World War II

A Hidden Life (2019) by Terrence Malick

One of the most recent films about WWII, this is a totally new perspective on the struggles of people who did not believe in the ideas of the Nazis. Based on a true story of a farmer in Austria who refused to swear allegiance to Hitler, this film includes very little violence, but is incredibly powerful when portraying the quiet, deep resistance of the mind. The cinematography is breathtaking, and August Diehl's performance moving, as well as Austrian Valerie Pachner as his wife. As a bonus, there are great supporting actors such as Matthias Schoenaerts, Alexander Fehling, as well as the final performances by Swiss legend Bruno Ganz and Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist, who have both passed away since this film was shot.

Inglorious Basterds (2009) by Quentin Tarantino

One of Tarantino's best films, he manages to combine the horrors of WWII with some humour in a way that is not disrespectful. It tells the mostly fictional story of a group pf Nazi hunters, set in the historically accurate setting of occupied France. The storytelling, dialogue and cinematography is magnificent, and the all-star cast with Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent, Michael Fassbender and several great German actors (among them Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl and August Diehl) gives convincing and partly hilarious performances.

The Great Dictator (1940) by Charlie Chaplin

A great classic of cinema, which is still amazing to watch today. Set in a fictional country ruled by a dictator called Hynkel, it tells the story of a Jewish barber who happens to resemble the great dictator (both are played by Chaplin). It is an unusually serious film for Chaplin, despite its usual comic elements, which are spot-on in this film. Especially the speech at the end has become famous, and is considered a symbol of hope and peace. 

Dunkirk (2017) by Christopher Nolan

Showing a more British perspective of WWII, this film tells the story of one of the most important battles in Northern France. In 1940, allied soldiers are stuck on the beaches of Dunkirk and surrounded by German forces. This visually stunning film shows different soldiers and civilians dealing with the situation, on land, in planes and on ships. The storytelling and cinematography are masterful, as well as the score. The soldiers are played by a mix of young fresh faces such as Fionn Whitehead, and revered British actors such as Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy and Kenneth Branagh.

Schindler's List (1993) by Steven Spielberg

Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, this film is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved hundreds of lives during WWII. A German manufacturer with many jobs to fill, he realises that by hiring Jewish workers, he does not only serve his own business interests but also saves lives at the same time. A story about humanity that has touched millions, and remains one of the greatest films about the Holocaust. Liam Neeson as Schindler is just as great as Ben Kingsley as his Jewish head of employees, and Ralph Fiennes performance as a Nazi ranks among the most evil villains in film history.

The Reader (2008) by Stephen Daldry

Based on the novel by Bernhard Schlink, this film deals with the aftermath of WWII, when a law student takes part in a war crimes trial and recognised one of the accused. Filmed in three different times of the protagonist's life, resulting in an intricate narrative which reveals the truth step by step. A war film which does not actually show many of the horrors of war, it is rather dealing with questions of responsibility, guilt and forgiveness. Kate Winslet won an Oscar for her performance, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross are equally convincing, and supporting roles are cast with Bruno Ganz, Lena Olin and Hannah Herzsprung. 

La Vita E Bella (1997) by Roberto Benigni

(Also known as Life is Beautiful)

An unusual tale of a Jewish family in Italy, becoming separated during the war and suffering in a concentration camp. The father tries to shield his young son from experiencing trauma, and pretends that they are playing a strange game. A tale of courage, creativity and overcoming challenges, which has touched audiences worldwide and won Italy an Oscar for best foreign language film. The director and leading actor Roberto Benigni also won as a leading actor, becoming the first man to do so for a non-English speaking performance. Benigni's real-life and on-screen wife Nicoletta Braschi gives a wonderful performance as well, and the soundtrack adds to the magic. 

Lilli Marleen (1981) by Rainer Werner Fassbinder 

One of my favourite German films about WWII, this film was made by legendary filmmaker Fassbinder, with both German and international stars. It revolves around the famous song "Lili Marleen", which was popular with German soldiers during the war (known today mainly in the version by Marlene Dietrich). A singer, played by one of Fassbinder's muses, Hanna Schygulla, is torn between her rising fame in Germany with the Nazis, and her love for a Jewish composer. The cast is completed by the amazing Giancarlo Giannini and Hollywood star Mel Ferrer, as well as several of Fassbinders regulars. The soundtrack is of course one of the main stars of this film.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) by Steven Spielberg

An epic film showing a lot of battlefield scenes as is common in American war films, set among US troops in Normandy. The story is at the center of the film, as a very personal issue is causing a mission: A family lost three sons in the war so far, so their fourth son on the battlefield will be informed and sent home to safety as a consolation to his family. The quest to find him shows some of the gruesome realities of the war, but also bring out the best in some of the soldiers united in this mission. A winner of 5 Oscars, including cinematography and directing, this film is not easy to watch but overall uplifting. Tom Hanks carries this film as the leader of the mission, and Matt Damon portrays Private Ryan when he was just starting to make it in Hollywood.

Casablanca (1942) by Michael Curtiz

One of the most famous films ever made, this classic is also dealing with many elements of WWII, besides being a timeless love story. Set in Casablanca (and partially Paris) in the early stages of WWII, an American nightclub owner must face his past and take a stand when his allegiances are being tested. A hotspot for people fleeing from the Nazi-occupied areas to other continents, this film is set in a geographically interesting place, and shows American, French and German perspectives. Besides the stars of the film, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, German actors Conrad Veidt and Peter Lorre give great performances, as well as Paul Henreid and Claude Rains. A gem which is both deep and uplifting, and includes several of the most famous film scenes and quotes.