Danger Close - Episodes Tagged with “Military”

Gladiator (2000)

A War Film Podcast — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:30:00 -0700

This episode was supposed to be...checks notes...The Manchurian Candidate! But since we have been on hiatus for a while, we decided to change it up and pick a film that we know the audience has been waiting for, and that at least one of us would have some hot takes about. Don't worry, we will still release the other film soon. But today! Today is the day for a Ridley Scott epic swords & sandals film: Gladiator (2000).

Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus, this one takes us back to ancient Rome, around 180 CE. We follow Russell Crowe's character Maximus as he goes from general to slave to gladiator on a quest to avenge his murdered wife and son, depicted in grand scale with some of the best fight scenes put on film (depending on who you ask).

This is our first time covering the time period, and we did the research to satisfy all but the nerdiest of Roman history nerds. So buckle up and join us as we revisit this classic of the 21st century!

Next Episode:
The Zone of Interest (2023)

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warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #Rome #Roman #Ancient #Gladiator

Paths of Glory (1957)

A War Film Podcast — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0800

Half stoic war epic and half frustrating courtroom melodrama, this early Kubrick film proved unassumingly controversial upon its release in comparison with the auteur’s later works.

Banned at one time or another in France, Switzerland, Fascist Spain, and US Military bases, and mostly overshadowed by The Bridge on the River Kwai from the same year, Paths of Glory was not a big hit with audiences and was completely ignored by the Academy.

Over the subsequent decades, its critical reception and some recognition from international awards kept it in the cultural consciousness enough to earn glowing reappraisals, and to make it a frequent fixture on a lot of GOAT lists today.

Next Episode:
Gladiator (2000)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWI #Worldwarone #lpathsofglory #kubrick

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:15:00 -0700

Well, this one hardly needs an introduction and is as epic and sweeping as it gets. This is a film we have been wanting to cover for over two years, and finally the stars aligned. It is on just about every cinephile and film industry professional’s top ten greatest films of all time, often filling the number one spot.

If you haven’t seen it, it is well worth watching in the highest quality and biggest screen you can. The 4K restoration is fantastic, and Dune or The English Patient would not be the same without director David Lean’s masterpiece to influence them.

Alec Guinness, Peter O’Toole, Anthony Quinn, Omar Sharif, and myriad great actors of their time star in this telling of the myth and some of the true history behind T.E. Lawrence, famous British archaeologist and military officer who played a hand during World War I in shaping what the Middle East looks like today, and arguably influenced the fates of many Arab peoples during their fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Join Dan, Kt, and Liam as we explore the nuances and pitfalls of this incredibly enduring piece of cinema history from 1962.

Poster by Zachariah Wheeler
http://zwheeler.bigcartel.com

Next episode: Paths of Glory (1957)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWI #Worldwarone #lawrenceofarabia

Platoon (1986)

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0700

A lot can (and has) been said about this film. It's one of the very few that might actually achieve the status of "anti-war" film, or at least refrains from glamorizing it. It can't be accused of inaccuracy or overt messaging, because it is admittedly a picture of writer-director Oliver Stone's own experiences volunteering for the American War in Vietnam, fictionalized for the screen, but based on events he saw first hand.

While it's the only film Charlie Sheen has ever been good in (disclaimer: this is solely Dan's opinion, you can @ him directly), Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger are the big stars leading a huge cast of mostly unknown actors who later became famous: Sheen the Younger himself, Johnny Depp, Keith David, John C McGinley, among many others. They portray infantrymen at war in all of its grime, sweat, bugs, confusion, and moral ambiguity. And none of the glory.

The cinematography is claustrophobic and purposefully confusing, the Oscar-winning sound design relentless, the performances indelible. Join us as we discuss the grueling production, emotional impact, and continued legacy of this important American film.

Widely available for streaming.

Next episode:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #vietnam #oliverstone #platoon

Mulan (1998)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0700

Buckle up, Danger Close fans! We went way off the usual list this time and chose a Disney renaissance film that is also decidedly a war film. From the training scenes, to the battles, to a glorious last minute rescue of the emperor, Mulan fits most of the tropes for a war film.

It's also for kids and embraces that 90's Girl Power movement that was so prevalent at the time. You will get to hear us dish about our childhood Disney favorites, debate the quality of the songs and soundtrack, and dissect Disney's intentions with this story.

But don't worry, we also have our usual history section (with a hell of a forthcoming surplus ordnance thanks to Dave Feldmann and Mike Andrews), along with our usual nonsense.

Next Episode: Platoon (1986)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #animated #disney

BONUS INTERVIEW - Pulled the Handle! Just Not Very Hard. Part 2 of 2

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 13 Jul 2024 13:15:00 -0700

Here’s part two of Dan’s interview with Fig and RePete from the podcast So There I Was!

This half we talk movies a little, with some cool details about the harrier jets in True Lies, and get some personal “oh shit!”flying stories from the guys.

If you want to hear more from Fig and RePete, here is their True Lies ep, where they interview their squadron mates who actually flew in the film, and links to the rest of their show. Enjoy!

https://sothereiwas.us/episode/16/

Website (with lots of great photos): https://sothereiwas.us

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-there-i-was/id1628848482

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKdN0mQWINqZsbkCrSpDC

Having recorded this right before Memorial Day, we do talk about Veteran issues a bit. If you are a Veteran who is struggling or know one, there is help! Dial 988, then press 1.

BONUS INTERVIEW - We're Not Ready, You Idiot! Part 1 of 2

A War Film Podcast — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 18:15:00 -0700

This week on Danger Close, a Veteran interview with yours truly, Dan!

I sat down with two former Marine aviators and we talked about our experiences in the Corps, traded aviation stories, and I even played them a special recording that has not gone public until now!

This is part One where Dan mostly talks about his career in the Marines and in aviation, in part Two we will get Fig and RePete’s stories from flying harriers and talk movies a bit.

Check out their awesome aviation show So There I Was (links below) for epic interviews with military pilots from World War II to the most recent wars.

We will release part Two shortly, and return to regular DC/DCE content after that. Thank you all for being very patient during our break!

Website (with lots of great photos): https://sothereiwas.us

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-there-i-was/id1628848482

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZKdN0mQWINqZsbkCrSpDC

FRIGHT PUB / DANGER CLOSE CROSSOVER: Overlord (2018)

A War Film Podcast — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 21:45:00 -0700

For the first time ever, the Fright Pub crew and the Danger Close team get together in person to record a podcast. In Pittsburgh!!

If this film is where the Venn diagram of horror films and war films meet, then I guess Liam is where the Venn diagram of our two shows come together! He's...the glue? The central spoke in the wheel? I don't know, this analogy is not working.

Anyway, we all had a blast having plenty of drinks in the Fright Pub and seeing what kind of rules we could break in each other's shows. And did we mention Zombies? And Nazis? And Nazi-Zombies!

It's gonna be a good time. Welcome to Danger...Club? Fright Close? Man, none of this is working. But we did have a lot of fun. Enjoy!

BONUS EPISODE: Inception (2010)

A War Film Podcast — Wed, 01 May 2024 18:15:00 -0700

We’re back!

