My Top 5 WWII Movies: Book Research

WWII Movie Research: My Top Five

Beware I'm a fan of the visual, and I have included several pictures from the movies which I found on Google Images. The copyrights and cookies are not owned by me, and I only included them to give you a more complete look at the movies. Enjoy! :)

Research is difficult. You know what I'm talking about, right? Trying to find the exact articles, books, documentaries, and more can be exhausting. 

As a writer, I want to do my best to represent what I'm putting out. We all make mistakes or miss something at times, but I hope to give an excellent picture of my story, history, and more importantly, my characters.

So, in researching for my four-part, historical fiction series, I've been working hard to find out what's happening on the home front as well as the war front during WWII. I hope you will bear with me as I continue my research and share what I have found so far. I hope my books will live up to the standard I have set and will be enjoyed by my readers.

In the process of writing, back in February, I asked for your help. In my blog: Questions for My Readers, I asked for some insight into what you think on a few topics. Huge shout-out and thank you to everyone who responded via the blog's comments or emailed me. Your thoughts were appreciated!! 

I have taken your feedback into account, and if anyone wants to check out my blog post and comment, please feel free!!

In the course of my research, I have been watching WWII movies. I wanted to get a look at different points of view and ways to create an authentic feel to my own story. I have enjoyed my research, and although this time in history is heartbreaking, I do appreciate the efforts directors and actors put into their work to share about a time in history we should never forget.

It was difficult narrowing down my favorite five. However, these are the movies which provided the most help to me in the course of my writing. They are the movies which touched my heart, sparked my compassion, and related to my desire to create unforgettable characters. 

Please enjoy my review of these movies and feel free to share any other movies you think I should watch to build my knowledge of this time period!!


Here we go:
The following Top Five WWII Movies are listed from my current 5th favorite to my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE WWII movie at #1. I'm sure you'll see why when you check out the review and trailer. I have also listed as "Honorable Mentions" other WWII movies I've watched and fall on my list even if they aren't in my Top Five.

#5: Anthropoid: IMDb page and Youtube Trailer                   

Anthropoid is based on the true story of a WWII Czechoslovakian plot to assassinate the SS General Reinhard Heydrich. The third in command behind Hitler and Himmler, Heydrich was the principal mastermind behind the Final Solution. 

In 1941, two Czechoslovakian soldiers parachute into their Nazi-occupied homeland with code name: Operation Anthropoid as their mission.

Josef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš begin a treacherous plan under daunting circumstances that will change Europe forever. 

Before I begin, let me just say two words which could sum up the magnificence of this movie for you: Cillian Murphy.

There. Go watch it.

Okay. Fine. You need more convincing? I don't know why, but here it goes...
Anthropoid is an edge of your seat thriller. The unexpected is always happening, and I love the acting, plot, action, and suspense. Nothing happens the way you think it will. 

    

When we're first introduced to Josef and Jan in the story, they are parachuting into their homeland and mischief arises. Once inside, they team up with a limited resistance group who have little intelligence and equipment to get the job accomplished. At any moment, they could be arrested or shot. 

    

Based off a true story, the tension is real, and every moment is filled with apprehension. Will they make it out alive? Will they complete their mission?

  

  You know what I'm going to say. If you want to find out, go watch it!

Here are some more articles if you are interested in learning more about Operation Anthropoid:

https://www.wienerlibrary.co.uk/Operation_Anthropoid

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18183099

https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10008221

#4: Dunkirk: IMDb page and Youtube Trailer

Between May 26th and June 4th of 1940, the Battle of France reigned in WWII. Belguim, the British Empire, and France were surrounded on the beaches of Dunkirk. Cut off from the mainland and with the Germans getting closer every second, the soldiers were encompassed on all sides and open targets to the enemy's aircraft.

Based on the true story of their evacuation, the audience will be placed in the middle of the war raging on land, sea, and air. Here they are trapped until they are removed by every available naval and civilian vessel possible.

By the end, over 300,000 of the 400,000 soldiers were rescued and brought home. 

  

Wow. Where to begin? The action and story-telling are AMAZING! The pacing is swift, exact, and intense. The alternation between what was happening in the air, on the sea, and on the beach added to the plot and kept the movie engaging and emotional. 

    

The director, Christopher Nolan, does an incomparable job of keeping the audience on their toes. You actually feel as if you are in the midst of battle. Even the quality and quantity of words in the film adds to the overwhelming magnitude of their situation. 

  
It is an edgy, in your face, rapid, no-moment-to-breathe-easy type of movie. The adventure, aerial shots, location, and acting is spot on and fierce. It is as beautiful to watch as it is harrowing and traumatic. You hold your breath more than once as the movie unfolds. 

                             
If you were on the ball, you've seen it in all of its movie-theater glory in IMAX. It is a realistic, earnest, and factual look at what happened at Dunkirk. The individual stories of the actors were emotional and unfeigned. I loved every second of this film and the different perspectives. 
I loved the lack of "downtime" and unnecessary talking. Fast-paced and perfect, this is one of the best movies covering WWII I have seen in a very long time. Which is why it comes in at #3 on my Top Five.

