What's a film genre that's guaranteed to get audiences to fill movie theatres or watch TV? That will elicit excitement from critics and viewers alike? And that's become Oscar bait for quite some time now? War films and TV shows. Some of the most memorable and iconic films of all time are set in wars. But Why are they so entertaining? Here are a few reasons.
They’re Full of Action
Don't beat around the bush! You know you love war films because of the gory stuff. Because of the shooting! Because of the sheer majesty of battle sequences. Any other answer will be complete and utter bulls**t! And you don't have to be ashamed of it. There is a certain thrill seeing soldiers charge and head on to battle. Fury, a 2014 film starring Brad Pitt and Logan Lerman, was full of them and was central to the plot. And it doesn't take a f**king genius to find out why it was so praised by critics and earned millions worldwide.
They’re Historic
Unless it's a fantasy movie, war films are mostly set in historical times. The Civil War, World War I and II, the Vietnam War, Afghanistan War—filmmakers have made at least two of within the backdrop of each. That's usually the importance of war movies and TV shows. They show what it might have been like for the soldiers who experienced these world events themselves. Their trauma, their tragedies, their stories. "Apocalypse Now" is a great example of such. Starring the likes of Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, and Martin Sheen, the film captured what volunteers for the Vietnam War went through! To this day, it's still a powerful work of art!
They Tug at Your Heart Strings
Whatever you feel about wars, you can't help but feel all sorts of emotion when you watch films made about them. I'm sure when you saw HBO's "Band of Brothers" back in 2001, you laughed, cried, and got angry like the characters themselves. And I don't blame you, it's a sold show that preceded all the cinematic series we see now. And the root of it, war brings out the most in all of us. It brings out our bravest, most valiant, most emotional, most aggravated—you name it. And even when we're in the pease of our own home, just seeing war take place on TV is a roller coaster of emotions.
They’re Inspirational
They're not inspirational in the sense that they'd make you want to go out and kill someone (dear God I hope not!!), but inspirational in the sense that you'll feel thankful for what you have. When your side of the world is at peace, savor it, relish the moment, and enjoy it while you can. People who live in areas of war or soldiers don't have the same luxuries as you might have. This is why "Good Morning Vietnam" hits you where it hurts. Robin Williams' sunny DJing is the only ray of hope soldiers, as well as the Vietnamese, get in the course of the film.
They’re Often Romantic
We can't help it, countries in conflict are the perfect backdrops for tragic love stories. "Pearl Harbor" for instance, is a famous romance film set at the beginning of World War II. And while it's your run-of-the-mill romance between a nurse and a soldier, and though the film was panned by critics, it was embraced by audiences. It even got nominated for four Academy Awards. So despite what critics say, people still love great love stories, especially if they're in war films!
Don’t think of yourself as a violent person if you’re into war films and Tv shows. There’s more to love about them than just the action and the gory stuff!