The show returns with a brand new DCE episode that we decided to release free to everyone. We want to thank our generous Patrons for sticking with us during our much needed break as we caught up with our schedule and got a bunch of recordings done. We have six episodes in the bag that we are editing and will be releasing over the next few months.

Back in 2010, Christopher Nolan directed his most ambitious title at the time: a sci-fi heist thriller with an all-star cast and a huge budget. A little movie you may have heard of, called INCEPTION.

Dan picked this one as one of his all-time favorites, and he was really curious to see what Kt and Liam had to say. How many dream-levels down into this conversation can they go? Is Liam going to once again disparage an extremely-popular, Oscar-winning film? Tune in to our kinda…sorta war film podcast, and find out!

TRIGGER WARNING: This film discussion deals with suicide. Listener discretion advised.

Listen to our entire library of DCE episodes for only $4 a month, with titles like Predator, The Terminator, North by Northwest, and more!

www.dangerclosepod.com/support

Black Hawk Down (2001)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:30:00 -0800

Another good example of a modern war film produced before September 11th, this one puts us in the helicopters and humvees of Task Force Ranger during the humanitarian crisis in Somalia in 1993. Dispensing with most of the geo-political complexities that led to US forces deploying to East Africa, the focus here is mostly on the Rangers and Delta Force on the ground, who dropped into a hostile district with all the confidence of overwhelming force and technology, only to find out the hard way that a daytime raid and repetitive tactics were a recipe for disaster.

You may not recognize them all in a sea of later-famous faces: Josh Hartnett as the young staff sergeant, Ewan McGregor as the coffee expert, a young Tom Hardy in his first big picture, and a grizzled Tom Sizemore returning to a combat leadership role. The film really humanizes the American soldiers and makes you live their experiences, while…not really filling in the motivation of the Somali fighters or the context of the larger conflict.

This was a first-time watch for at least one of us! Join us today as we explore the Battle of Mogadishu and its hard-learned lessons.

Next Episode: Mulan (1998)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #army #rangers #mogadishu #gothicserpent #somalia

Reports from the Front: Fourteen Hours in Husaybah

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 18 Nov 2023 16:30:00 -0800

Dan sits down with former Marine infantry Sergeant Rich Cervantes. Rich enlisted in the USMC in 2001, and trained as a TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) anti-tank gunner.

In this exclusive interview, he tells the story of why he joined, his training, and his experience in Iraq over several deployments with the First Marine Division.

He was awarded a Purple Heart, a NAM (Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal), and a Bronze Star, both with Valor. Following are the citations:

NAM

FOR HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT WHILE SERVING AS TUBE LAUNCHED, OPTICALLY TRACKED, WIRE COMMAND LINK, GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM (TOW) GUNNER, TOW PLATOON, WEAPONS COMPANY, 3D BATTALION, 7TH MARINES, REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 7, 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ON 8 AND 9 APRIL 2003. CORPORAL CERVANTES WAS TASKED WITH MANNING A VEHICULAR ROADBLOCK ALONG HIGHWAY 6 IN ORDER TO GUARD THE BATTALION'S FLANK. HE OBSERVED A FIVE-TON TRUCK RACING TOWARDS HIS POSITION AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND DISREGARDING POSTED INSTRUCTIONS. DESPITE THE FIRING OF WARNING SHOTS, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RAPIDLY CLOSE ON THE CHECKPOINT. AS THE TRUCK NEARED, HE ENGAGED IT WITH HIS M240G MACHINE GUN, KILLING THE DRIVER. OUT OF CONTROL, THE VEHICLE CAREENED DIRECTLY INTO HIS TOW VEHICLE, STRIKING IT VIOLENTLY AT OVER 25 MILES PER HOUR. DESPITE SUFFERING NUMEROUS INJURIES FROM THE COLLISION, HE VALIANTLY MAINTAINED HIS POST. CORPORAL CERVANTES' COURAGEOUS ACTIONS, INITIATIVE, AND COMPLETE DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING OF THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.

BRONZE STAR

FOR HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY AS TUBE LAUNCHED, OPTICALLY-TRACKED, WIRE COMMAND LINK, GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEM (TOW) MISSILE GUNNER AND VEHICLE COMMANDER, 1ST SECTION, COMBINED ANTI-ARMOR TEAM BLUE, WEAPONS COMPANY, 3D BATTALION, REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM-7, 1ST MARINE DIVISION, I MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE ON 17 APRIL 2004, IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II. WHILE RESPONDING TO REINFORCE A SNIPER TEAM FROM 1ST FORCE RECONNAISSANCE COMPANY THAT WAS UNDER ATTACK, COMBINED ANTI-ARMOR BLUE'S FOUR VEHICLES WERE CAUGHT IN A DELIBERATE AMBUSH FROM A THREE-STORY CEMENT BUILDING. ALL FOUR VEHICLES WERE HIT AND ONE WAS DISABLED. DESPERATELY UNDERMANNED, WITH ONE DISABLED VEHICLE AND TWO URGENT CASUALTIES, HIS SECTION NEEDED TO BREAK THE AMBUSH. WHILE THREE MARINES SUPPRESSED THE ENEMY POSITION WITH M16S, HE AGGRESSIVELY MANEUVERED HIS VEHICLE WITHIN 70 METERS OF THE BUILDING. REPEATING THE BATTLE DRILL TWO MORE TIMES, HE DESTROYED THE BUILDING AND BROKE THE AMBUSH. LATER IN THE SAME DAY AN INFANTRY PLATOON SUFFERED TWO URGENT CASUALTIES AND WAS PINNED DOWN BY ENEMY FIRE. HE AGAIN LED HIS VEHICLE STRAIGHT INTO THE ENEMY FIRE IN ORDER TO EVACUATE THE CASUALTIES. ENEMY FIRE SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD OF HIS VEHICLE AS HE SUPPRESSED THE ENEMY WITH HIS M240G MACHINE GUN AND EXTRACTED THE TWO CASUALTIES. HIS BRAVERY IN THESE FIREFIGHTS INSPIRED ALL WHO OBSERVED HIS BOLD ACTIONS. BY HIS ZEALOUS INITIATIVE, COURAGEOUS ACTIONS, AND EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION TO DUTY, CORPORAL CERVANTES REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.

Next Episode: Black Hawk Down (2001)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Or join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
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warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #aviation #Veterans #interviews

To Be or Not to Be (1942)

A War Film Podcast — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0800

This isn’t the first WWII film we have covered to be filmed and released while the war was still ongoing, but it is our first comedy that fits those parameters. It often pops up on lists of best comedies ever, and for good reason.

The Nazis have invaded Warsaw and a German spy has just landed with damning information about the Polish resistance. It’s up to famed stage actress Maria Tura, her would-be lover, her jealous husband, and a squabbling troop of Shakespearean actors to intercept the spy and keep the intelligence from reaching the Gestapo.

The gags might honestly work better now than they did at the time (not everyone could make light of the war while its outcome was uncertain), and you will see the DNA of many modern films that followed the caricatures of evil played out to brilliant effect here.

So join us and find out what the “Lubitsch touch” is all about, as we dive into this hilarious and edgy film courtesy of Liam (of course).

Tune in and find out, on this episode of your favorite war film podcast!

Next Episode: Our Second Veteran Interview!

