War documentaries offer a unique lens through which we can understand the complexities of human conflict, the bravery of soldiers, and the impact on civilians. This curated list of 10 documentaries delves into various military engagements, providing not just historical insights but also emotional narratives that resonate with viewers. From the battlefields of WWII to modern-day conflicts, these films are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The War Room (1993)
Description: Although not directly about military conflict, this documentary provides an inside look at Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, showing the strategic battles and political warfare that occur behind the scenes.
Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in
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The Fog of War (2003)
Description: This documentary explores the life and career of Robert S. McNamara, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam War. It provides an intimate look at the decision-making process during one of the most controversial conflicts in American history.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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The Act of Killing (2012)
Description: This film challenges the perpetrators of the Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66 to reenact their crimes in the style of the movies they love, providing a chilling insight into the psychology of killers.
Fact: The film was banned in Indonesia but has won numerous international awards, including the European Film Award for Best Documentary.
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The Square (2013)
Description: This documentary captures the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, focusing on the ongoing struggle for democracy in Egypt, from the fall of Mubarak to the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2014 and provides a firsthand account of the events through the eyes of activists.
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The Vietnam War (2017)
Description: This 10-part series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick offers an exhaustive look at the Vietnam War, exploring its impact on both American and Vietnamese people through personal stories and historical analysis.
Fact: The series took over 10 years to produce and includes interviews with over 80 witnesses from all sides of the conflict.
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Last Days in Vietnam (2014)
Description: This documentary recounts the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War, focusing on the evacuation of Saigon and the desperate efforts to save as many South Vietnamese allies as possible.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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Restrepo (2010)
Description: Embedded with the 2nd Platoon, Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, this film captures the daily life of soldiers in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous places on Earth.
Fact: The film was co-directed by Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington, the latter of whom was killed while covering the Libyan Civil War in
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Armadillo (2010)
Description: Following a Danish platoon in Afghanistan, this film provides a raw, unfiltered look at the daily life and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in combat.
Fact: The film sparked controversy in Denmark for its portrayal of soldiers' actions, leading to debates about the ethics of war reporting.
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Five Broken Cameras (2011)
Description: This film documents the non-violent resistance of a Palestinian village against Israeli land confiscation, capturing the struggle through the lens of five cameras, each one eventually destroyed in the conflict.
Fact: The film was co-directed by Emad Burnat, who used his own footage, and Guy Davidi. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom (2015)
Description: This documentary chronicles the events of the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine from November 2013 to February 2014, capturing the spirit of a nation fighting for its future.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in
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