  
Of course, Dunkirk would make my list of Top Five Favorite WWII movies! I have to say one of my favorite parts was any scene with the civilian boats and their story. Watching them approach the beach was one of the most inspirational movie moments.

    

Plus, Cillian Murphy! 

Yep. He's in this movie too. Most of you, just as a general consensus based on the people I've spoken to, were excited by the prospect of seeing Harry Styles in his debut film. Yes, he did a great job. 
However, if I'm being honest, I was most excited to see a new role by Cillian Murphy. His realistic portrayal of a shell-shocked soldier is nothing short of brilliant. He makes every movie better. Dunkirk is no exception. 

Here are a few articles if you would like more information concerning the history of Dunkirk: 

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dunkirk-evacuation-ends

http://repository.wellesley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=library_awards 

http://time.com/4789230/dunkirk-france-world-war-ii-time-report/

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-dunkirk-told-through-heroism-medway-queen-180964105/

#3: Hacksaw Ridge: IMDb page and Youtube Trailer

The true story of a war hero, Desmond Doss, who saved approximately 75 or more soldiers who were injured during the Battle of Okinawa. A United States Corporal, Doss performed as a combat medic during WWII in the 77th Infantry Division. 
During this time, he served with distinction and to the incredulity of others while never picking up a gun or firing a shot at the enemy. 
Desmond Doss was wounded four times during his time in Okinawa atop Hacksaw Ridge. He would be evacuated May 21st, 1945. 
This is his story. The American story of the first man in our history to be presented with the Medal of Honor without him ever firing a shot. 

Sometimes, the world doesn't understand when someone wants to stand up for their personal convictions. Sometimes, we mock those who have an opinion which differs from our own or doesn't make sense. In Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss faces these facts. Men, who are his brothers-in-arms, are unhappy with his decision to not pick up a gun. Their fear and anger are understandable. 

  

War is no place for the weak of heart. War is won by the men who fight it, standing side by side with those they trust. Trust is hard to come by at times, especially when you don't feel you can count on the person to your right or left.

  

This film makes my list because I appreciate the integrity and courage it took Desmond Doss to stick to his convictions during a tragic and trying time. He could have compromised or changed his mind at any point, but he didn't. He wanted to serve, and he wanted to save others. He did both. At least 72 lives to be exact.
   
The action and intensity of each moment were experienced every second. The most fearful moments, I felt, were when Doss goes back time and again by himself to find wounded soldiers. He gets them out one by one while hiding from the enemy and tricking them time and again. I held my breath through most of this movie. 

   
The impact and gritty reality of war shine through. Not in a way which honors war, but honors hope in the darkest of moments. The actor's rich performances were raw and visceral. Brutal imagery and the sharp contrast of home versus the war-front keep this movie engaging and tense. It definitely is a movie which brings into focus the questions of religion, humanity, and the effects of war.  

    

If nothing else, I think this film shows the invaluable spirit of love and hope. 

Here are some articles if you would like to learn more about Desmond Doss:

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2717/doss-desmond-t.php

https://desmonddoss.com/bio/bio-real.php

http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/hacksaw-ridge/

#2: The Book Thief: IMDb page and Youtube Trailer

The synopsis provided by Amazon: "It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.   

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. The book is by Markus Zusak." 

The Book Thief is an incomparable story of those living in Germany during WWII. The main character, Liesel, is a strong girl whose love of books strikes a chord with the audience. It is an amazing tale that gives an inside look at how residents of Germany reacted to Hitler's reign. Where your neighbor can be your enemy and when standing up gets you noticed, and not in a good way. 

 

I loved this portrayal of WWII because it gave me a sneak peek at how the other side might have lived. The compassion and bravery of those in the very heart of the war is a beautiful thing to see. Those who were willing to help their neighbor and the people they were told to blame and hate. It's also important to know there were those willing to stand up for right in their own quiet ways. 

  

The actors do a remarkable job of showing their own pain and disillusionment. The tale is heartbreaking, but their courage is a stunning story to see unfold. The acting and scenery are brilliant. This is why it's on my list and in the Top Five.

Definitely a book to read and a movie to watch!!

      

#1: Land of Mine (A Foreign Film): IMDb page and Youtube Trailer

Based on a little known historical fact, Land of Mine is the story of a group of young German POWs who are forced to clear the west coast of Denmark post-WWII. This coast had been lined by the German soldiers in preparation of the incoming Allies. Over 2.2 million mines were buried here and over 2,000 German POWs helped to dig them up. Several were inexperienced, young boys and over half of them were injured or killed during the process. 
They carried out their task under the watchful eye(s) of the Danish Sergeant(s). Despite this Sergeant's apparent hostility, through the course of the movie, he begins to see these POWs for what they really are: teenagers who are too young to be in the middle of a war. Slowly, in the course of their time together, he comes to see their side and begins to acknowledge their own situation. 

    

What happens when war ends? 

Essentially, I think we breathe a sigh of relief and believe in the power of hope, love, and unity.