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII #worldwartwo #comedy

Oppenheimer (2023)

A War Film Podcast — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:00:00 -0700

If you only saw one movie in the summer of 2023… statistically speaking it was probably Barbie. But if you saw two movies in the summer of 2023… okay, statistically it's fairly likely they were both Barbie. But if you saw two movies on the same day in the summer of 2023, there is technically a non-zero chance that today's film wasn’t one of them, but it probably was.

Sweeping into the zeitgeist and on its way to grossing over one billion dollars, Christopher Nolan's new three-hour imax 70mm extravaganza seems to be winning over most viewers and almost all of the critics. Labels of "masterpiece" are being thrown around everywhere by peers and laymen alike, and it seems there is no stopping this juggernaut from becoming one of the most-watched and most-talked about films of the last decade.

But what do your intrepid Danger Close hosts think? Who will be "the Liam" in this episode, and has Nolan redeemed himself from the abysmal failure that was Tenet (or Inception if you ask Liam, but that's a fight for another day)?

Tune in and find out, on this episode of your favorite war film podcast!

Next Episode: To Be or Not to Be (1942)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII #worldwartwo #oppenheimer #manhattanproject

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

A War Film Podcast — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0700

We've talked Nazis before. And we have covered WWII in several films which varied in style and subject manner, but this is our first time dealing with the Holocaust, so we figured we should start with an old classic that is famous for the way it handled its difficult subject matter.

Premiering in West Berlin in 1961, Judgment at Nuremberg was met with mostly silence by its German audiences, praise by many critics, and criticism by others. It was a fictional retelling of "The Judges' Trial", one of twelve American military tribunals held after the main Nuremberg Trials to try various judges and lawyers for war crimes during and before the war.

It tackles extremely difficult subject matter for audiences who had mostly lived through its events, and the phenomenal acting and Oscar-winning script makes it a gripping watch for its entire three-hour runtime.

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED: extremely graphic war footage is shown in this film.

Next Episode: Oppenheimer (2023)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII #worldwartwo #nuremberg #courtroomdrama

The Woman King (2022)

A War Film Podcast — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:00:00 -0700

First conceived in 2015 and released in 2022, The Woman King had a long, turbulent road to the box office. An historical action epic starring and driven by a cast of black women, it was a tough sell to studios until the overwhelming success of Black Panther proved beyond a doubt that there was not only an audience for films with this kind of representation, but a hungry market as well.

The green light and positive reviews did not keep controversy and criticism from creeping into the conversation from every corner of the internet though, and we discuss those arguments at length. This film tries very hard to ethically blend history, high drama, and gripping action, into a compelling and inspirational narrative that also does right by the culture it is representing. The results of those efforts are varied on all fronts.

Our hosts all had different thoughts on this one and our discussion ranges across myriad topics and more than a couple tangents, but one thing we can all agree on is that The Woman King is one of the most thoroughly researched but ambiguously filmed “based on real history” films we have had the chance to discuss thus far.

Next Episode: Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #holocaust #wwII #worldwartwo

Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

A War Film Podcast — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:15:00 -0700

Released in November of 2001, Behind Enemy Lines came out in a totally different time in history. 9/11 had just happened, and tensions were high all over the world, especially in the U.S.

This movie is a little dose of “rah-rah NATO” rescuing an American navigator from…Yugoslavians? No, Serbs. But there are Bosnians there too, and Croats? What _exactly _was going on over there? Don’t worry, this movie doesn’t really cover that, and there is no quiz at the end.

Loosely based on the 1995 downing of U.S. Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady (who sued the production for not getting his permission to tell the story), the film is a pretty straight-forward action movie. Owen Wilson's Lt. Burnett is shot down by Serb militia, the U.S. pushes to go rescue him, and all the while NATO is concerned about the rescue threatening the tenuous cease-fire agreement and the war starting back up. This is not a complex political thriller, but more of a popcorn war movie that is equally as good as it is bad.

Join us for Tyler's return to the show as he uses his training and expertise you heard all about in our last episode to analyze what the film got right and what it got wrong. Kt and Liam will be back next episode, we promise!

Next Episode: The Woman King (2022)

Sources for the history in this episode:

Reflecting History Podcast Episodes 62-69: The Bosnian War

Johnny Harris - The Worst War You Never Learned About

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #africa #benin #dahomey

Reports from the Front: The End Goal Is to Make It Home Alive

A War Film Podcast — Sun, 21 May 2023 13:45:00 -0700

Dan sits down with good friend and former Marine Sergeant Tyler Funk. Tyler enlisted in the USMC as an Air Traffic Controller in 2003. After some initial training, he volunteered for deployment, and later was selected for the MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit), and an MMT (Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team), a small enlisted team trained to be dropped off by helicopter in the middle of nowhere, set up a dirt airstrip, and have aircraft landing on it with personnel and equipment within 30-40 minutes.

To prepare for this role, he had to go through extensive training before deployment, including the helo dunker and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) school.

Join us as Tyler gives us an intimate look into some pretty intense military training and his experiences in his time in the Marines.

WARNING: we discuss some simulated and not-so simulated “enhanced interrogation techniques” that are part of this military training.

LISTENER DISCRETION ADVISED.

Next Episode: Behind Enemy Lines (2001)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #aviation #Veterans #interviews

Top Gun (1986)

A War Film Podcast — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 22:45:00 -0700

Last episode, we talked about a military aviation film. It had some pretty great aerial scenes, the best Cessna vs motorcycle race we have ever seen, and a fun soundtrack! But not nearly as good as the one for the film we are covering today (although apparently some in the audience will debate this point).

This movie was released the same year as Iron Eagle, was WAY more successful, and ironically spawned fewer sequels. We are of course talking about Top Gun, and this time around we have a special guest; you have probably heard something that we learned from him on the show, our regular researcher Richard Stephens!

Released in the spring of 1986, Top Gun had a slump for the month after release but went on to be the box office champ for the year and gave Tom Cruise the boost he needed to become a bona fide star.

The story follows a group of exceptional Naval aviators focusing on hotshot Maverick and his quest to be the best. Given the chance to train at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, a.k.a. Top Gun, Maverick and his radar intercept officer Goose (Anthony Edwards) do their best to beat out the competition under the command of Viper (Tom Skerritt). But when tragedy strikes, Maverick is shaken to his core and must find a way to overcome his doubts.

This episode has lots of nostalgia, some hot takes, and, well, you will just have to listen to see how we all feel about this classic 80s action film!

Next Episode: Veteran Interview

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #aviation

Iron Eagle (1986)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 20:30:00 -0700

1986 was a landmark year for military aviation in cinema. Top Gun came out in May, the very start of the Summer blockbuster season, and immediately boosted Navy recruitment by 10 bajillion percent. That’s not an approximation, those are the official figures from the Navy. 10 bajillion percent. People flocked to this movie, and who could blame them? It was the perfect synthesis of Cool, Sex, Militarism, and Cinema. In Reagan Era America, it was a guaranteed recipe for success.

Or was it?

Because we aren’t talking about Top Gun. This week, courtesy of our audience choice poll, we are diving into the OTHER military aviation action extravaganza from the same year. It’s the story of a teenage boy whose father is shot down, held captive, and scheduled for execution in a “fictitious” enemy country. When the military seems unwilling or unable to do anything about it, the boy and his friends take matters into their own hands, with the reluctant help of Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr. Released in January of 1986, today’s film is a testament to the notion that getting there first isn’t as important as getting it right.

