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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 23, 2009 20:25:08 GMT 12
Many war films have very wooden, one-dimensional characters but some of them have real depth and personality. I thought it would be interesting to hear opinions and suggestions, or I guess nominations for the best characters in war films (not just aviation films but also army and navy).
Some suggestions from me. In the brilliant 1944 film 'The Way Ahead', which is one of my all time favourite films, all the characters are just perfect, very well written and sympatheitcally played by an amazing cast. But a stand out among them for me is William Hartnell's character as the platoon's sergeant, Sgt Ned Fletcher. Hartnell was wonderful as the disciplinarian who had a heart.
Another terrific character, and based on a real man, is Michael Redgrave's portrayal of Barnes Wallis in The Dam Busters. I sincerely feel it will be hard for any actor to play the part so well in the new version.
There must be many others. I'd love to hear your favourites, and why.
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Post by aileronroll on Feb 24, 2009 11:36:52 GMT 12
Numerous guys from the Piece Of Cake series did it well !
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 24, 2009 12:15:05 GMT 12
Yes, I totally agree with that.
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Post by fletcherfu24 on Feb 24, 2009 20:51:52 GMT 12
George C. Scott ..... Patton
James Mason .... Rommel
John Wayne......Flying Tigers
Frank Sinatra.....Von Ryans Express.
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Post by tempestwulf on Feb 24, 2009 22:58:48 GMT 12
Mel Gibson - We Were soldiers
Tom Hanks - Saving Private Ryan
Brotherhood of War - this is a Korean movie based on two brothers during 1950-53 Korean War. Very very awesome and surreal, emotional at the end - made me tear.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 24, 2009 23:07:24 GMT 12
I think M.E. Clifton James playing himself playing General Bernard Montgomery in the true story of deception, I Was Monty's Double, was very good. Great film, and amazing story.
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Post by yak2 on Feb 25, 2009 9:02:52 GMT 12
Bud Tingwell. Wartime Mosquito pilot. Sure looked the part in his acting roles.
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Post by corsair67 on Feb 25, 2009 10:02:45 GMT 12
That is an awesome movie - but the only point that made me nearly cry was when the CGI Corsair was shot down! ;D
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Post by tempestwulf on Feb 25, 2009 11:50:42 GMT 12
That is an awesome movie - but the only point that made me nearly cry was when the CGI Corsair was shot down! ;D (pat pat) it's okay it was ONLY CGI, cry for the real one's that were lost  That movie's got some good scene's & gore actually, the guy with the maggots over his wound...mmm crawly skin. |
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Post by grannygussie on Apr 22, 2012 16:15:08 GMT 12
I heard Bud Tingwell, very typically modest, said he went to the interview for an airman's part and was taken immediately, as he was able to provide his own uniform. He did a lot of photographic reccy work. Think he flew Spitfires, as well.
John Wayne only ever played John Wayne, didn't he? And that, a fantasy of a great fighter for the weak and wronged... so much for his real life record. I have little time for him, in any way. His politics were too right wing for me.
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Post by phil82 on Apr 22, 2012 16:32:38 GMT 12
Michael Caine in Battle of Britain; " "The engine's overheating and so am I. Either we take off or we blow up - which is it going to be?"
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Post by phil82 on Apr 22, 2012 16:46:32 GMT 12
...and Susannah York....get's my vote every time!  |
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Post by Luther Moore on Apr 22, 2012 16:52:38 GMT 12
Willem Daoe - Platoon
Tom Hanks - Saving Private Ryan
Ken Watanabe - Letters rom Iwo Jima
Mel Gibson - The Patriot
Robert Downey Jr - Tropic Thunder
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 22, 2012 16:53:29 GMT 12
!!! She was one of the whiniest, annoying and worst characters in film history. She never listened to her practical, wise husband. She's lucky she never got a slap in those days. The only redeeming feature was her lingerie.
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Post by jonesy on Apr 22, 2012 16:58:33 GMT 12
Chuck Norris. as Chuck Norris. Total awesomeness  |
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Post by gunny on Apr 22, 2012 17:09:03 GMT 12
Any actor who says dakka dakka dakka was the first thing in my mind, sheesh i still use that term weekly when trying to drive in rush hour traffic heh heh
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Post by phil82 on Apr 22, 2012 17:27:46 GMT 12
!!! She was one of the whiniest, annoying and worst characters in film history. She never listened to her practical, wise husband. She's lucky she never got a slap in those days. The only redeeming feature was her lingerie. Knickers? Hadn't noticed, but now that  you mention it... |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 22, 2012 17:36:55 GMT 12
What war films did Chuck Norris do Jonesey I don't think I've ever seen any of his films.
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Post by corsair67 on Apr 22, 2012 17:56:09 GMT 12
What war films did Chuck Norris do Jonesey I don't think I've ever seen any of his films. Missing in Action I, II, III.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 22, 2012 18:53:08 GMT 12
If he went missing three times he can't have been very good. Or was it his razor and hair clippers that were missing?
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you mention it...