Conflict, in its many forms, is a central theme in cinema, used to drive narratives, develop characters, and engage audiences on a profound level. Films about conflict delve into the complexities of human relationships, societal structures, ideological differences, and internal struggles, showcasing the varying ways individuals or groups confront and navigate adversities. These stories range from personal battles and family feuds to global wars and the fight against oppressive systems, reflecting the multifaceted nature of conflict as a universal aspect of the human experience. Below are several films that explore these themes:
“Braveheart”, 1995
Director: Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson stars in and directs this epic tale of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against the oppressive English rule. The film is a dramatic portrayal of the conflict for freedom and the brutality of medieval warfare.
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Angus Macfadyen, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine McCormack, Brian Cox, Gerard McSorley, Martin Murphy, Tommy Flanagan;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: history, biography, drama, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 178 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Braveheart” on the website imdb.com
“Hotel Rwanda”, 2004
Director: Terry George
This film, directed by Terry George, tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda. It's a stark depiction of ethnic conflict and the resilience of the human spirit.
Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Cara Seymour, Joaquin Phoenix, Jean Reno, Fana Mokoena, David O'Hara, Tony Kgoroge, Desmond Dube;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Hotel Rwanda” on the website imdb.com
“Saving Private Ryan”, 1998
Director: Steven Spielberg
Another Spielberg film that captures the brutality and chaos of World War II, focusing on the mission to find and bring home Private James Ryan after the Normandy landings. It's renowned for its realistic portrayal of conflict and the sacrifices of war.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, Matt Damon, Ted Danson;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: war, action, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 169 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,6;
More information about the film “Saving Private Ryan” on the website imdb.com
“Apocalypse Now”, 1979
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this film adapts Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” to the Vietnam War, exploring the madness of conflict and the darkness within human nature as Captain Willard searches for the rogue Colonel Kurtz.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Sam Bottoms, Laurence Fishburne, Albert Hall, Harrison Ford, Dennis Hopper, G.D. Spradlin;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: war, drama, history, action;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 194 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
“The Hurt Locker”, 2008
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this modern war film focuses on a bomb disposal team during the Iraq War, examining the psychological and physical conflicts faced by soldiers and the adrenaline addiction war can create.
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Christian Camargo, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, Sam Spruell, Christopher Sayegh, Evangeline Lilly;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: thriller, drama, war, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Selma”, 2014
Director: Ava DuVernay
Directed by Ava DuVernay, this historical drama chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. It's a powerful testament to the conflict for civil rights and the struggle against racial injustice.
Starring: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Lorraine Toussaint, Common, Giovanni Ribisi, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr.;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Selma” on the website imdb.com
“Lincoln”, 2012
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, focusing on the last few months of President Abraham Lincoln's life as he strives to pass the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, amidst the civil war. The film showcases the political conflict and moral dilemmas faced by Lincoln in his fight for justice.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, John Hawkes, Jackie Earle Haley, Bruce McGill;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, war, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 150 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Lincoln” on the website imdb.com
These films, among countless others, illustrate the various dimensions of conflict, offering viewers insight into the struggles that define and shape human existence.
In confluence, films about conflict thrust us into the heart of human struggle, cutting across eras and borders to reveal universal truths about bravery, destruction, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of humanity. From the gritty trenches of war depicted in “Saving Private Ryan” to the moral quandaries explored in “Schindler's List,” through to the intimate internal battles of “The Hurt Locker,” these narratives illuminate the vast spectrum of conflict, both external and internal, that defines the human condition. They serve not only as records of our collective past and reflections on our present but also as poignant reminders of the enduring hope that, even in our darkest hours, we might find the courage and compassion to weather the storm. Through their compelling storytelling, vivid characters, and immersive visual spectacles, films about conflict leave an indelible mark on the viewer, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of human conflicts and inspiring conversations long after the closing credits roll.