Next Episode: Top Gun (1986)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #aviation

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 23:15:00 -0800

One of the most famous and most successful retellings of one of the most infamous and highly mythologized incidents in the history of the British Navy, this 1935 adaptation of the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Newton Hall might be a little old-fashioned for most modern audiences, both in its acting styles and in its special effects.

But it was a force to be reckoned with at the 9th annual Academy Awards, winning Best Picture and scoring 3 nominations for its three lead actors in a single category.

The facts of the mutiny were twisted, politicized, and hotly contested almost as soon as it happened, so a film made almost 150 years later might be forgiven for not being completely historically accurate, but what it got right and what it got wrong, where it holds up and where it doesn't all provide excellent topics of discussion on this final episode of our long suffering and much beleaguered series on Naval War Films.

Next Episode: Iron Eagle (1986)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #navy #napoleonic

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:15:00 -0800

One of Michael Mann’s most beloved films, this is the most recent and most enduring of ELEVEN screen adaptations of the historical fiction novel by James Fenimore Cooper, and it takes us to a war we seldom see depicted elsewhere in cinema: The French and Indian War in North America.

It follows the journey of the last members of the vanishing Mohican people as they venture through the breathtaking forests and mountains of Northeastern North America in 1757, while Britain and France fight for control of the continent.

Their progress is halted when they come to the aid of British troops and find themselves escorting a pair of sisters through some of the most notorious battles of the entire war, hounded by a Huron warrior who is bent on exacting revenge on their father, a British Colonel.

At once a great adventure, sweeping romance, and epic war film, the simple plot is carried by a sublime score, some incredible set design, and the legendary performances of a powerhouse cast, all set against a complex and layered historical backdrop.

Today we have a very special guest on the show: author, philosopher, and Native-American history professor Daniele Bolelli, host of the popular podcasts History on Fire and The Drunken Taoist. He’s here to help us separate the historical from the not-so-historical, and tell us why this is one of his favorite films.

*We recommend the theatrical cut of this film (112 mins), not very accessible but available for purchase on ebay or as a region B disk (Australia) on amazon. Make sure your disk player can read region B. Most other places (including streaming), you can find the Director's Definitive Cut (114 mins).

Next Episode: Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #nativeamericans #indians #frenchandindianwar #sevenyearswar #danielebolelli

Das Boot (1981)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0800

For our first Wolfgang Peterson film, we decided to cover what is often touted as the best submarine film ever, and one that is on most people’s Top Ten War Film lists.

Starring a young Jürgen Prochnow as the Captain of U-96 and a cast of mostly unknown actors as his crew, this is the thrilling story of one German submarine crew in the Battle of the Atlantic, stalking Allied cargo and military ships in an effort to reduce their enemies’ combat effectiveness and disrupt their supply chains.

Based on the experiences of author Lothar G. Buchheim, the film uses a combination of models and very accurate moving sets to really make you feel the claustrophobia and descent into hell that these submariners experienced in a way that does not glorify war, but instead makes us ponder its cost.

*We watched the 1997 Director’s Cut (208 minutes), available streaming on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/.../B00BZBPB98/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Next Episode: Last of the Mohicans (1992)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII #worldwartwo #submarine

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 12:30:00 -0800

With a screenplay based on Erich Maria Remarque’s immensely popular book, first published in 1929, director Edward Berger has taken on the daunting task of leading the first German team to take this story to the big screen.

It is written, directed, and portrayed by Germans, and offers a unique perspective to the war film genre: that of a country who started, and lost, two world wars, at a great cost to their own people. World War I had a devastating effect on “the lost generation” all around the world, and Germans have felt the shame, regret, and repercussions of this event for over 100 years.

This is quite possibly the most famous anti-war story, and this newest adaptation is no exception. It carries all of the intent and messaging of the author, with the sharp cutting edge of modern filmmaking techniques and visceral, immersive sound and visuals.

The film takes the biggest divergences from the previous adaptations, showing us some of the political ramifications of the war, while still keeping us intimately close with Paul and his friends who join up to go fight in the trenches with all the youthful enthusiasm of kids who grew up around war heroes.

Join us as we explore this marvel of modern cinema in all of its terrifying beauty.

Available on Netflix

Spoiler Alert: we discuss the 1929 book, the 1930 film, and the 1979 tv movie of the same title in this conversation.

Next Episode: Das Boot (1981)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWI #worldwarone

BONUS EPISODE: Fright Pub: Last Night in Soho (2021)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 00:45:00 -0700

To give our fans some additional content while we are operating on a reduced release schedule - and in honor of Halloween - we are dropping an episode of our sister Horror Movie podcast, Fright Pub, into the main feed.

Listen as Liam, Shaggy, and Lauren drink adult beverages and discuss a different horror movie each week. In this episode, recorded this past April, they discuss Edgar Wright's 2021 slick retro horror.

You can find all the other fun episodes of Fright Pub at:
https://frightpub.buzzsprout.com/
New episodes every Friday!

Join their Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/348900316170245

If you have any questions or comments, or if you would like to be a guest on an episode of Fright Pub, feel free to contact them at frightpub@gmail.com

If you like the show, please leave them a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:30:00 -0700

The year is 1990. The Cold War is in full swing, and the threat of thermonuclear world war is ever present. The Soviet Union is…wait…what? Oh the Berlin Wall came down last year? And the Soviet Union is rapidly dissolving? The Iron Curtain is being lifted? Ok then…

Checks production notes…

The year is 1984. The Cold war is in full swing, and the threat of thermonuclear world war is ever present. The Soviet Union is eagerly deploying a new submarine technology that could tip the delicate balance of power.
Under the command of Captain Marko Ramius, the new Typhoon-Class nuclear submarine Red October is headed straight for the East Coast of the United States. Is he a madman bent on triggering World War 3? Or is he trying to stop this Cold War from turning Hot?

It’s up to reluctant yet dashing hero, CIA analyst Jack Ryan in his first cinematic iteration, to throw himself into harms way and discover Ramius’ true intentions in the midst of a nuclear game of cat-and-mouse between the US and the USSR.

Strap in for a deep dive with us into this 90s techno-thriller from acclaimed director John McTiernan, and let’s see how it holds up!

30 Rock clip mentioned in the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoXfQupV5n8

Next Episode: All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #coldwar #sovietunion #subwarfare

Mister Roberts (1955)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 22:15:00 -0700

A classic example of the once popular "Service Comedy" genre, this hit film was adapted from a hit stage play, in turn adapted from a hit novel. Henry Fonda reprises his role from the stage play as the titular Lieutenant (j.g.) Roberts, alongside a young and hilarious Jack Lemmon playing Ensign Pulver, and our first time with James Cagney as the insufferable Captain guarding his beloved palm tree.

Almost none of the actors are age appropriate for their roles, and some of the humor lands firmly in the “cringe” zone, but there is still plenty of merit in this war film sex comedy about the crew of a cargo ship dying from boredom and cabin fever in the safe area of the pacific during the waning days of World War II.

