Movies - TV
Critically-Panned War Movies That You Should Give A Chance
By JEFF AMES
Flags of Our Fathers
“Flags of Our Fathers,” which depicts the Battle of Iwo Jima from the American perspective, failed to register with critics or audiences. However, the film is a nuanced deconstruction of the war myth, powerfully revealing that World War II soldiers were ordinary men stuck in a conflict they didn't fully understand.
Memphis Belle
“Memphis Belle” offers a harrowing depiction of life inside a B-17 during combat, but most critics gave the film a thumbs down. The film’s spectacular action and entertaining motley crew make it a worthwhile watch, especially with its no-frills approach to its subject matter and respect for the craft.
Hart's War
More courtroom drama than war film, “Hart's War” revolves around the trial of a Black man accused of killing a fellow soldier. Although critics scrutinized its earnestness and ho-hum theatrics, its intelligent script offers a noble tale of sacrifice and friendship that's not afraid to tackle complex social issues.
K19: The Widowmaker
“K-19” never lives up to its harrowing true story, and stars Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson are occasionally off during this rudimentary submarine thriller. However, if viewers can get past Ford's sketchy Russian accent, they’ll find an exciting character drama, packed with enough tension to keep them riveted from start to finish.
Tora! Tora! Tora!
“Tora! Tora! Tora!” dutifully recreated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in comprehensive detail, which led critics to lambast its dull docudrama approach. This truthful movie gives moviegoers what really happened, and while the results may not be cinematic, the film is always insightful — especially if one’s a history buff.