughout the battle, with Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) being the main focus on the American side and Vietnamese Commander Nguyen Huu An on the NVA side.

Defining Scene: When the American troops begin to be overrun, they call in order Broken Arrow. Every available aircraft attacks the enemy position with so many explosions that even a few American soldiers get caught in friendly fire.

[hello101]

Gangs of New York scene was good, a bit overlong but good nonetheless. We Were Soldiers is on my watchlist, can't wait to watch it.

[False Writer]

Gangs of New York scene was good, a bit overlong but good nonetheless. We Were Soldiers is on my watchlist, can't wait to watch it.

I do recommend giving We Were Soldiers a watch (obviously lol) hope you enjoy it.

I'll reveal the next 2 picks later tonight!

[False Writer]

21: Battle of El Guettar - Patton (1970)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yspXryKGhqE/UGUGFWrv31I/AAAAAAAAAkE/JtKqOEYIGZI/s1600/01.jpg
http://www.destgulch.com/movies/patton/patton07.jpg

A seemingly forgotten masterpiece, Patton is an epic war movie that won 7 1970 academy awards (though the cover above says 8, multiple sources say 7) A fairly small part of the massive movie is the battle of El Guettar, a well staged battle pitting a German battalion being ambushed by American tanks and artillery led by General Patton. Part of what makes this battle so great is seeing the prominent General watching over the battle through his binoculars and directing orders to his men. Patton, played by George C. Scott in an academy award winning performance, hopes to defeat the German troops led by General Erwin Rommel, who Patton greatly respected. He eventually wins the battle in a decisive victory, but is bitterly disappointed when he learns two things—one is that Erwin Rommel was not present at the battle, and the other is that his beloved aide, Captain Jensen, was killed in action.

Defining scene: A damaged warplane flies overhead of Patton just before it crashes into a mountain.

[False Writer]

20. Battle of Thermopylae - 300 (2006)

http://www.martialartsactionmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/300-Movie-Poster.jpg
http://www.gaiahealthblog.com/wordpress1/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/300-movie-screenshots24.jpg

Warning! Spoilers in this description!
300's highly stylized action makes it a thrill to watch. The film depicts the legendary 300 Spartans as they took on King Xerxes' massive Persian army of over 300,000. The Spartans are lead by King Leonidas who fights alongside his men as they face wave after wave of Persian forces. At first they face regular infantry, but then the tension is heightened as the Persians start introducing large animals and men so massive and deformed that they look more like monsters. The Spartans fight valiantly in the battle but eventually the numbers finally start to overwhelm them and Leonidas is left with an ultimatum: either surrender and bow down to Xerxes, or him and his men would die where they stood. After a botched attempt to assassinate Xerxes, all but one of the remaining Spartans (who was sent back to Sparta prior to the final confrontation) is killed by a massive barrage of arrows.

Defining scene: Leonidas' slow motion killing spree.

[dadgumblah]

Great topic, False Writer! I particularly like your inclusion of We Were Soldiers and Patton. The scene you're talking about in WWS is truly harrowing, particularly what happens with the napalm.

[False Writer]

Great topic, False Writer! I particularly like your inclusion of We Were Soldiers and Patton. The scene you're talking about in WWS is truly harrowing, particularly what happens with the napalm.

Thanks dadgumblah, glad you're enjoying it!

And yes that part is hands down the most disturbing of the entire film.

Stay tuned as I unveil the next 3 picks later today!

[False Writer]

19. Battle of Hoth - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

https://driftlessareareview.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/10-star-wars-episode-5_the-empire-strikes-back.jpg
http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091202184047/starwars/images/6/67/Battle_of_Hoth.jpg (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Hoth)

This extraordinary sci-fi battle takes place in the iconic universe of Star Wars. When the Imperial army discovers the location of the rebel base on the icy planet of Hoth, they deploy several AT-AT walkers to destroy the power generator and allow the planet to be exposed to orbital bombardment. The rebel bases defense were snowspeeders commanded by none other than Luke Skywalker. Not having sufficient firepower than can match the massive AT-ATs, the rebels think of innovative waves to take them out. Unfortunately for them, their efforts weren't enough and the Imperial forces were successful in winning the battle. Near the end of the battle, Han Solo was successful in evacuating Princess Leia from the base before Imperial forces led by Darth Vader could capture her.