Join us for this comedy classic!

Next Episode: The Hunt for Red October (1990)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII # worldwar2 #navy

Apocalypse Now (1979)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 11:45:00 -0700

One of the first big-budget Vietnam War films from the US, the production of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic was quite a war in its own right.

The shooting was fraught with issues, including filming in the Philippines where rebels interrupted the work regularly, Coppola putting $7 million of his own funds on the line, and the usual complications that come with the jungle territory, like typhoons.

Add to that a main actor who almost died during filming (Martin Sheen) and a bigger than life star who was…let’s say less than professional (Marlon Brando), and you have quite the interesting tale before you even get to the plot of the film.
Surreal and disturbing, Captain Willard’s journey into this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” is a visual spectacle of men losing their grip on sanity that takes the audience into the unknown. The infamous Colonel Kurtz awaits at the end of the journey, and Willard has orders to eliminate him “with extreme prejudice”.

Join us as we venture upriver in our PBR and discuss this award-winning epic!

Next Episode: Mister Roberts (1955)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #Vietnam

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Finishing in second place for our third poll in a row earned this film its rightful spot in the Danger Close catalogue.

Set in a Japanese prison camp in Thailand in 1943, it pits the principled Lt Col Nicholson (Alec Guinness) against the ruthless camp commandant Col Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) in a battle of character and wit. This fictional story, loosely based on real events, won seven Academy Awards, including David Lean’s first Oscar for Best Director.

So whistle while you march to join us as we discuss this world-famous film and its epic story!

Next Episode: Apocalypse Now (1979)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWII

Beau Geste (1939)

A War Film Podcast — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 01:15:00 -0700

Even in a year like 1939 - which gave us the likes of Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone with the Wind - it’s hard to believe that an Oscar-nominated action adventure from a legendary, Oscar winning director, featuring an all-star cast of future Oscar winners, would somehow get lost in the shuffle, but here we are.

It’s a film most of you have probably never heard of, but it’s a rollicking yarn that disproves the theory that the remake is never better than the original.

When three English brothers all fall under suspicion for the theft of a priceless jewel, they seek refuge in their romantic childhood fantasies by running off to join the French Foreign Legion, where they find themselves fighting for their lives in the desert under the merciless command of a tyrannical sergeant.

Join us as we listen to Liam gush over one of his all-time favorite films NOT made by Wes Anderson!

available on youtube

Next Episode: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #foreignlegion #northafrica

Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan (2019)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:15:00 -0700

This film has been requested many times; usually by our Aussie and Kiwi listeners, and occasionally by people who think our podcast is entirely dedicated to this one film from 2019.

Well-known down under, but not as much in the rest of the world, this is the story of one of the most famous battles Anzac troops fought in the Vietnam War. They were outnumbered between 10 and 20-to-1, and had it not been for their tactical decision-making, the fight could have had a very different outcome.

We’ve done films “based on true events” (and people) many times before; how does this one compare to We Were Soldiers or The Outpost? Did they do justice to the real soldiers who fought in this battle?

Join us on Danger Close: A War Film Podcast, and find out!

Next Episode: Beau Geste (1939)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #ANZAC #Vietnam

BONUS EPISODE: Independence Day (1996)

A War Film Podcast — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0700

Get ready for an alien-invader stompin' good time! In the rare case where Liam loves a film just because it is so fun, we go back to our childhoods and reminisce over the roll-out and execution of this Roland Emerich gem.

From a time when a relatively sane Randy Quaid played insane characters (as opposed to just playing himself), comes this surprisingly well-aged "War of the Worlds" style adventure.

Buckle up! We are armed and ready, and we're packin!

If you enjoy this episode and want to hear us return for T2, you can sign up for just $4 a month at: www.dangerclosepod.com/support

You will get access to our entire catalogue, and a brand new episode every month of Danger Close...Enough, the show where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war films (or close enough).

The Northman (2022)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 19:45:00 -0700

Robert Egger’s third film, following The VVitch (2015) and The Lighthouse (2019), The Northman has the largest budget and the biggest scope by far. Set in the late 9th/early 10th centuries in central Europe and Iceland, this epic revenge story is undoubtedly the most thoroughly researched and most accurate Viking film to date.

With a phenomenal cast that includes Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Ethan Hawke, the story goes all the way back to the Norse myths that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the meticulous production and costume design immerses you in a world from over 1000 years ago with flawless attention to detail.

We debated for a bit whether this belonged on the Danger Close list as a war film, or whether the psychedelic feel and mythical elements pushed it over into our war adjacent film category for DCE. In the end, there is enough pillaging and conflict in this that we decided it qualified, and we wanted to give this episode the exposure it deserved.

We are joined by special guest Dave for this one, as his background in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), and his knowledge of Viking history made him the perfect person to join our discussion.

So, do we think Eggers pulled off this ambitious project, and did we like it? And just how accurate is it?

Next Episode: Danger Close : The Battle of Long Tan (2019)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #vikings #middleages #vikingage

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:15:00 -0700

Well, here we are again. It’s World War II. Another three-hour war film, another big ensemble cast!

In some ways a follow-up to The Longest Day (also written by Cornelius Ryan), this time in color, this film depicts Operation Market Garden, which followed the Normandy Landings in September 1944.

The Allies dropped forces from the First Allied Airborne Army into the Netherlands, where they would assault and hold several bridges and wait for XXX Corps of the British Second Army to bring in armor and supplies to continue the push into Northern Germany.

Directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, with huge names in the cast like Sean Connery, Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Robert Redford, and many more, this film featured an actual paradrop of over 1000 troops, with on-location filming in the Netherlands.

So, what did we think of this one? It’s our first film featuring Gene Hackman, and he plays a Polish General! Which one of us will have the hot take? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Northman (2022)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII

Outlaw King (2018)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 21:45:00 -0700

From director David Mackenzie, who brought us the excellent modern western Hell or High Water in 2016, comes a retelling of the First War of Scottish Independence in the early 14th century.

Taking place during and after the capture and execution of William Wallace, this film focuses on Robert the Bruce and his allies in their fight for freedom from Edward I Longshanks and from the English invasion and occupation of their homeland.

Filmed entirely on location in Scotland and England, it is undoubtedly gorgeous, with great cinematography, wonderful acting, and impressive costume and set design.

So what did we think of this film in a post-Braveheart world? Is it more historically accurate, and did we like it? Join us and find out!

*Available on Netflix

Next Episode: A Bridge Too Far (1977)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #middleages #scottishindependence

The Longest Day (1962)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 20 May 2022 20:45:00 -0700

Hot on the heels of our Saving Private Ryan episode, we return to the beaches of Normandy (this time filmed in Corsica) with the WWII two-time Oscar winning classic, The Longest Day.

Clocking in at three hours, this is the longest film we have covered so far, and our first John Wayne flick!
It has a star-studded cast that includes Richard Burton, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, and a few of our old favorites like Edmund O’Brien and Rod Steiger. They portray everyone from General Eisenhower to the junior Officers hitting the beach, with varying levels of historical accuracy.

Many in the cast were not only WWII Veterans, but actually took part in Operation Overlord less than twenty years prior to filming, and there is plenty of realism to go around, including a lot of subtitled foreign language.

