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There are more World War 2 movies than any other war. As a result you have a huge selection to choose from.
In all of human history no war has been fought with such enthusiasm. No war has involved the death of so many people, crossed so many oceans, been fought on so many continents, involved so many nations, or consumed so many human and material resources. What these films have to tell us is very important. As a movie poster collector, I recognize that my collection is is never complete. I received my first World War II movie poster as a gift. Ever since I have been collecting these film posters based on the widely shared belief that they are historical documents. Why historical documents? Because they represent the movies that formulate our perceptions about the war in American culture. Using state of the art technologies, sophisticated techniques, and complex storytelling, we are able to clearly imagine what the war must have really been like.  For better or worse, Hollywood has taught us about war with their propaganda movie posters that carry the nostalgia of a generation. Depending on the film, Hollywood teaches us several key lessons about war. First, combat is hell. These pictures depict the psychological impact war has on its soldiers. The focus is on the savageness of combat and the hardships the soldiers face. Second, there were conflicts within units. By focusing on individual soldiers, conflict revolve around personalities, race, class, rank, ethnicity, and nationality. Third, war is crazy. These pictures reveal the absurdity, senselessness, futility, immorality, and tragedy of war. Fourth, bring the combat duels to life. Typically these pictures feature a cat and mouse power struggle between individual soldiers, combat units, or commanders. Fifth, shows us what military command is about by examining the leadership of soldiers and the personal conflicts of leading men or sending them into combat. Finally, shows us the big battles. These films show the operational command and strategic planning of war as a large scale battle unfolds. Heroes were made and the United States rallied at their victories. Men came home from war and faced struggle, acceptance and a growing economy. And the World War II movie posters depict the social conditions of that era. Whether its Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, or Life is Beautiful, the lessons these movies teach us must not be forgotten. |