Defining scene: The snowspeeders using their tow cables to trip up the legs of an AT-AT.

[False Writer]

18. Attack on Pearl Harbor - Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
http://gcaptain.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/image_thumb54.png
http://www.toratoratora.com/images/toramain5.jpg

Tora! Tora! Tora! meticulously recreates one of the most infamous days of World War 2. After the United States issues an embargo, Japan issues a surprise attack on their naval base in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor. This movie does an amazing job showing the chaos that ensued on that day. A joint American and Japanese production, it splendidly shows both sides of the battle in both the Americans confusion and desperation in defending their base and the Japanese pilots' determination in carrying out their orders. Though the film itself is extremely slow-paced (it takes about 90-100 minutes before you get to the actual attack) the battle itself is well worth the wait.

Defining scene: Knowing that his warplane is seriously damaged, a Japanese pilot intentionally crashes into a hangar, blowing up the entire building.

[False Writer]

17. Battle of Mogadishu - Black Hawk Down (2001)
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/blackhawkdown/assets/images/onesheet.jpg
http://lessllc.com/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/black-hawk-down.jpg

Black Hawk Down portrays an American special forces mission that went disastrously wrong. The 75th Rangers and Delta Force are tasked with capturing two advisers of Somali warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid, but things start to go terribly wrong as one soldier is injured by falling out of a helicopter and Chalk Four is dropped a block away from their landing zone by mistake. Soon after they are deployed, they are suddenly attacked by hundreds of Somali militia within the city. What transpires is a desperate battle in the narrow streets of Mogadishu to both complete their mission and rescue Black Hawk Super Six-One—the helicopter that was shot down and crashed deep into the city. The movie shows the soldiers facing impossible odds as they get pinned down by AK-47 and RPG fire. They manage to take out many militiamen but are oftentimes overrun with a few of the soldiers getting killed in very grisly ways. Black Hawk Down shows just how horrifying war can get.

Defining scene: "We got a Black Hawk down. We got a Black Hawk down."

[False Writer]

16. Battle of Germania - Gladiator (2000)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02R16i0Nlnc/Uf5yLXuDIFI/AAAAAAAADYc/VVEPXi_mvsA/s1600/Gladiator+%25282000%2529+dgfg.png
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/T0SNjnsi_rM/maxresdefault.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0SNjnsi_rM)

The Academy Award winning epic Gladiator kicked off with a remarkable scene as central character Maximus (played by Russel Crowe in a multiple-award winning performance) leads the Roman army to a decisive victory against the Germanic tribes near Vindobona. The battle doesn't take very long to resolve, but what we see is a very violent and hard-fought battle with flaming arrows, catapults, severed limbs, and an inspiring pre-battle speech.

Defining scene: The Germanic barbarian leader getting cut down by multiple roman soldiers.

[False Writer]

15. Attacks on Sgt. Steiner's base - Cross of Iron (1977)

http://weaponsman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Cross-of-Iron.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5MqqOW9QM_0/maxresdefault.jpg

One of the most underrated war film ever made, Cross of Iron contains some of the most powerful anti-war images of any war movie. It is also unique as being the only film to my knowledge that follows the German side of WW2 on the eastern front. The battle begins as central character Sergeant Steiner releases a very young Russian prisoner. Through unforeseen circumstances, the boy is unintentionally shot by his own men as Soviet forces attack the German base. The action ensues in true Sam Peckinpah fashion with lots of slowdowns and quick-cuts. The antiwar imagery continues as we see Lieutenant Meyer, who is leading the counterattack, get fatally stabbed by a bayonet on his birthday. Steiner gets knocked out by artillery explosion before the battle fully concludes, and afterwards goes through some very gripping PTSD.

The assaults don't fully end when Steiner returns to his base soon after getting released from the hospital. This time, his platoon is attacked by tanks, and his men face a desperate fight to escape when they realize that they are outnumbered and abandoned by their commander, Captain Stransky.

The film is also notable for using authentic tanks and equipment throughout the film.

Defining scene: A Soviet tank smashes through a brick wall while Steiner's men try to escape through an abandoned factory.