But is all that enough to make a good film? How has this one aged over the years, and how does it compare to Spielberg’s film? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: Outlaw King (2021)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII

Tumbledown (1988)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 06 May 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Starring a young Colin Firth and probably no one else you would recognize, this film released on television in the UK six years after the conflict it depicted. We can’t blame you if you haven’t heard about the 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom; after all it only lasted ten weeks. It’s known as the Falklands War to most of the world, and Guerra de las Malvinas to the Argentinians.

More about trauma, recovery, and PTSD than it is about the war, Tumbledown tells the story of Scots Guards Lieutenant (that’s LEF-tenant for you Americans) Robert Lawrence, deployed to the Falkland Islands and gravely wounded just hours before the end of the conflict.

The script and the editing have an experimental feel, showing a mix of the young officer’s very subjective memories of the combat, his struggles to recover and return to civilian life, and his treatment by the government post-war.
What did we think of this very unique look into a very obscure conflict? And did Colin Firth’s exceptional acting manage to pull this one together, or is this story-telling in this one too confusing? Join us and find out!

available free on youtube
https://youtu.be/jTkIbpxIJ_I

Next Episode:
The Longest Day (1962)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #falklands #uk #argentina

Charlotte Gray (2001)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 20:15:00 -0700

Directed by Gillian Armstrong and starring Cate Blanchett in the titular role, this is the fictionalized story of a British SOE (Special Operations Executive) operating in Nazi-occupied France in 1942. The character is a composite of several real women who worked as spies for the Allies during this time period. She is sent on missions to deliver packages to the resistance and help blow up a train, all the while searching for her lover who was shot down behind enemy lines.

A mix of spy film, biopic, and WWII thriller, this movie tries to do a lot; and between Blanchett and a supporting cast that includes Billy Crudup and Michael Gambon, it is certainly not lacking talent.

But can they pull off these three different genres in one? And how well does the film work overall? Join the Danger Close team and find out as we explore our first film featuring the French Resistance in Vichy France!

Next Episode: Tumbledown (1988)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

1917 (2019)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 14:45:00 -0700

Easily the biggest WWI film of recent memory, 1917 conjured a variety of opinions from critics and viewers alike. Its 3 Oscar wins (Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Editing) and over 200 total award nominations speak for themselves.

Director Sam Mendes, with Roger Deakins as Director of Photography, boldly chose to shoot and edit the film as a “simulated one-shot”, à la“Rope” or “Birdman”.

Aside from the usual rivet-counting that always accompanies high-profile war films, the “single-shot” technique might be the most discussed aspect of 1917.

So, what did we think about the film, the shooting technique, and the story (loosely based on Mendes' grandfather’s experiences as a runner in the Great War)?

Join us for our 30th episode of Danger Close!

Next Episode: Charlotte Gray (2001)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWI #worldwarone

The War Below (2021)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0700

In his directorial feature-film debut, J. P. Watts stretches a £600,000 budget to show us an aspect of World War I we hadn’t really seen before: the British efforts to tunnel underneath no-man’s land in order to lay mines under the German trenches.

For those of you who have seen 1917 (our next episode), you will find some familiar territory: filthy trenches, (not so) filthy uniforms, higher-ups obsessed with gaining ground at all costs, and some great cinematography. As you would expect, a $94.2 million budget difference yields…different results.

Join the Danger Close team as we examine this brand new film!

Next Episode: 1917 (2019)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWI #worldwarone

The Imitation Game (2014)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0800

Part biopic, part historical drama, this film tells the story of Alan Turing and the team at Bletchley Park (the eminently secretive Project X) whose work led to the breaking of the German Enigma machines, and arguably to the Allies winning the War.

This is one of the best performances we have seen out of Keira Knightley, who plays a brilliant mathematician, opposite Benedict Cumberbatch’s phenomenal portrayal as an awkward and very closeted Alan Turing.

Another film that plays fast and loose with the actual historical facts, it embellishes Turing’s direct contributions to the project, while simultaneously downplaying his personality and sexuality (which he was famously open about and which created much friction in his life).

So what did they get wrong, what did they get right, and did we like this one? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The War Below (2021)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

What has not already been said about this monumental film?

The Omaha Beach landing sequence it opens with is one of the most gritty and violently realistic combat scenes ever put on film to this day, and it gave a new generation of viewers an idea of what their grandparents had gone through in that war while they were still around to see it themselves.

Critics and viewers alike have long praised it as one of the best war films ever made (despite the admittedly schmaltzy prologue and epilogue).

On this episode of Danger Close, we examine the groundbreaking film in all its glory, through a nuanced discussion about the impact it has had on our culture, the characters’ search for human decency in the midst of chaos, and what we really think Spielberg was trying to say.

Next Episode: The Imitation Game (2014)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

The Vikings (1958)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Filmed in the fjords of Norway and on the coast of France (standing in for Northumbria), this epic tale set in the ninth century immortalized a singular moment in time. The first film depiction of Viking culture since the Nazis had claimed Norse lore for themselves, the story is based as much in myth and legend as it is in history (like most of what we know about Vikings).

Famously the film set that brought Janet Lee and Tony Curtis together so they could bless the world with Jaime Lee Curtis, the casting is phenomenal, although the film gets a bit rapey (viewer discretion advised).

So put on your best pair of swashbuckling sandals, grab your probably not completely period-appropriate sword, and start rowing!

Join the Danger Close team as we set the record straight on this classic of the silver age of cinema!

Next Episode: Saving Private Ryan (1998)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #vikings #middleages #vikingage

Patton (1970)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0800

Releasing to critical acclaim, this film took home seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor (George C. Scott), and
Best Director (Franklin J. Schaffner).

It is often at the top of “best war films” lists, and a favorite of film buffs. It follows Patton's various commands through their campaigns in North Africa and the invasion of Europe in the latter part of World War II.

It’s widely considered one of George C. Scott’s best performances, and he definitely storms his way through the film. But is the portrayal of General Patton historically accurate? And did we love it or hate it?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Vikings (1958)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

BONUS EPISODE: The Terminator (1984)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0800

BONUS EPISODE: The Terminator!

The Danger Close team is taking their holiday break for this week's release, but we didn't want to leave you all empty-handed. So here is a gift from us, our first Patreon episode from last year!

You can listen to two of us gush over one of James Cameron's most popular films, and hear the other host be wrong.

If you enjoy this episode and want to hear us return for T2, you can sign up for just $4 a month at: www.dangerclosepod.com/support

You will get access to our entire catalogue, and a brand new episode every month of Danger Close...Enough, the show where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war films (or close enough).

Next Episode:

Patton (1970)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #scifi

Doctor Zhivago (1965)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

DISCRETION ADVISED: This film depicts several sexual assaults that are discussed in the episode.

Our first David Lean film, but certainly not our last!

Set during World War I and the October Revolution of 1917, this love triangle (square? parallelogram?) takes place during turbulent times, and the production spared no expense with its full-scale recreation of ten square blocks of Moscow, thousands of extras, and beautiful vistas captured in Spain and Canada.

Based on the book by Boris Pasternak, and banned in the Soviet Union for decades along with the film, this Oscar-winner is one you won’t want to miss.

Find out which one of us sides with the Reds, the Whites, or just Omar Sharif's dreamy mustache!

