Grab the popcorn!

Since it looks like it’s going to be a rainy summer, we’re planning to catch up on some military movies and TV series. We asked our RSL Queensland staff what they’ve been watching this year… and they’ve come back with a wide range of recommendations!

Please be aware that many of the films and series below contain realistic depictions of combat and violence which may distress some members of our community. 

1917 

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers – Blake's own brother among them.

“I really liked 1917, the movie. But it was a bit intense…” – Carolyn 

They Shall Not Grow Old 

Employing state-of-the-art technology to transform audio and moving image archive footage more than a century old, Peter Jackson brings to life the people who can best tell the story of World War I: the men who were there. Driven by a personal interest in the conflict, Jackson sets out to explore the day-to-day experience of its combatants.

“Very real, touching and genuine, while it tries to preserve what little footage we have left.” – Ralph

The Battle of Britain 

In 1940, the British Royal Air Force fights a desperate battle to prevent the Luftwaffe from gaining air superiority over the English Channel as a prelude to a possible Axis invasion of the UK.

“Classic.” – Paul

Sisters of War

Set in 1942, Sisters of War is inspired by the true story of two extraordinary Australian women: Lorna Whyte, an army nurse and Sister Berenice Twohill, a Roman Catholic nun. Lorna and Sister Berenice and a small group of Australian nurses and nuns found themselves in the eye of the storm when Japanese military made them prisoners of war on the remote island of New Britain, part of Papua New Guinea. Despite their differences, Lorna and Sister Berenice's friendship would survive the incredible events that followed. A never before told story adapted from wartime diaries and interviews with Lorna, Sister Berenice and other survivors.

“It was filmed mainly up near Mount Tambourine and at Movie World, so a Queensland movie. The historical re-enactment team (SparkeFilms) that were also part of the movie and helped with the visuals usually march in the ANZAC Day Parade in Brisbane.” – Wendy

Band of Brothers 

Based on Stephen E Ambrose's nonfiction bestseller, Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, US Army. Starting with their rigorous training in Georgia in 1942, it recounts the achievements of the elite rifle company from D-Day to the fall of Nazi Germany and the surrender of Japan.

“Says a lot about leadership, courage and the brotherhood of mateship.” – Maria 

The Pacific 

The Pacific tracks the real-life journeys of three US Marines – Robert Leckie, Eugene Sledge and John Basilone – across the vast canvas of the Pacific theatre during World War II. The miniseries follows these men and their fellow Marines from their first battle with the Japanese on Guadalcanal, through the rainforests of Cape Gloucester and the strongholds of Peleliu, across the bloody sands of Iwo Jima, through the horror of Okinawa, and finally to their triumphant but uneasy return home after VJ Day.

“Excellent and filmed largely in North Queensland. Not for the faint of heart though…” – Scott 

Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan

Late afternoon August 18, 1966 South Vietnam – for three and a half hours, in the pouring rain, amid the mud and shattered trees of a rubber plantation called Long Tan, Major Harry Smith and his dispersed company of 108 young and mostly inexperienced Australian and New Zealand soldiers are fighting for their lives, holding off an overwhelming force of 2,000 battle-hardened Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers. With their ammunition running out, their casualties mounting and the enemy massing for a final assault each man begins to search for his own answer, and the strength to triumph over an uncertain future with honour, decency and courage.

“Absolutely just tears at the heartstrings. It’s just one of those movies I think all Australians should see.” – Tony

The Right Stuff 

At the height of the Cold War, newly formed NASA selects seven of the military’s best test pilots to become astronauts. Competing to be the first in space, these men achieve the extraordinary, inspiring the world to turn towards a new horizon of ambition and hope.

“All about the difference between the PR machine and real flawed humans.... Loved it. Very, very American!” – Bart 

Mosul 

After his life is saved by a rogue Iraqi squadron, a young police officer joins them in their fight against ISIS in a decimated Mosul.

“A pretty amazing (true) story.” – Matt

Other recommendations from the dedicated movie buffs among our staff included:

• Military Wives
• The Odd Angry Shot
• Stripes 
• Private Benjamin
• M*A*S*H
• Dad’s Army
• ‘Allo ‘Allo
• F Troop
• In the Army Now