The Lesser-Known Conflicts
Some international conflicts garner more attention than others. We're looking at you, WWII and Vietnam. But often, there’s a lot of significance and importance to the smaller battles we’ve forgotten about.
To bring them back into the spotlight, here’s a list of the best films about history's forgotten wars.
The Last Of The Mohicans
Directed by Michael Mann, this 1992 film is based on James Fenimore Cooper's historical romance novel of the same title. It follows Daniel Day-Lewis’ character, Hawkeye, a biracial Indigenous man, as he tries to save some British sisters. Little does he know, this valiant deed has consequences.
Twentieth Century, The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
The Last Of The Mohicans
Hawkeye discovers they’re the girls are daughters of a British colonel—but not before falling in love with one of them. This accidentally shunts him and his family into participating in a conflict between the French and the Indigenous population over the destiny of the Ohio River valley.
Twentieth Century, The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Starring Russell Crowe, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (directed by Peter Weir, 2003) details the life of well-liked captain “Lucky” Jack Aubrey of the British Navy as his ship patrols the coasts along Brazil.
Twentieth Century, Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (2003)
Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Captain Jack’s quest is to find and stop French vessels from spreading during the Napoleonic era. This film features stunningly staged battles depicting the conflicts that took place throughout the Napoleonic Wars.
This film is set in 1805, when France stood against the Third Coalition.
Twentieth Century, Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (2003)
Black Hawk Down
This 2001 film, directed by Ridley Scott of Alien fame, is based on the non-fiction account (written by journalist Mark Bowden) of the Somali civil conflict in 1991. The US had stepped in to provide humanitarian aid alongside UN Peacekeeping troops when disaster struck.
The Somali National Alliance shot down three American Black Hawk Helicopters, leading to the Battle of Mogadishu, also known as the Black Hawk Down Incident.
Revolution Studios, Black Hawk Down (2001)
Black Hawk Down
Starring a laundry list of big names like Josh Hartnett, Ewan MacGregor, Eric Bana, Tom Hardy, and Orlando Bloom, Scott's Black Hawk Down mostly stayed true to the real facts of the Battle of Mogadishu, though some parts were heightened for dramatic effect.
The result was one of the most effective and harrowing war movies of the 21st century.
Revolution Studios, Black Hawk Down (2001)
The Killing Fields
Based on the real-life story of Sydney Schanberg (Sam Waterston), who reported the Cambodian civil conflict from the ground.
Alongside his interpreter, Dith Pran (Haing S Ngor), Schanberg revealed the harrowing reality of the Khmer Rouge regiime in Cambodia, which was long completely hidden from the world at large.
Goldcrest Films International, The Killing Fields (1984)
The Killing Fields
As fighting escalates, Sydney tries to help Dith and his family escape the country. But Dith rejects Sydney’s offer and states that he stay so he can reveal what is happening to the world.
Haing S Ngor had personal experience with the Khmer Rouge, which added a passion and intensity to his acting in the film.
Goldcrest Films International, The Killing Fields (1984)
Doctor Zhivago
Set in Russia during and after WWI, 1965's Doctor Zhivago follows Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif). It details his love story with Lara Guishar (Julie Christie) as conflict between Vladimir Lenin’s Bolshevik government and the White Army ignites all around them.
Doctor Zhivago
This film balances the personal stakes of everyday people who are caught in the national-level conflict that will change their lives. Be warned, this film is over three hours long, but still worth the watch—especially in beautifully restored 4K.
Heartbreak Ridge
Heartbreak Ridge is a 1986 film directed by Clint Eastwood. Normally known for his westerns, Clint stars as Marine Sergeant Thomas Highway, who has to whip his men into shape before the American Invasion of Grenada.
The Malpaso Company, Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Heartbreak Ridge
This film depicts the often-forgotten 1983 event, when President Ronald Reagan launched an attack on Grenada to remove Marxists who had taken over the country.