Stick around after the end music to hear a reading of Boris Pasternak's "Hamlet" poem (at the end of the book amongst Zhivago's poems), by Russian friend of the show Tanya Lukyanova and our very own Katie Schaefer.

Next Episode: Patton (1970)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #worldwarone #WWI #russianrevolution #revolution

CHE (2008)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0800

In this sprawling two-part biopic, director Steven Soderbergh shows us the experiences of Ernesto "Che" Guevara during the Cuban revolution in 1956, and Che’s subsequent failed attempt at revolution in Bolivia in 1967.

Approaching Gettysburghian lengths, the two parts relay in sometimes oppressive detail (drawing from Guevara’s own journals) the conditions these rebels were up against and the obstacles they faced.

The filmmaker knew that he was covering a controversial topic; Che is still simultaneously reviled as a mass murderer by some, and lauded as a hero by others. The film’s critical reception was just as polarized.

So what was Soderbergh trying to tell us about this larger-than-life figure? Did the writers have an opinion, or is this a mostly neutral depiction of the events?

Next Episode: Doctor Zhivago (1965)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #cuba #revolution #castro

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0800

A rebellion film if there ever was one, Italian director Gillo Pontecorvo's magnum opus dramatizes the fight against French Colonialism in 1950s Algeria.

A quintessential example of Italian neorealism, the documentary-style of the filming, the film stock itself, and the use of non-professional actors give this film a gritty, real-life feel.

It has been an inspiration to terrorist organizations and governments alike, and is an important and thought-provoking part of cinema history.

Next Episode: CHE - Part one and two (2008)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #revolution #algeria

Hamilton (2015/2020)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0800

Are we doing it? We're doing it! We are diving into our very first musical!

Depicting two pivotal battles in the American Revolutionary war (1775-1783), it certainly has some war in it. And it is a FILMed performance of the stage play.

It has been a sensation since its debut on Broadway for good reason, and it really does bring some of America's founding fathers to life with that wonderful blend of jazz and hip-hop that only Lin-Manuel Miranda could pull off.

Constitutional rap battles, muskets, and adultery, OH MY!

Join us as we explore An American Musical.

Next Episode: The Battle of Algiers (1966)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #musical #revolutionarywar

The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:00:00 -0700

From British director Ken Loach, this story is set in 1920 during the War for Irish Independence, depicting the conflict between Irish militants and occupying British forces, and the internal struggle between the newly formed Irish Free State Army and the IRA.

One side supported a treaty with the British, while the other side would only accept an unconditional departure of all British troops from Ireland.

Two brothers end up on opposing sides of that conflict in this intimate portrayal of the combat and personal strife between these factions.

Just how many Irish words can we mispronounce? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: Hamilton (2020 live stage recording)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #revolution #ira #irish

Gettysburg (1993)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0700

Groom your beards and dust-off your Civil War uniforms and dresses, cause we are going back to 1863!

This popular Ron Maxwell film has no shortage of stellar actors: Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, and even Sam Elliot and his mustache make an epic and most welcome return.

But is this just a four and a half hour battle reenactment, or is there something more to it? Do we get a neutral and unbiased depiction of the events, or is there an agenda at work?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #civilwar

The Blue Max (1966)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0700

If you are a Patron of the show, you will notice that this is our second film starring George Peppard and THIRD film scored by Jerry Goldsmith in a row! Is this just a coincidence, or some weird thing Liam has been doing with our film selection? Who knows!

This week's episode brings us a very famous WWI aviation film from director John Guillermin. It has been simultaneously lauded as one of the most accurate depictions of combat flight in that era, and maligned by the author of the book the film is based on for its inaccuracy.

Does it hold up? It's up to us to discuss, and for you listeners to decide. This was a highly requested episode, so we are looking forward to hearing what you all think!

Next Episode: Gettysburg (1993)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #WWI #worldwarone

Seven Days in May (1964)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 12:00:00 -0700

From director John Frankenheimer (The Manchurian Candidate, Birdman of Alcatraz, THE Island of Dr. Moreau) and screenwriter Rod Serling (The Twighlight Zone, Planet of the Apes), comes what many consider one of the best political thrillers of all time!

It asks questions of us that are just as relevant now as they were around the time of the JFK assassination:
Is the President doing what's best for the country?
Can our democracy survive a military coup?
How did Kirk Douglas possibly shave that chinple?!

Next Episode: The Blue Max (1966)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #coldwar #coup

BONUS EPISODE: Starship Troopers (1997) with Paul Sammon

A War Film Podcast — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0700

BONUS EPISODE: Starship Troopers with Paul M. Sammon!

Just a taste of our Patreon offerings, for anyone who is on the fence.

Dan, Katie, and Liam talk with Hollywood legend and film historian Paul M. Sammon about all the bug-hunting details of this classic film from Dutch director Paul Verhoeven.

Paul Sammon has been in the business for a long time and was kind enough to sit down with us and tell us stories about his experiences in the film industry, the history of the film, epic mustaches, and more!

He has published dozens of books and has been involved in the making of a slew of films, including writing Future Noir (the making of Blade Runner), The Making of Starship Troopers, articles in The Los Angeles Times, Cinefex, and Cinefatastique among others; RoboCop, Robocop II, Platoon, Blue Velvet, Conan the Barbarian, The Silence of the Lambs, the list goes on.

This episode will be free for all listeners. If you enjoy it, join our patreon for only $4 a month here:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

You can read more about Paul's work here:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1146839/?ref_=vp_back
https://bladerunner.fandom.com/wiki/Paul_M._Sammon

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #paulmsammon #scifi

We Were Soldiers (2002)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0700

This film is...something. Depicting the first major battle between U.S. forces and the NVA, and the first coordinated use of helicopters in combat, there is no doubt that there is a story here that must be told. The common recollection seems to be that we all liked this film when it came out in 2002. But has it aged well?

At first, we were sure Mel Gibson had to have directed and produced the thing...but on closer inspection, it turns out he is only the star of the film. And he's surrounded by great talent! Sam Elliot, Greg Kinnear, a young John Hamm in his first major role...but what is that smell...?

OH, RANDAL WALLACE directing, that's what!! The screenwriter of Braveheart, and descendant of William Wallace. (Maybe). Turns out that he alludes strongly to that fact, but there is no proof of the claim. Probably not the only thing on his resume that fits that category.

Honestly, there could not be more stars involved here, including a graceful if mostly wasted Madeleine Stowe, but we kind of wish Randall Wallace had continued to live the life of a Scottish nobleman, drinking ale and not making movies. Alas, here we are.

Next Episode: Seven Days in May (1964)

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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:30:00 -0700

Based on Patrick O’Brien’s extensive series of novels set during the Napoleonic wars, and touted as one of the most accurate period pieces ever made, this film features Russell Crowe in his prime as Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, several brave little midshipmen, lots of swashbuckling, and...well, what more do you need? Oh right, maybe a proto-Darwinian expedition to the Galapagos complete with giant tortoises and flightless cormorants, a daring and adventurous biologist...and a battle to the death with the French!

See if we managed to pick the lesser of two weevils, and join on the high seas as we take the plunge into Naval history!