[False Writer]

14. The Battle of Cowpens - The Patriot (2000)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/Patriot_promo_poster.jpg
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mW05_NXno_c/hqdefault.jpg

The Patriot is one of very few films that depicts combat in the Revolutionary War. Though it's not historically accurate, the film is noted for its excellent battle scenes. The best one is the decisive final battle of Cowpens. I was fairly young when I first watched The Patriot, and I remember being absolutely baffled when I saw soldiers lined up shoulder-to-shoulder and just stand there as the other side shoots at them at almost pointblank range, then charge at each other with bayonets. The battle also excellently serves as a backdrop to the story of American Militiaman Benjamin Martin, as he tries to take revenge on British Colonel William Tavington, who in the beginning of the film kills Martin's son. The events of both America's fight for freedom and Martin's personal journey play out seamlessly in this climatic battle.

Defining scene: Martin rallying the American troops as they charge over the hill.

[False Writer]

Just about halfway done. How does everyone like it so far? There's a chance that I might not get around to the next 3 tomorrow as I'll be out the entire day. If that happens then I'll put the next ones up Sunday morning.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest of the countdown!

[mark f]

So are you interested in war history and strategy or just battles in movies? How did you get interested in them? :cool:

[False Writer]

I would say both, but more the latter than the former honestly. I was mesmerized by battles in films when I was a kid, not really sure why. I used to love all that violent stuff. When I got older though I started to understand more of what I was seeing and don't laud the blood and guts so much. I watch with the knowledge of knowing that it's just a movie I'm seeing and I'm not some bloodthirsty psychopath.:D

I would say now I watch a lot of war films more to learn the history. I would have probably never watched Patton if I didn't watch some documentaries which really got me interested in the General. And usually when I watch a war film I'll research the events afterwards to learn more about what happened.

[dadgumblah]

I like it so far, False Writer. I'd forgotten all about Cross of Iron, and after your "battle review" I want to seek it out. I was please to see Tora! Tora! Tora! on your list. I really like that film, and it was more faithful to the events of the attack on Pearl Harbor than, ahem, Pearl Harbor (2001), which was a three-hour love story, with only about thirty-minutes given to the actual battle of the title. Every year, on December 7th, I watched a special on Pearl Harbor, some of which I've seen, some new. I always get some new info, even from the ones I've seen before but glossed over.

I'm glad you are interested in the history of the actual events. After seeing Black Hawk Down, I watched a 2-hour special on the History Channel that told the story portrayed in the film, and I was glad to see that the filmmakers got it pretty much right in the facts. I was also pleased that the special I mentioned is included in the DVD movie of BHD that I bought.

[False Writer]

Thanks dadgumblah, I highly recommend Cross of Iron if you haven't seen it yet. I was amazed that it is so unknown for how good it is. The only way I found out about it is cause I'm a Peckinpah fan and was going through his filmography. Not just the battles but many of the scenes throughout the film are fantastic, the ending of it is especially amazing.

[False Writer]

13. The Last Stand - The Last Samurai (2003)

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http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/10/21/article-2221017-00852B211000044C-138_634x429.jpg

Warning! Spoilers in this description!
The 2003 Tom Cruise epic The Last Samurai follows Captain Nathan Algren, a troubled American Civil War vet as he witnesses the final days of the samurai. At first captured and taken as a prisoner to a Samurai village, he soon becomes fascinated with the people and culture he was originally tasked with destroying. He also develops a strong bond with the leader of the Samurai Rebellion, Lord Moritsugu Katsumoto.

After many events unfold, with Algren ultimately joining the rebellion against the westernization of Japan, the movie climaxes with an epic final battle between the samurai and the Imperial Japanese Army. The samurai display impressive ingenuity while combating the Imperial Army's modern weaponry of rifles and canons, but they are ultimately defeated after an emotion-filled final charge on horseback that breaks through the army's defensive line right before being cut down by Gatling gun fire.

Though there is some negative criticism that the ending is too "Hollywood" with Captain Algren miraculously being the only survivor of the entire samurai army, I don't believe it takes away from the execution and excitement of the battle.

Defining scene: The samurai baiting the Imperial Army unit into a fire trap that causes the troops to go into disarray.

