10 War Movies That Deserve Awards But Were Snubbed

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As a cinema enthusiast, I’ve noticed that war films seem to serve as secret weapons for studios, producers, and directors aiming to clinch prestigious awards. For instance, an impressive 22 war movies have taken home the Best Picture Oscar. The allure of these films lies in their ability to evoke deep emotions among award show judges who often gravitate towards stories that depict characters in despair or grappling with tragic situations. War films excel at this, as they can portray such scenarios effortlessly. Moreover, the judges appreciate exceptional sound and visual effects. With all the booming explosions, intense battles set in jungles and open fields, war movies deliver on these requirements brilliantly.

Above all, it’s significant that nations like America highly esteem individuals who served their country in battle. A wonderful way to express gratitude for their sacrifices is through films. Nevertheless, some remarkable war movies were overlooked by award organizations despite their excellence. It could be due to an overabundance of worthy candidates in the years they came out. Alternatively, the judges might not have examined a broad enough spectrum. Regardless of the explanation, these war movies didn’t receive awards but remain worthwhile for viewing.

10
‘We Were Soldiers’ (2002)

According to the accounts of retired Lieutenant General Hal Moore and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, the film “We Were Soldiers” recounts the events of the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965 – a significant clash between the United States military and the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN). This battle is notable for being the first instance where helicopters and Boeing B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers were used on a large scale.

A Masterpiece That Came Out at the Wrong Time

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say that “We Were Soldiers,” directed by Randall Wallace and starring Mel Gibson, is a masterfully crafted suspenseful journey. Unlike many other Vietnam War films, this one doesn’t present the Americans as clear-cut heroes. Instead, it delicately highlights the virtues and flaws of both warring parties, a testament to the filmmaker’s compassionate perspective. If this movie had been released in the ’80s, I firmly believe it would have garnered a few accolades. Unfortunately, the fascination of award-show judges with movies about the Asian conflict seemed to wane over time.

9
‘Enemy at the Gates’ (2001)

The film “Enemy at the Gates” features Jude Law portraying Vasily Zaitsev, a character inspired by a real-life Soviet Union sniper named Vasily Zaitsev, who is renowned for eliminating hundreds of German soldiers during World War II. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he and a Stalin envoy both develop feelings for the same female soldier, adding a layer of complexity to his situation. Matters escalate further as the Germans deploy their top sniper, Major Konig (played by Ed Harris), to confront him.

One of the Most Exciting Cat and Mouse Games in Cinema

In this highly praised military sniper film, we witness a detailed and symbolic journey into the depths of darkness, reminiscent of hell. The cinematographer, Robert Fraisse, uses the dimly lit streets of Stalingrad to create an atmosphere that is grimy and eerie. You’ll find yourself walking through the narrow lanes and passageways alongside the two snipers as they chase each other, a thrilling experience. Regrettably, award bodies showed preference for another war movie from 2001 titled Black Hawk Down.

8
‘The Steel Helmet’ (1951)

Nestled in the war-torn, sun-baked Korean terrains during the Korean War, “The Steel Helmet ” unfolds the tale of Sergeant Zack, who is saved by a young South Korean boy following an ambush and subsequently joins a compact unit defending a Buddhist temple against hostile forces. However, as time passes, conflicts within the group begin to escalate.

Cheap but Excellent

In a unique style, the acclaimed filmmaker Sam Fuller infuses this heartrending war drama with his characteristic compassion, skillfully combining humorous and melancholic, comedic and tragic elements to stir deep emotional responses in viewers. Regrettably, Fuller frequently opted to create independent films on modest budgets, which meant he lacked the financial means and industry connections to promote and campaign during award seasons. Despite this, his movies resonated strongly with audiences.

7
‘Hamburger Hill’ (1987)

The movie “Hamburger Hill” immerses viewers in the brutal struggle over Hill 937 during the Vietnam War, as part of Operation Apache Snow (a combined operation between the U.S. Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam). Known for the gruesome violence it inflicted, “Hamburger Hill” was seized, but later discarded by commanders once they recognized its lack of strategic significance. This decision sparked widespread controversy due to the high toll on lives that had been lost.

It Was All a Mistake

This chilling yet heartfelt film, light on narrative structure, focuses more on gruesome depictions. However, its haunting visuals, slow-burning tempo, and dedication to portray the story truthfully make for an exhilarating viewing experience. The acting prowess of Don Cheadle and Dylan McDermott is unparalleled. Hamburger Hill, unfairly overlooked, deserves a prominent spot on your watch list. Regrettably, it fell victim to poor timing yet again. The movie came out in the same year as Full Metal Jacket and a year after Platoon.

6
‘The Wall’ (2017)

During the Iraq War, one of the American military’s biggest challenges was a notorious sniper named Juba, who belonged to the Islamic Army in Iraq. He gained local fame and was even seen as a hero by some due to his frequent filming of his confirmed kills. The movie “The Wall” primarily focuses on Juba and two American soldiers (portrayed by Aaron Taylor Johnson and John Cena), who spend a significant portion of the film seeking shelter behind a damaged wall while they try to devise a plan.