Next Episode: We Were Soldiers (2002)

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The Death of Stalin (2017)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0700

From writer/director Armando Iannucci of Veep fame, this dark comedy sheds some light on the inner turmoils of the Soviet government during and after Stalin's death in 1953.

Backstabbings and frontstabbings abound, and while it plays it a little loose with the facts, it doesn't have a dull moment. So toss off your cape, lock your doors, and join us before you get reported to the authorities!

Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming platforms.

Next Episode: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

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Throne of Blood (1957)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Our first foray into acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's work, his adaptation of Macbeth has it all!
A story of murder, betrayal, ghosts, and samurai, 1957's Throne of Blood (The Castle of the Spider's Web) is as epic as it is intense, especially thanks to Toshiro Mifune's over-the-top performance and an unforgettable end scene.
Join us as we get in way over our heads on Shakespeare, Noh theatre, katanas, and witches.

Available to stream on Criterion channel or Amazon Prime.

Note: as a reference, we discuss Justin Kurzel's 2015 Macbeth film in this episode, and there are spoilers.

Next Episode: The Death of Stalin (2017)

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Argo (2012)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

There are few Hollywood movies more unbelievable than this true story of the mission to rescue six Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979, but are the liberties this films takes with the facts justified? Is it pro-CIA propaganda? And is it - in hindsight - deserving of the accolades it received upon its release? Please allow the flight attendant to collect all alcoholic beverages, as we are entering Iranian airspace in the 2012 Ben Affleck-directed Best Picture winner, Argo.

Next Episode: Throne of Blood (1957)

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Beau Travail (1999)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Inspired by the Herman Melville novella Billy Budd, and shot on a small budget and in defiance of the French Military, the production of this movie saw more combat than actually ended up on the screen. But this tale of bitter obsession in a unit of the French Foreign Legion is as beautiful as it is confounding.

Directed by Claire Denis with Cinematographer Agnes Goddard behind the camera, next week we try our hand at our first bona fide Art Film.

Available as a Criterion disk or on their streaming service (free 14-day trial).

Next Episode: Argo (2012)

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Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 01:15:00 -0700

In our second audience choice episode, Kingdom of Heaven just barely beat out The Dam Busters! But this may have been to our detriment, as us hosts collectively had to watch...something like fifteen hours' worth of this movie. And then we had the meta-struggle of deciding whether to cut our own short and long versions of this very episode!

In the end, we pulled together what we thought was the best of both worlds: a deep dive into Ridley Scott's phenomenal set design, swords and armor and all; and a conversation about the deeper meanings behind this film in a freshly post-9/11 world. Join us in the late 12th century as we parse out the historical from the not-so-much, in our crusade to find out if this 2005 epic still holds up.

Next Episode: Beau Travail (1999)

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Hot Shots! (1991)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Can we still enjoy early, pre-winning Charlie Sheen? How well does a comedy so firmly rooted in the early 90s hold up? Tune in for our possibly ill-advised break from the serious as we venture into the absurdity of this Gulf War/Top Gun spoof from 1991: HOT SHOTS!

Next Episode: Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

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Atonement (2007)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 21 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

A story told through the eyes of a British woman as a child, young nurse, and old writer, Atonement is an epic romance spanning from the pre-war years to Britain's strategic retreat at Dunkirk. Joe Wright directs a formidable cast, but with...debatable success. Let's see whether Dan and Katie can defend this war film from the onslaught of Liam's cynicism and David Lean's widow's less than flowery appraisal. And somehow Joel Schumacher makes an appearance too. Go figure.

Next Episode: Hot Shots! (1991)

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Empire of the Sun (1987)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 07 May 2021 00:00:00 -0700

The Japanese invasion of China had been ongoing since the early 1930s, but in coordination with the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese forces moved into allied colonies on the mainland. This included the international section of Shanghai, where Jamie, the spoiled son of a British manufacturer, becomes separated from his parents in the chaos of war and has to fend for himself in a Japanese internment camp. With powerful performances from Christian Bale, John Malkovich, and Miranda Richardson, this is Spielberg at his best, portraying a seldom-depicted theater of WWII in one of his most underrated films.

Next Episode: Atonement (2007)

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Jojo Rabbit (2019)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 00:30:00 -0700

In this daring comedy, Taika Waititi tries his hand at historical satire. The story follows a young boy named Jojo in a small German town at the end of WWII; through his interactions with his mother, his imaginary friend Adolf, and a mysterious girl hiding in his attic, Jojo has to come to grips with the reality of Nazi propaganda, and deal with his shifting understanding of the world.

Next Episode: Empire of the Sun (1987)

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Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0700

Seita and his little sister Setsuko navigate through the aftermath of the firebombings of Kobe in early 1945. Within months of the attack that shattered their lives, the U.S. would drop the only atomic bombs ever used in warfare and bring the Japanese Empire to an unconditional surrender. But before those weapons of mass destruction, there were others. This is a sad film - even Liam couldn't dick-joke his way out of this one - yet in the depths of its tragedy, it is a masterful depiction of the beauty of humanity and the innocence of childhood.

Next Episode: Jojo Rabbit (2019)

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The Caine Mutiny (1954)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0700

A star-studded cast brings the USS Caine to life, a fictional WWII minesweeping-ship commanded by a paranoid and arguably incompetent Captain Queeg (Humphrey Bogart). Training incidents, accusations of icebox theft by the sailors, and finally a dangerous storm that threatens to sink the ship, bring the officers to mutiny, resulting in a third-act court martial for the culprits.

Will the Navy side with the Captain, or the crew? Is Queeg a madman? And where the hell are those damn strawberries?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #navy #WWII #worldwar2

They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0800

Made as a heartfelt tribute to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the Armistice, Peter Jackson crafted this incredible documentary from hundreds of hours of interviews and never before seen footage from the archives of the Imperial War Museum and the BBC. But it wouldn't be a Peter Jackson film without pulling out every technical trick in the book, including showing it in 3D.

Join us as the gang debates, among other things, whether Jackson's cinematic wizardry deepens or cheapens the subject matter, and if one should be kink shamed for a British pooping stick fetish.

Next Episode: The Caine Mutiny (1954)

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWI #worldwarone

The Outpost (2020)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0800

As one of the most realistic and accurate war films ever made, 2020's The Outpost was difficult both to watch and to discuss. Eight U.S. Soldiers lost their lives in the battle depicted, countless others were wounded, and two walked away with The Medal of Honor, something that had not happened in over fifty years.

Join us as we talk about how the film was made, how well it serves the memory of those who lost their lives, and of course, how Liam would have done it better.

Next Episode: They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

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Full Metal Jacket (1987)

A War Film Podcast — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0800

We didn't mean to drop our first film dealing with the Tet Offensive on the actual Vietnamese Holiday, but sometimes the planets align without any help from us. Join us as we launch this new project and separate the Cowboys from the Jokers with Stanley Kubrick's iconic depiction of the Marine experience in the Vietnam War.

Next episode: The Outpost (2020)

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Trailer

A War Film Podcast — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0800

In combat, DANGER CLOSE is the term used when calling for fire support if you or other friendly forces are in close proximity to the target.
War is Hell,
people make films about it,
and we love to talk about them.
We are Dan, Katie, and Liam, and this...is DANGER CLOSE.

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