[False Writer]

12. Reenactment of the Battle of Carthage - Gladiator (2000)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GA6V6VE1L.jpg
http://content9.flixster.com/question/36/88/39/3688391_std.jpg



The only film to have 2 separate entries on this list, Gladiator makes another appearance with its fantastic portrayal of gladiatorial combat.

Well after the Battle of Germania, General Maximus is betrayed by the empire he fought for and is enslaved to become a gladiator. He is put into certain death along with many others in the arena as they are forced to reenact the historic battle of Carthage, with them fighting as the army that lost.

With Maximus and his teammates on foot with only spears and shields, they are up against a team of mounted fighters armed with bows and riding on chariots. With all of the spectators expecting everyone on Maximus' team to be killed, he has every intention of making it through the battle alive. Taking command of his team, he puts his military leadership and experience to good use and maneuvers his teammates into tactical defensive positions. He ultimately turns the advantages of the other team into their own with Maximus commanding his team to victory on horseback.

This battle offers innovating combat in an unorthodox setting that helped rekindle interest in the historical topics of Ancient Rome and Gladiators.

Defining scene: One of the chariot fighters gets knocked to the ground and seconds later gets cut in half by a spiked chariot wheel, serving as a powerful image that the tide of the battle had turned.

[False Writer]

11. Siege of Babylon - Intolerance (1916)

http://pics.filmaffinity.com/Intolerancia-322711411-large.jpg
http://www.firouzanfilms.com/images/HollywoodAndIran/Intolerance/Intolerance_003.jpg

D.W. Griffith's silent masterpiece Intolerance is a film of epic proportions, interweaving 4 separate stories of different times into a parallel nonlinear narrative. One of the stories within the film is about the Babylonian Empire and it's fall to Persia. Before the Persian Army of Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, they were met by the army of Prince Belshazzar as they defend their kingdom.

Coming into this movie I had no idea what to expect from a film that was made almost a century ago. When the siege began however, I was absolutely amazed how large and epic the battle was. The siege of Babylon featured thousands of extras equipped in full armor and weapons, fully scaled siege towers with troops pouring out of them onto the castle walls, and a gigantic flaming siege weapon. The battle also has plenty of action between the extras with soldiers getting thrown off the fortress walls, decapitations, arrows and rocks flying through the air and so many other things that I did not think was possible in 1916. It's amazing to think that this gigantic battle was one of the first of its kind.

Defining scene: A massive siege tower is set aflame and knocked over, crashing to the ground.

[False Writer]

10. Samurai and Villagers vs. The Bandits - Seven Samurai (1954)

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http://explore.bfi.org.uk/sites/explore.bfi.org.uk/files/styles/sas_polls_large_film_image/public/image/seven-samurai-bfi-00m-g0a.jpg?itok=v_qutXhw

Warning! Spoilers in this description!
There is no battle that tells a story quite like the one displayed in Seven Samurai. Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, this epic film that is considered to be one of the greatest ever tells of a desperate village that hires seven samurai to help defend themselves and their stock from marauding bandits.

As the village mourns the death of one of the seven samurai that was killed while in a scouting party, we see the unforgettable image of the bandits charging down a giant hill towards the village, signaling the beginning of the epic showdown. A long and suspenseful standoff for the village commences, with the samurai using clever tactics to fend off the bandits. When all is said and done, all the bandits are killed, but the remaining samurai look up at the burial mound where four of their fellow samurai are buried and realize that the victory isn't theirs, but the villagers' victory.

Seven Samurai uses masterful storytelling techniques that proves that you don't need to have massive explosions and splashing blood to make a battle thrilling and epic.

Defining scene: When the battle seems all but won, the two most charismatic samurai are shot and killed by the bandit leader before he is finally killed, making it one of the most bittersweet victories in film.

[False Writer]

9. Siege of Fort Wagner - Glory (1989)

https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/79/MPW-39957
http://www.moviesonline.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/glory-movie.jpg

Warning! Major spoilers in this description!
One of the most emotional battles I've ever seen. The siege of Fort Wagner in the Academy award winning Civil War film Glory shows the Union Army's 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as they lead the charge to take Fort Wagner from the Confederacy in South Carolina.

