Exploring the Impact of Wars on Cinema: 2nd World War Films

Wars have shaped the course of human history in ways that no one could think of, and the times we live in especially now with whatever’s going on with Russia-Ukraine, Israel, etc. made me remember the 2nd World War and how it changed things for better or worse. And of course, how much it inspired and influenced the cinema we watch today. So, I recently went back and saw three of my favorite war films, these are either based on true stories or fictional stories based on the 2nd World War. Read the article below to check out three of the most unique films set during the 2nd world war:

1. Inglorious Bastards (2009)

(Written & directed by Quentin Tarantino)

This film tells an interesting story of an alternate history set during the war, divided into chapters, the film unfolds like an anthology book told through two perspectives that comes together in the final act is a must-watch, it has one of the best opening sequences in the history of CINEMA. Tarantino’s ridiculously amazing writing is portrayed beautifully by the stellar star cast including a cheeky Brad Pitt, a brilliant Christopher Waltz, a charming Michael Fassbender, a commendable Melanie Laurent, and many more. The brilliant music, the breathtaking cinematography by Robert Richardson, and the tight editing by Sally Menke all make this a hilarious and engaging watch. The film ends in a classic Tarantino fashion. If you love Quentin Tarantino’s work, you do not wanna miss this one.

2. The Imitation Game (2014)

(Written by Graham Moore & directed by Morten Tyldum)

The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing; the mathematician who helped Britain defeat the Nazis. Based on Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, the film primarily focuses on the 2nd world War, when Turing joins British forces to crack The Enigma, but through this film, we get to see how Turing struggled through his life due to his social skills. The magnificent cinematography by Oscar Faura takes you into the world of Turing. Morten Tyldum keeps you engaged throughout the film by also taking a peek into Turing’s life growing up but the entire film is anchored on Benedict Cumberbatch; who plays Turing so sincerely and so effortlessly that it breaks your heart, he does not miss a beat, a huge shoutout to the lovely Keira Knightly who plays Joan Clarke, Mark Strong as Stewart Menzies is charming and delightful and Alex Lawther (young Alan Turing) brings the same sincerity as Cumberbatch.

3. Jojo Rabbit (2019)

(Written & directed by Taika Waititi)

Taika Waititi wrote the screenplay back in 2011 for Jojo Rabbit which got rejected several times and I don’t understand WHY. This film tells the story of the war from the perspective of a 10-year-old Hitler cultist Jojo, whose best friend is “Adolf Hitler” himself. The film is a hilarious gem, the writing is so beautiful that it never lets you get bored even for a minute, Mihai Mălaimare Jr.’s cinematography captures Germany beautifully, Michael Giacchino’s beautiful soundtrack, crisp editing of Tom Eagle makes this film so brilliant and engaging that you would wanna see it again and again. Roman Griffin Davis as Jojo is truly the star of the film, he is funny, he is innocent and he is everything this film needs but the supporting actors are brilliant nonetheless; the ridiculousness of Taika’s Adolf is hilarious, Scarlett Johansson as Rozie is heartwarming, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Archie Yates and Thomasin McKenzie are all absolutely amazing. In my opinion, this is Taika Waititi’s best film yet.

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