Someone, somewhere, is promising to try better and make the world a happier place to live. Promises of friendship and peace. Promises of tranquility and harmony. After all, so many lives were lost in the war that we can't take our survival, liberty, or each other for granted. Right?
We WILL be a better people.

However, when Jews returned to their homes, hoping to find still-living family members, many were killed by their neighbors. Over 1,200 Jews lost their life after WWII ended. What happened to our promises?

Now, that the war has ended. What do we do with our enemy? How do we deal with them? How do we treat them? 

Land of Mine is the story of what happens to some of the German soldiers once the war ends. It takes us to the west coast of Denmark in 1945, where the Nazis had buried explosives, covering miles of beach land. The Germans had anticipated the Allies attack to commence on the Danish west coast, and when it didn't, they had around 2.2 million mines buried in vain to clean up.

At the end of the war, Denmark had over 2,000 German POWs deactivate the mines, reinforced by their Allies. Who better, they asked themselves, to do it than the POWs? As one of the Danish superiors remarks in the movie, "Better them than us."  

While most of the world might have agreed with them, would we have said the same when we found out there were young boys doing this? Most of these POWs were inexperienced in this type of work. Would we have been okay with this? That is the essential question being mulled over throughout this whole film. 

Martin Zandvliet, the director and writer of Land of Mine, gives us a gritty and spell-binding look at the other side. It is raw, intense, heartbreaking, tragic, poignant, and stunning. He poses this fundamental query as he plots the true story right in front of our eyes: Who are we when war ends?

The authenticity of location, language, and details can't be stressed enough. Filmed with a combination of German, Danish, and English, the audience will recognize the genuine emotion of the story and its characters even through language barriers. Hearing the story told in its native tongue is powerful and impacts the complete telling. I don't think it would have been as compelling without being told in this voice. It's beyond captivating.

The setting is beautiful and adds to the movie's appeal and aesthetic allure. Being on location, the actors found an old mine which, according to them, made the experience much more concrete and realistic. The location and language are essential and stunning aspects of this movie to love, but there are even more reasons to find this movie addicting.

 
Of course, the actors are the most hypnotic, arresting, and undeniably unrivaled masters of their profession. Martin Zandvliet chose to hire "unknown" actors to keep the story itself front and center. He made the perfect decision. The story is heard and reverberates through your soul, making you savor every word and witness every action loud and clear, and the actors he chose made that sentiment a reality.

Each actor, even the ones without main speaking parts, will capture your attention and your heart. Their facial expressions, body language, and the way they relate to one another are so engaging, real, and mesmerizing, you will feel connected to each of them. These actors are some of THE ABSOLUTE BEST I have ever had the privilege of watching, and you can't help but come to love their characters and want them to make it home safe.

  

The whole movie will leave you with the impression of being apart of something so much bigger than yourself. Their plight is devastating, harrowing, and distressing to watch, but it is worth every second for the moments of hope you will observe. I can't say enough about their incredible acting, how much I loved this movie, and the hope it gives amidst the harsh realities portrayed.

 

They are remarkable and exceptional actors who are worth watching again and again. This director is magnificent in his direction and scriptwriting and the incredible way he portrays the actors, their dilemma, and the nail-biting undertaking of cleaning the coast. Each scene is a tense, intense, edgy depiction of this world. I am impressed with every aspect of this film including the musical overture by composer Sune Martin. The score adds to the heart-shattering moments of the movie, perfect in its majesty and impact. 

  

This movie is one of the best WWII adaptions I have ever watched. Kudos to Martin Zandvliet and every actor in this movie for their insightful portrayal!!

 I will be looking out for more of this director's and these actor's upcoming work.  Land of Mine is certain to tug at your heart strings and make you consider the other side. It will be a story that stands the test of time.

    

All of these factors make Land of Mine my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE #1 WWII movie. I think I've watched it every day since I bought it. I have to encourage you to watch the Q and A with Director Martin Zandvliet to learn more about his inspirations for creating this film and his own research. 

  

    Here are a few articles I found on the background of 

Land of Mine:

http://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium-1.691857

http://www.exulanten.com/powsmines.html

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/new-danish-film-charts-world-war-two-land-mine-clearance.html

https://www.counterpunch.org/2017/02/10/nazi-youth-as-human-mine-detonators/

http://www.npr.org/2016/12/09/504968593/land-of-mine-explosively-understated

This concludes my Top Five WWII movies during my research period. Below is a list of other movies I watched which added to my perspective of WWII. 

You can find these movies at your local stores or online: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Half-Price Books.

Honorable Mentions:

Here are a few more movies to check out, ones I have also watched, and if you have any  more suggestions send them my way: 

6. Saints and Soldiers

7. Winter in Wartime

8. Battleground

9. The Great Escape

10. The Zookeeper's Wife

***Please note that these images are not my own. I found all of them on Google Images when I searched the titles of each individual movie. Copyrights belong to the producers, directors, cinematographers, and other movie makers.***

As Always, Happy Reading!!

Picture found online @ DaisiesHeartBook