The 54th Massachusetts is the first all black unit lead by 25 year old Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (played by Matthew Broderick in what I think is a very underrated performance) The film leading up to the battle shows the struggles that both the unit and the Colonel go through to overcome prejudice and be considered a unit equal to all the others in the country.

The most emotional part is actually before the battle, with the Union Army cheering the unit and wishing them luck, serving as acknowledgement that the unit is equal and brave for volunteering to lead the assault. Colonel Shaw then looks out into the ocean at the sunset. You can see on his face that he knows both him and his unit are not going to survive...

The battle begins at dusk on the beach outside the fort, where the 54th charges toward the fort while taking cannon fire. It quickly turns to night as they manage to breach the fort—but lose their Colonel in the process. Seeing their Colonel killed rallies the unit and they go deep into the fort, but they stop in their tracks when they see cannons aimed at them. You don't see the soldiers getting killed, the screen goes black when the cannons fire, which imo makes the scene more powerful. The battle ends as you see Confederate soldiers piling the bodies of the 54th into a mass grave, showing that they were never able to succeed in taking the fort.

I'd also like to point out the amazing score heard before, during, and after the battle.

Defining scene: Colonel Shaw gets killed while trying to rally his troops.

[MovieMeditation]

Only just catching up to your list! Great fun and unique choice for a countdown! :)

Off to a great start too with The New World, and then on through some lovely picks as well following that. Can't wait to see the rest! :up:

[False Writer]

Only just catching up to your list! Great fun and unique choice for a countdown! :)

Off to a great start too with The New World, and then on through some lovely picks as well following that. Can't wait to see the rest! :up:

Thanks for reading MovieMeditation! Glad you're enjoying it!

I'm about to unveil the next pick (sorry it's taking awhile, got caught up in something)

Stay tuned!

[VFN]

Just about halfway done. How does everyone like it so far?

It's fine, but I'm detecting a note of falseness to it.:cool:

[False Writer]

WE HAVE A TIE!!!

8. Battle of Guadacanal - The Thin Red Line (1998)

http://www.guttermagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/thin-red-line.jpg


AND

Operation Market Garden - A Bridge Too Far (1977)

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Here are two films that feature different World War 2 battles—one in the Pacific Theatre and the other in the European Theatre.

I decided to have these two films share a spot because they have much in common. Both have an all-star cast, with BTF having stars like Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Caine, and James Caan at the forefront; while TRL had relatively unknown actor James Caviezel in the starring role with superstars John Travolta, George Clooney, Woody Harrelson, and Sean Penn in supporting roles. Both have long multi-part battles, beautiful cinematography, and are about the same length. However, these two films also have their own unique qualities about them. The biggest one being that one is about a battle the Allies won (TRL) and the other about one they lost (BTF) and the former has them battling the Japanese while the latter fights the Germans.

The battle of Guadacanal in Thin Red Line is more than a battle, it's a philosophical journey into the minds of the American soldiers that are fighting. As they fight, we are treated to the very Malick-esque voice-over work and gorgeous nature shots as soldiers of various ranks question why they're their and what it all means. This one-of-a-kind style juxtaposed with gritty, stunning battle scenes makes Thin Red Line an extravagant war film.

Operation Market Garden in A Bridge Too Far shows the Allied attempt to end WWII early by dropping into enemy territory and seizing multiple bridges. The film shows multiple units of British and American forces as they try to capture and occupy their designated bridges, all while trying to fend off German forces. The battle shows the different units' efforts to hold and/or capture their bridges and the eventual failure to complete the operation. Before their inevitable retreat, the armies engage in a tank battle, a large-scale German assault in the city, an amphibious American assault to capture a bridge plus many other dramatic conflicts.

Defining scene TRL: The American soldiers capturing the Japanese base.

Defining scene BTF: The Allied airdrop into German territory, with hundreds of Paratroopers jumping out of planes and filling the sky.

[False Writer]

It's fine, but I'm detecting a note of falseness to it.:cool:

What do you mean by falseness exactly?

4 minutes later...

Oh... my name... well that went over my head LOL.

