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distraught and defeated and the film ends in a fitting tribute as the small town group of friends reunite at their local bar to pay their last respects to their fallen friend after the funeral.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Winner of 5 Academy Awards

Described by war veterans as the most realistic battle scenes witnessed in movie history, the addition of this film may be an obvious choice, but equally it stands on its own merit as a memorable war movie. Few if any could be unaffected by the haunting opening scenes showing the Allied invasion of Normandy.

The film focuses on a small unit of eight men who have the unenviable mission to find and bring home Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) after the unfortunate deaths of his three brothers during battle. Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) leads his men on a seemingly impossible mission to find one man, not knowing if he is dead or alive, whilst battling to keep his unit of men alive. The tension of the film builds from start to finish and the very real danger of the men is evident throughout. Few if any war movies have ever shown so vividly the troubles faced during the war and the essential notion of following orders, regardless of how extreme or futile they appear to be.

Vita bella, La (Life Is Beautiful) (1997)
Winner of 3 Academy Awards

The film focuses on the relationship between Guido Orefice(Roberto Bengni) and his son
Giosu Orefice (Giorgio Cantarini) and their existence in a Jewish Concentration Camp at the end of the 1930's. The film offers a different approach to war commentary, as Guido makes every attempt to shield his young son from the traumas of their imprisonment using unique methods. Guido creates a fantasy world for his son convincing him that their presence in the War camp is a special contest where the winners will receive a tank. The film vividly depicts the harsh realities of life in the camp, but Guido's antics are heartwarming as he uses the most creative methods to continue the game for his son and protect him from the truth.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Set during the Vietnam War the film highlights the brutality faced by U.S Marines from their basic training to the bloody carnage of battle. Possibly Stanley Kubrick's finest hour in an illustrious directorial career as he depicts the inhumane treatment of new recruits during the process of moulding them into soldiers and killers. It is the abusive Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Emery) who instantly brings discomfort to the recruits and singles

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