The Malpaso Company, Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
The Quiet American
This 2005 film starring Brendan Fraser details the Indochina conflict, and is based on the novel of the same title by Graham Greene. Unlike other movies depicting American involvement in foreign conflicts, this film doesn’t hesitate to call out the CIA’s role in exacerbating the situation.
Miramax, The Quiet American (2002)
The Quiet American
In addition to detailing the conflict, the film draws different throughlines of intrigue and romance, as Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser) and Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine) vie for the affections of Phuong (Do Hai Yen), a Vietnamese woman. This film has something for everyone!
Miramax, The Quiet American (2002)
Tears Of The Sun
Tears Of The Sun, directed by Antoine Fuqua in 2003, reports to detail the Nigerian civil conflict. Starring Bruce Willis, this conflict started when the Republic of Biafra seceded from Nigeria, which triggered a horrifying series of events, including malnutrition and large-stale destruction.
Revolution Studios, Tears Of The Sun (2003)
Tears Of The Sun
Willis’ character is sent to save a doctor (Monica Bellucci), but she’ll only go with him if he takes the refugees she’s been helping with them. Unfortunately, this film received many criticisms for being an inaccurate representation of the conflict and is more of an action film than historical.
Revolution Studios, Tears Of The Sun (2003)
The Year Of Living Dangerously
The second of Peter Weir's films on this list, 1982's The Year Of Living Dangerously details the actions of a group called the 30 September Movement who tried to overthrow the Indonesian government. Not only did the group ultimately fail, but the government retaliated by flushing out anyone who might’ve been a sympathizer.
MGM, The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982)
The Year Of Living Dangerously
Guy Hamilton (Mel Gibson) is a journalist who is covering the uprising, but falls in love with an employee at the British embassy, Jill Bryant (Sigourney Weaver). Weir once again shows his talent in combining romance subplots with broader conflicts. Definitely worth the watch!
MGM, The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982)
The Battle Of Algiers
The efforts to remove French rule from Algeria led to nearly a decade of conflict, and in that time, many severe offences were committed. The 1966 film The Battle of Algiers follows Colonel Mathieu (Jean Martin), former French Resistance fighter, who tries to reduce the conflict in Algeria.
Igor Film, The Battle Of Algiers (1966)
The Battle Of Algiers
When Mathieu comes face-to-face with Ali la Pointe (Brahim Haggiag), who fights on the side of Algerian Freedom, the two become enemies and fight for their lives. This film should definitely go on your watchlist, as it has a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Igor Film, The Battle Of Algiers (1966)
Exodus
Exodus (directed by Otto Preminger, 1960) follows Ari Ben Canaan (Paul Newman), a member of a Jewish special forces group. His mission: To rescue 611 Jewish people from a British internment camp and transport them to Palestine. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.
Otto Preminger Films, Exodus (1960)
Exodus
This film is set during the first Arab-Israeli conflict, when Palestinians fought for their homeland against Israeli colonization. It tries to establish the nuances of the conflict while engaging viewers in an educational and entertaining film.
Otto Preminger Films, Exodus (1960)
The Charge Of The Light Brigade
Major Geoffrey Vickers (Errol Flynn) is stationed in India, grappling with personal and professional issues. His brother nabbed his fiancée, and the British garrison was beginning hostilities, driving Geoffrey to seek vengeance.
Warner Bros., The Charge Of The Light Brigade (1936)
The Charge Of The Light Brigade
The film (dir Tony Richardson, 1968) is set during the Crimean conflict, in which Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire push back against Russia and Tsar Nicholas I as he tries to spread his rule. While not especially accurate to history, The Charge Of The Light Brigade is a great film.
Woodfall Film Productions, The Charge Of The Light Brigade (1968)
First They Killed My Father
Directed by Angelina Jolie in 2017, First They Killed My Father is another film focused on Khmer Rouge regime, but from a far more intimate perspective: That of a child soldier. It is unsurprisingly a disturbing experience.