[False Writer]

7. Battle of Rorke's Drift - Zulu (1964)

http://www.planetfigure.com/attachments/936full-zulu-poster-jpg.140840/
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The battle of Rorke's Drift in the 1964 film Zulu shows one of the most unique historical battles. Two armies that couldn't be any more different from each other clash: 4,000 Zulu tribal warriors against 150 soldiers of the British Army's 24th regiment of Foot. After the Zulu army annihilates British forces at the Battle of Isandlwana, the army closes in on a missionary station at Rorke's Drift with the intention of wiping out the small number of British forces there. Instead of trying to evacuate, the British soldiers, lead by Lieutenants John Chard and Gonville Bromhead, decide to fortify the station and make a stand.

Before they attack, the Zulu intimidate the British with their tribal chants. The British do well in defending their base until they realize that the Zulu have acquired rifles of their own when they looted the bodies in Isandlwana. As the battle unfolds, we see the bravery and perseverance of the British as they fight against insurmountable odds as they face wave after wave of Zulu attackers.

It is said that before production began, the Zulu warriors that starred in the film never even knew what a movie was much less how to be actors. I must say that they did a fantastic job acting with absolutely no prior knowledge or experience in films.

Defining scene: The British three rank fire strategy during the Zulu's final assault.

[False Writer]

Don't think I'm gonna be able to get to the other 2 tonight. Sorry all, I'll try to post them early tomorrow!

[dadgumblah]

Great pick, FW! Zulu is one of my favorite movies and you did a nice "battle review" of it. :cool:

[False Writer]

6. Helicopter Attack - Apocalypse Now (1979)

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I'm sure this battle needs no introduction. Apocalypse Now, which is considered one of the greatest films ever made, features this legendary Vietnam battle.

It's not a typical battle where both sides have a long, decisive firefight; instead, we see the American combat helicopters shred a lakeside village to pieces, along with many of the enemy soldiers stationed there. The only real offense from the Vietnamese came when the Americans were loading their wounded onto a waiting helicopter. A young female villager throws a hat into the helicopter when suddenly, an American soldier yells out "She's got a grenade!" and the copter, with the wounded soldiers inside of it, explodes. This shocking incident prompts the Americans to start shooting down every Vietnamese they see, even if they were civilians.

This whole scene unfolds all while Lieutenant Colonel Kilgore, who is leading the attack, endlessly talks about his love of surfing.

Defining scene: Of course, the helicopters closing into the village while Ride of the Valkyries play over the loudspeakers. Not just one of the greatest battle scenes ever, but one of the greatest scenes in any movie ever.

[False Writer]

5. Showdown in the Mines of Moria - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

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It would simply take too much time to write the whole backstory of The Lord of the Rings, so I'm hoping you all are familiar with the story. ;)

Let's fast forward to this amazing battle, which is our first true taste of large-scale combat that would make this franchise so legendary. I'd like to also point out that this is the only battle in which every member of the fellowship fight together.

On the way to Mordor to destroy the one ring, the fellowship ventures through the vast mines of Moria, hoping to pass through safely. When they stumble upon the tomb of Balin, Pippin inadvertently knocks a skeleton chained to a large iron bucket down a deep well. The loud bangs awake a whole hive of orcs that swarm their position. What transpires is a surprisingly brutal fight that mixes gritty sword combat with masterfully done (even by today's standards) CGI with a large cave troll that is in my opinion one of the most palpable CG monsters ever put to screen.

Every single scene in this battle keeps you on the edge of your seat, scenes like Aragorn and Legolas firing arrows at the almost-broken down door to keep the orcs at bay, Gimli narrowly dodging the cave trolls massive club; Frodo almost being killed while getting stabbed in the chest, and even Sam humorously using his frying pan as a weapon. The battle in Moria is, to this day, one of the most flawlessly executed battles in film history.

Defining scene: The fellowship finally bringing down the cave troll just after it stabbed Frodo with a spear.

[False Writer]

4. The Battle of Stirling - Braveheart (1995)

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The Battle of Stirling in the Mel Gibson film Braveheart set the standard for all other historical war films that came after. Mega blockbusters such as Gladiator and The Lord of the Rings trilogy along with many others borrowed elements from this 5-time Academy Award winning film.

Elements like the morale boosting pre-battle speech, the iconic and often-imitated war paint, and the massive clash of two large armies graces the screen in all its brutal glory.

