10 WWII Drama Films to Watch

Description: Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. This film is a testament to the power of one man's moral awakening amidst the darkest times.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary-like feel, and Steven Spielberg donated his salary to the Shoah Foundation, which records testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

Description: This film captures the brutal reality of the D-Day invasion and follows a squad of American soldiers on a mission to find and bring home a paratrooper whose brothers have all been killed in action. It's a raw depiction of war's toll on soldiers.

Fact: The opening sequence depicting the Normandy landings was so realistic that it caused PTSD symptoms in some WWII veterans who watched it.

Description: Set during the Battle of Guadalcanal, this film focuses on the inner lives of soldiers, exploring themes of nature, beauty, and the human condition amidst the chaos of war.

Fact: Terrence Malick, the director, had been out of the film industry for 20 years before making this film, and it features an ensemble cast including many big names.

Description: This film tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust by living in hiding in Warsaw. It's a poignant exploration of survival, humanity, and the power of music amidst the horrors of war.

Fact: Adrien Brody, who played Szpilman, lost 14 kilograms for the role and learned to play the piano. He also won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance.

Description: While not exclusively about WWII, the film's latter part deals with the war's impact on the characters, particularly during the Dunkirk evacuation, showcasing the personal and societal consequences of war.

Fact: The famous five-minute continuous shot at Dunkirk was meticulously planned and took several days to film.

Description: Set in Nazi Germany, this film follows a young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others, offering a unique perspective on the war through the eyes of a child.

Fact: The film's narration is done by Death, giving it a unique and poignant storytelling style.

Description: This film tells the true story of Eric Lomax, a British Army officer who was tortured by the Japanese during WWII and later confronts his past. It's a powerful tale of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Fact: Colin Firth, who plays Lomax, met the real Eric Lomax and his wife, Patti, to prepare for his role.

Description: While focusing on the life of Alan Turing, this film also delves into the WWII codebreaking efforts at Bletchley Park, highlighting the human drama behind the war's technological advancements.

Fact: The film's title refers to the Turing Test, a measure of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, a human.

Description: This film focuses on Winston Churchill's early days as Prime Minister during the critical period of May 1940, when the fate of Western Europe hung in the balance.

Fact: Gary Oldman, who played Churchill, spent over 200 hours in makeup to transform into the iconic leader.

Description: Christopher Nolan's film captures the Dunkirk evacuation from three perspectives: land, sea, and air, emphasizing the urgency and desperation of the situation.

Fact: The film was shot with IMAX cameras to give viewers an immersive experience, and it has very little dialogue, focusing instead on the visual storytelling.