With its growing number of accolades and award nominations, Sam Mendes’ World War I epic 1917 is slowly becoming a favorite by many critics and audiences alike. Its enveloping cinematic ability to transport viewers into the nightmares of war have been hailed from all sides as a masterpiece of war films and films themselves.
There are few films like it, with most of the film attempting to seem as if it was all filmed in one take by the masterful cinematographer Roger Deakins. But, if you are in need of follow up films to continue your War film marathon, here are just a few options that might be best.
Blackadder Goes Forth
Though it’s not a film, this British comedy series is not only a harsh critique of the war but a loving tribute to the men lost in it. Starring Rowan Atkinson as Blackadder, this fourth season of the multi-period comedy focuses on the character as a British Officer commanding his forces in the trenches.
The series is ridiculous and would serve as a completely different take on the great war. That being said, the final moments of the series are some of the most heartbreaking pieces of cinema you could find, and it ends on a somber note of remembrance.
Anything Shot By Roger Deakins
A lot of the draw to 1917 is that the cinematography was all choreographed and shot by master cameraman Roger Deakins. After finally winning an Oscar for his work on Blade Runner: 2049, Deakins looks to be set to win his second with his nomination for this film.
If you are unfamiliar with the name you certainly aren’t unfamiliar with the films he’s worked on. Everything from bombastic blockbusters like Skyfallto smaller character pieces like Fargo, Deakins has left his stamp all over the world of modern filmmaking. He is a gift to cinephiles everywhere.
All Quiet On The Western Front
Now that you’ve seen the most recent vision of The Great War, take a step back in time to 1930 to witness a film that was released far closer to the end of the conflict. All Quiet on the Western Front is a film adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel of the same name.
The silent feature focuses on the events of the book much in the same way. The story focuses instead on a group of German soldiers during the war who enlist as schoolboys. As the war rages on, their sense of innocence is utterly destroyed by the harsh realities of the conflict.
Saving Private Ryan
This Spielberg film might not be about the first world war, but the filmmaking techniques and writing are obviously a major inspiration for the filmmakers behind 1917. Set after the event of the D-Day invasion in Normandy, a battalion of troops must traverse across France to bring home the final son of a family of slain soldiers.
As many know, the opening sequences remains one of the most horrifying and engrossing sequences of war filmmaking ever created. It is a harrowing film that is anchored by the humanistic portraits of these soldiers.
Journey’s End
When it comes to World War I films shot from the British perspective, most have an upper hand in terms of their acting. 1917 is full of small roles played by some of the best actors one could find. The same could be said for the drama Journey’s End.
Starring Asa Butterfield from Sex Education, the MCU’s Paul Bettany, and Sam Claflin, Journey’s End focuses on a group of British troops assigned to an officer who is slowly going mad. These troops have to navigate the horrors of 1918 from both the Germans and their own leadership.
Westfront 1918
Westfront is another silent adaptation of the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, but this version was actually created by german filmmakers. It focuses once again on the German schoolboys who are enlisted to fight the French on the Western Front of the conflict.
This film is arguably more horrifying and grittier than the American version, utilizing techniques that have more in common with the expressionism of the time than true period accuracy. If you’re looking for a horror movie of The Great War, this might be it.
Dunkirk
Another World War II flick, but, unlike Saving Private Ryan, this one has a far different impact. Where Spielberg’s film dealt with the human connections that can be forged during wartime, this film was far more about the visceral struggle and horrors of battle. It’s of a scope unlike anything Christopher Nolan has ever attempted before.
Both this and Private Ryan feel like two ends of the spectrum, with 1917 set in the middle. If you’re a fan of the verisimilitude of 1917, then Dunkirk is the film for you. If the human elements were more compelling, then you’ll enjoy Spielberg’s vision more.
Paths Of Glory
Stanley Kubrick’s most celebrated vision of war might be Full Metal Jacket, but Paths of Glory should be considered in the conversation far more than it currently is. Featuring Kirk Douglas in the starring role, this WWI set drama is a perfect argument about the politics of war.
After a battalion of troops retreats from an attack, their general accuses them of cowardice. It is up to Douglas’ character as the unit commander to try to build the bridge of trust once again. It is a compelling argument over class as opposed to war, showing the simple soldiers as nothing more than pawns controlled by their officers.
Joyeux Noël
One of the most remarkable moments from the first World War was the famous Christmas Truce. On Christmas Eve 1914, an unofficial ceasefire occurred among troops stationed among the Western Front. Celebrations occurred, included caroling and drinking among the enemies, in honor of the holiday.
The 2005 film Joyeux Noël tackles the events that lead to this truce, featuring Scottish, French, and English performers in the roles. The film went on to be nominated for the academy award for the best foreign-language film that year.
They Shall Not Grow Old
Apart from 1917, They Shall Not Grow Old might be the greatest film on World War I ever made. Peter Jackson, the mastermind behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, lead the effort and direct this documentary about British soldiers during WWI in honor of the centenary of the end of the war.
Using techniques never implemented before, Jackson took footage from the time and adjusted the speed, color, and included soundtracks to enhance the footage to modern levels. Never before had footage from the time looked more clear and real, transporting viewers into the lives of the real trenches, not a movie set.