There are also the scenes that are genuinely unique to Braveheart, such as the hilarious taunting by the Scottish rebels as they lift up their kilts to both flash and moon their English oppressors. One second your laughing then the next you cringe as one of the Scotsmen takes an arrow right in his bare rear-end. Another unique scene is how William Wallace and the Scots put a stop to the English cavalry by using crude wooden pikes to impale the horses as they charged into them.

Some critics and historians have slammed the movie. They claim it to be "one of the most historically inaccurate films ever" but to me, that doesn't matter, because there is so much that Braveheart does right, including of course having one of best battles in film history.

Defining scene: Every scene I mentioned above is amazing, possibly the most powerful moment is the end of William Wallace's speech: "They may take our lives, but they will never take... OUR FREEDOMMM!!!"

[False Writer]

3. Battle of Pelenor Fields - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

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Pelenor Fields is the largest scaled battle of the entire trilogy. It takes place in the third and final film—The Return of the King—the climatic finale that won an unprecedented 11 academy awards.

It begins with Sauron's army attacking the city of Gondor, catapulting the severed heads of slain Gondor soldiers over the wall to strike fear into the defenders. As Gandalf takes command of the Gondor's forces, they start using trebuchets to fling entire sections of their city of Minas Tirith at the enemy. The orcs then lay siege and they become quickly overwhelmed by the monstrous army and have to retreat to the upper levels.

The Gondorians are given some much needed assistance as the army of Rohan comes to their aid, lead by King Theoden, they lead a massive charge on horseback that cuts through the Orc army. The tide of the battle turns, but just as quickly their momentum is diminished as the army of Harad arrives to assist the orcs. Astride their massive elephant-like creatures called the Mumakil, the Rohan army and the Harads engage each other in one of the most awe-inspiring battle sequences. The battle is a stalemate when the Witch-King, who is the commander of the armies of Sauron, descends with his fell-beast on King Theoden, severely injuring him. Right before the Witch-King kills Theoden he is saved by his niece, Eowyn, who is disguised as a regular soldier and with assistance from the hobbit Merry is able to defeat the Witch-King. King Theoden however succumbs to his wounds shortly after.

The battle comes to an end when Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas arrive with the invincible army of the undead that cuts down everything in their path.

Each scene that I just talked about is masterfully done in glorious detail. I know I talked about it in the Moria entry but I must say it again, the CG in this trilogy is some of the best ever, even compared to today's standard. This battle has a lot of CGI but not once do you ever feel disengaged or distracted by it, unlike many of the films that come out today.

With how much is going on at once, with so many events unfolding and the amount of thrilling and innovative action, the Battle of Pelenor Fields is without a doubt the most seamlessly massive battle ever put to film.

Defining scene: The battle between the Rohan Army's Horseman and the Mumakil-riding Harad army.

[False Writer]

Alright all, only 2 more battles left! I'd like to thank mark f, dadgumblah, MovieMeditation, and everyone else that has followed this countdown. I will have the final 2 up tomorrow between 12 and 2pm eastern. Stay Tuned!

[mark f]

Have you seen Chimes at Midnight or Ran? :)

[MovieMeditation]

You are very welome, FW! :)

It has been a fun list to follow with great picks, though there's quite a few film that I haven't seen... I guess this list can encourage me to go watch a few. :p

[False Writer]

Have you seen Chimes at Midnight or Ran? :)

I have not seen Chimes at Midnight but I did seen Ran a long time ago, it was very good but I remember just not really connecting with it for some reason. I do know that it had a pretty awesome battle scene though. ;)

[False Writer]

You are very welome, FW! :)

It has been a fun list to follow with great picks, though there's quite a few film that I haven't seen... I guess this list can encourage me to go watch a few. :p

Which ones haven't you seen? I can recommend which one to watch first.:D

[mark f]

Here's the battle scene from Chimes at Midnight. It may seem a bit familiar. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etNNWp0aW-Y

[False Writer]

Here's the battle scene from Chimes at Midnight. It may seem a bit familiar. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etNNWp0aW-Y

Just checked it out, very interesting! How they sped up the video during the battle made the fighting seem more hard-hitting. Always cool to see Orson Welles also. Thanks for sharing!