Taking Cover… for 90 Minutes

Crafted on a modest budget, this tightly wound war drama, titled “The Wall“, is both captivating and impactful, boasting outstanding performances from its principal actors. The film shares similarities with the critically acclaimed movie “Lone Survivor“. If you were a fan of the Mark Wahlberg production, then you’ll find yourself drawn to this as well, given the formidable adversary portrayed. Juba, the enemy in question, is clever and intimidating, using tactics such as firing from various locations and tapping into American radio frequencies to confuse the soldiers. It’s a fantastic film, though John Cena’s performance might stir controversy among critics unjustifiably. Despite this, it’s worth noting that the film did not receive any awards.

5
‘Three Kings’ (1999)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the gripping tale told in “Three Kings.” In this film, George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, and Spike Jonze portray an extraordinary quartet of soldiers tasked with wrapping up affairs and tidying up loose ends following the Gulf War’s conclusion. Upon their arrival, they stumble upon a startling revelation: hidden bunkers brimming with gold, amassed by Saddam Hussein’s regime from Kuwait. The tantalizing thought of claiming this fortune for themselves and basking on the sun-kissed beaches of Marbella in the days to come is not lost on them.

Stitching a Fun Heist Plot Into Wartime Escapades

In this gripping war drama, every main actor gives an exceptional performance that leaves a lasting impression. George Clooney, in particular, skillfully portrays his morally nuanced character through his expressive eyes. Director John Ridley strategically positions the camera near Clooney, who was in peak form during filming. From the initial scene in Iraq to the climactic heist, Clooney dominates the screen. Regrettably, “Three Kings” was overlooked during awards season due to its criticism of U.S. foreign policy and the strong competition from films like “The Green Mile”, “American Beauty”, “The Sixth Sense”, and “The Matrix”.

4
‘Jarhead’ (2005)

The movie “Jarhead” tells the tale of Anthony “Swoff” Swofford, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who enlisted in the military with dreams of engaging in numerous battles as a sniper. However, to his dismay, he spent his entire tour without taking a single shot. Instead, the majority of his tasks involved reconnaissance, leaving him feeling both restless and remorseful.

The Realities of War

As a film enthusiast, I appreciate that award-winning organizations often favor war movies brimming with character struggle. However, “Jarhead” deviates from this norm by delving deeper into thematic analysis, seamless editing, and finding humor in routine tasks. It’s no surprise that it’s a Sam Mendes production – a director known for his balance between sharp dialogue, artistic visuals, and thought-provoking themes like disillusionment and accountability. The film offers intriguing discussions about “Jodies,” which are men who establish relationships with soldiers’ wives while they are away on duty.

3
‘The Outpost’ (2019)

In the Afghanistan War, Combat Outpost Keating was known as one of the riskiest U.S. military bases situated in Northern Afghanistan due to its proximity to the Hindu Kush mountains, making it an attractive target for Taliban attacks. A significant confrontation, referred to as the intense Battle of Kamdesh, occurred when 53 American soldiers engaged in a fierce battle with approximately 300 enemy insurgents. This event is narrated in the book, “The Outpost”.

Scott Eastwood Channels His Inner Clint

In a compelling and heartfelt manner, The Outpost fearlessly portrays the grim realities and emotional turmoil soldiers endure in war, making Clint Eastwood undeniably proud of his son, Scott’s captivating portrayal as Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha. The film garnered high praise from veterans, but unfortunately, it didn’t receive any awards due to being a Video on Demand release during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, non-theater releases have faced challenges when it comes to award recognition.

2
‘Ike: Countdown to D-Day’ (2004)

The historic assault on Nazi-occupied France, known as D-Day, stands out as one of the most significant military operations during World War II, involving land, air, and naval forces. However, the planning process was challenging, as we can understand from the perspective of former U.S. President Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower, who served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe at that time. The miniseries titled “Ike: Countdown to D-Day” provides insights into all the meticulous preparations made before the operation.

The Big Day Approaches

The TV movie titled “Ike” originally aired on A&E, but its success can be attributed to the fact that it didn’t receive many awards. Smaller networks like A&E often struggle to gain recognition at Emmy Awards compared to larger ones such as HBO or CBS. However, Tom Selleck delivers an impressive and engaging performance in this film, while Ian Mune’s portrayal of Winston Churchill is particularly noteworthy.

1
‘Tigerland’ (2005)

Tigerland takes us into Fort Polk, Louisiana, where army trainees are completing their final phase of training before being deployed to Vietnam. Among these recruits is Private Roland Bozz, portrayed by Colin Farrell, who views the war as senseless and attempts to secure discharge for himself and a few others. However, the determined Private Wilson refuses to let this happen.

Examining the Ideological Side of the Vietnam War

Bozz and Wilson’s rivalry in cinema is among the most lethal, yet it’s “Tigerland” that truly shines through its compelling narrative. Some history enthusiasts argue that the Vietnam War was illegitimate since Congress never officially declared war on the Viet Cong; they only approved troop deployment instead. This controversial perspective forms the backbone of the movie, as Bozz advocates this notion while Wilson attempts to eliminate him multiple times during training sessions. Despite its merits, it missed out on awards due to stiff competition from films like “Gladiator,” “Traffic,” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

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2025-03-02 00:33