Netflix, First They Killed My Father (2017)
First They Killed My Father
The film follows seven-year-old Loung Ung (Sareum Srey Moch) as she is forced to become a combatant and her siblings are sent to a labor camp. It doesn’t shy away from the horrors of Loung’s experiences, and her story is told with a delicate and compassionate hand.
Netflix, First They Killed My Father (2017)
Salvador
Directed by Oliver Stone in 1986, Salvador follows Richard Boyle (James Woods), who travels El Salvador as a photojournalist. He documents the civil conflict and reconnects with his ex-girlfriend, María (Elpidia Carrillo). Eventually, he tries to help her family escape.
Salvador
The Salvadoran civil conflict lasted 12 years, and occurred between the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front and El Salvador’s government. Never one to keep his thoughts to himself, Stone makes strategic critiques of the US’s role in the conflict. The film is serious and dramatic, and a worthwhile watch.
For Whom The Bell Tolls
This film is based on the Ernest Hemingway novel For Whom The Bell Tolls, which was adapted in 1943 by Sam Wood. In it, Robert Jordan (Gary Cooper) is an American who participates in the conflict against dictator Francisco Franco in Spain. All he needs to do is destroy a bridge…
Paramount, For Whom The Bell Tolls (1943)
For Whom The Bell Tolls
But this doesn’t go as planned, and additionally goes awry when he calls for Maria (Ingrid Bergman). While the novel goes into the political nuances of the conflict, the film focuses more on the romance between the characters. Nominated for many awards, this film is worth a watch!
Paramount, For Whom The Bell Tolls (1943)
Battleship Potemkin
This is the only black-and-white silent film on this list, which makes it stand out already. But even more so, it’s lauded as one of the best films ever. Set during the Russian Revolution, the Potemkin’s crew mutiny after they’re served meat covered in maggots. And that’s just the start.
Mosfilm, Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Battleship Potemkin
The film follows Vakulinchuk (Aleksandr Antonov) as he becomes a de facto leader of the mutiny. Directed by Sergei Eisenstein in 1925, this film uses the enclosed setting of the battleship to exemplify the larger conflict of the revolution. It is a masterful film known to any good film buff.
Mosfilm, Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Duck, You Sucker!
While not a true recounting of the Mexican Revolution, Duck, You Sucker! (directed by Sergio Leone, 1971) definitely brings a sly, subtle critique to the politics going on at the time. In it, a bandit and an IRA member join forces to hold up a bank, and accidentally save some detained prisoners.
Rafran Cinematografica, Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
Duck, You Sucker!
The Mexican Revolution was known for enabling citizens to be active in any cause they found important, triggered by a need to cast out the dictatorial regime that ruled.
For a bit of a lighter watch amidst all the tears and bloodshed, this would be the pick for you.
Rafran Cinematografica, Duck, You Sucker! (1971)
Resurrected
Directed by Paul Greengrass of the Jason Bourne series in 1989, this film follows Kevin Deakin (David Thewlis) who disappears during the conflict between Britain and Argentina in the Falkland Islands. When he reemerges, with no memories of anything that happened, his country accuses him of desertion.
Channel Four Films, Resurrected (1989)
Resurrected
The conflict in the Falkland Islands lasted a little more than two months, but remains impactful for the British public. Though Resurrected is very niche and difficult to find, you shouldn’t pass up seeing it should the opportunity arise.
Channel Four Films, Resurrected (1989)
I Am Cuba
This 1964 release, directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, takes a unique anthology approach to telling a conflict narrative. It follows several different stories, all of which are united by the setting of the Cuban Revolution.
I Am Cuba
The Cuban Revolution had a huge impact on the country, with Fidel Castro leading a rebellion and taking down Fulgencio Batista’s government. This film tries to take an unflinching look at life in Cuba at the time, and focuses on the small stories of four everyday people.
Remembering History
While not all of these films show a perfectly accurate portrayal of the conflicts—that likely wouldn’t be as interesting on-screen—they can at least provide a starting place for film buffs to fill out their historical knowledge. We hope you enjoy your viewings!