[False Writer]

2. Omaha Beach Landing - Saving Private Ryan (1998)

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The most emotionally gripping movie battle ever, the d-day landing in Saving Private Ryan is the defining battle of any World War 2 film. There has seldom been a film before or since that shows how downright brutal war can be.

Right when the American soldiers are deployed on the beach, they are met with a hail of machine gun fire from multiple concrete German bunkers. You see as the soldiers are ripped to shreds, with nothing left to the imagination. Limbs are blown off, blood pours into the seawater, intestines spill onto the sand. So many troops are killed before the Americans can finally breach the barbed-wire barricade and clear out the bunkers.

Despite seeing the horrific effect of the first landing, the battle was actually a decisive victory for the allies, but the film lets you know just how much these men need to sacrifice to obtain that victory.

Despite many war films that make war out to be exciting and adventurous, this one manages to capture polar opposite feelings such as horror and sorrow. Without a doubt, seeing the first 30 minutes of Saving Private Ryan is one of the most humbling experiences you can have while watching a film.

Defining scene: The entire beach sequence with some of the most powerful and horrifying images. Every soldier on the first boat getting killed instantly by machine gun fire. Bullets whizzing underwater tearing apart drowning soldiers. Tom Hanks starring at the soldier searching for his just-blown-off arm and picking it up; the soldier lying on the ground with his guts hanging out screaming for his mother, and so many more that will test your emotions.

[False Writer]

1. The Battle of Helm's Deep - The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

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Here it is folks, what I think is the top battle in film history. The climatic battle of the second film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There are many fans that say the Two Towers is the weakest one of the 3 (they're all 10's in my book) but one thing I think stands above the other 2 is, of course, Helm's Deep. That's saying something since FotR and RotK also have high spots on my list, at number 5 and 3 respectively. Now for those that don't agree, I'll try my best to explain why I think Helm's Deep stands above every other movie battle...

What I like so much about Helm's Deep is that it has the dark, gritty combat of Moria combined with the scale and vastness of Pelenor Fields. The conditions in the battle, being dark and raining, gives it a unique atmosphere.

How the battle comes to be is when King Theodin evacuates the Rohirrim people from Edoras to the safety of Helm's Deep, which is a fortress nestled in the mountains thought to be impenetrable. They flee from the Uruk-hai, a breed of orc lead by the wizard Saruman to destroy the people of Rohan. When the Rohirrim people reach Helm's Deep, Saruman gathers the largest army he can muster to put Helm's Deep under siege and kill King Theodin along with his people. Before the battle begins a large group of elves lead by Haldir are sent to Helm's Deep to aid the humans against the 10,000 orc army, honoring the alliance between the two races.

One of the things I most like about the battle is that it resonates with so many emotions, fear when you see the Uruk-hai orcs roar and stamping their spears, shock when the orcs blow up the weak spot in the wall; dread when Haldir gets killed defending the breached wall, humor when Gimli tells Aragorn he has to toss him over to the bridge because he can't reach by jumping himself ("Don't tell the elf!") hopelessness when the defenders have to fall back deeper in the keep due to being overrun and many others.

The battle plays out with amazing and excitement action, with endless arrows flying through the air, siege ladders sending orcs up the wall being knocked down back on top of the invading army, siege catapults, rocks, spears, big explosive devices, Legolas surfboarding on a shield down steps while firing his arrows, Gimli chopping an orc in the crotch with his axe, Legolas on his 17th kill when Gimli is on his 2nd... Okay I'll stop now. :D

On a more serious note, the battle is done in stunning detail. For example, the huge explosion that blows up a whole section of the fortress wall, everything from soldiers and orcs getting propelled hundreds of feet in the air to the large chunks of rubble crashing down onto the orc army. This and many other scenes give you the sense that you are watching something truly special. And if the whole battle at Helm's Deep is not enough, we are treated to another amazing battle sequence when the Ent (giant tree people) army decides to attack Saruman's fortress, a very fun and exciting scene that just puts icing on the "#1 movie battle" cake.

There's so many other things I could talk about, but for those very, very, few that might not have watched it, I won't spoil the ending (though I did spoil some things :p)

Simply put, the battle of Helm's Deep is a true cinematic achievement that I think will be remembered and revered for years to come.

Defining scene: The whole damn thing.