Veterans Day/Remembrance Day Poll
Added 2022-11-02 16:02:43 +0000 UTCMost of you know I grew up in Canada, we had Remembrance Day on November 11th and I can still vividly remember those special assemblies where veterans would come speak to us and we would all wear a poppy. A few times I recited the poem "In Flanders Fields" and it was always really special to me. I will share it at the end of this post.
For this Veterans Day poll I wanted to focus on movies that deal more with the veteran experience. I did not include "The Best Years of our Lives" because I will be watching that anyways this month <3.
This poll will close Friday at midnight, I will watch Saturday, and uploaded Sunday to Patreon.
Flanders Fields by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Comments
I wish First Blood was on the list, though I know it only -technically- fits and is not necessarily totally in the "spirit" of the list.
Colin Gutierrez
2022-11-11 04:35:36 +0000 UTCI'm with Mike and Patrick on this. I think the movie would be much better if it was an hour shorter. I think you can just condense everything that happens before Vietnam into one or 2 short scenes and the movie loses almost nothing.
My_Cousin_Mose
2022-11-07 19:23:16 +0000 UTCI’m happy with any of these I like all of them but I voted for born on the 4th. Honestly I’m my opinion Tom cruises best performance in his career
The King In The North
2022-11-07 03:56:32 +0000 UTCNot a Mel fan? Braveheart, Apocalypto, We Were Soldiers?? Too bad
nick bell
2022-11-06 15:43:29 +0000 UTCWe should just count ourselves lucky there was no Mel Gibson movie in the poll.
Jason Chirevas
2022-11-05 21:02:40 +0000 UTCThis is par for the course here.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-11-05 19:35:57 +0000 UTCSo we're watching a good movie instead of a great movie,so be it!
Celeste McAllister
2022-11-05 18:45:28 +0000 UTCIt actually does matter. We're supposed to help our hostess expand her horizon and get into the upper echelon of cinema. And that becomes difficult when a movie like The Hurt Locker beats one of the greatest films of the 70s, arguably the greatest decade for films. That's a problem, no matter how politically correct you want to pretend to be. You seem to be quite in your feelings today, huh? That explains why you've responded to two of my messages with nothing but waffle. Run along now, and cool down, OG.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-05 18:11:16 +0000 UTC@Coleton B. There's so much wrong with what you just said. I've never accused anyone of anything. When I've spoken of war, I've only tried to educate the ignorant ones on here about their country and their soldiers, and why I consider it wrong to honor the soldiers, whether they fell in war or not. Now, people can disagree all they want which is fine, but that won't stop me from expressing my beliefs. If I stepped out of line, I would've been gone by now. So, I didn't. That doesn't change the fact that people like you are softer than cupcakes and can't take a bit of criticism. And when did I ever generalize about the entire community or make the assumption that everybody here is American? And why would I have a problem with a war movie being watched when Apocalypse Now is literally a top 5 fav of mine, and I celebrated Full Metal Jacket winning a poll??? Seriously, mate, get a grip. You're all over the place.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-05 18:06:48 +0000 UTCThe Hurt locker. The people have spoken. One cannot go against the will of the people
nick bell
2022-11-05 17:57:46 +0000 UTCAs someone who has been in the armed forces, this movie is god awful in terms of portraying reality in war. This is the furthest from reality and a disgrace to watch. Please god no.
Mike Vasconcelos
2022-11-05 15:45:38 +0000 UTCI'm very surprised Thank you for your service isnt voted for. I am the only one... This film is the essence of everything a veteran oversees and thinks (that has PTSD or other related traumas) it is hard to watch, very graphic and real. The hardest part about it is that, it based off of real shit.
Mike Vasconcelos
2022-11-05 15:43:38 +0000 UTCIt's winning because the most people voted for it. With that comes no bearing on the conversation of it being the best, better than the rest or any other convoluted interpretation of why it has more votes. It makes literally no difference how 'into movies' the rest of the 3ish-thousand other people in here are, compared to you, regardless of what you may think. They paid to be here, the same as you and their vote counts.
Coleton B.
2022-11-05 14:42:30 +0000 UTCIf this community were the type where you can 'barely say anything without the risk of being cancelled' YOU would have been cancelled almost a year ago when you accused PiB and this entire community for proliferation of war-time atrocities and human rights violations for; A) being American (even though the entire community is not American) and B) watching a war movie on a movie reaction channel on YouTube.
Coleton B.
2022-11-05 14:08:34 +0000 UTCI think you mean "drivel," not "dribble."
Stick Figure Studios
2022-11-05 09:22:01 +0000 UTCNo, Patrick, it's because it is consistently wrong in the details. Have you missed this whole argument? And I thought Marines were the crayon eaters... I would recommend Sand Castles, a cynical film which depicts the war in Iraq as tragically pointless and futile over Hurt Locker. And yeah, I'm an Iraq war veteran.
Michael Hawk
2022-11-05 01:55:15 +0000 UTCI only vote for ones I've seen. Don't feel like I can make a call on the others.
Melinda
2022-11-05 00:01:49 +0000 UTCmetallica bought the rights for Johnny Got his Gun for their first video One
James Young
2022-11-04 23:03:06 +0000 UTCWhy is Megan Leavy receiving so little votes?? Are there not enough good people out there interested in a true life story that uses the least amount of profanity and using God's name as a curse word? It's easy to vet if you just do a little research on this from the IMDB website.
Jorge De La Torriente
2022-11-04 19:22:31 +0000 UTCImagine watching a “fan edit” of something…
Jason Chirevas
2022-11-04 18:52:09 +0000 UTCIt has nothing to do with war being bad... It's just not an accurate portrayal of US soldiers during the war... It's actually quite insulting.
Robby R
2022-11-04 18:31:36 +0000 UTCYes, that's what I was saying. But Cassie recently posted that she will be watching Best Years so I've voted. Thanks for reminding me.
Robert Jewell
2022-11-04 13:26:54 +0000 UTCThanks, John. Unfortunately, that's the world that we live in where you can barely say anything without the risk of being canceled. Good to see that there are still some lads around who can handle a bit of rough humor and rhetoric without being in their feelings. There aren't many of us left, though.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-04 10:48:45 +0000 UTCI'm Australian and don't find anything anyone says offensive. I kind of feel sorry for you because I really don't think people have a sense of humor anymore and are kind of snow-flaky. People should be able to express their opinion on this forum without anyone taking it personally. Anyway, looks like Hurt Locker will win, but Cassie should watch Deer Hunter also.
John Cranberry
2022-11-04 10:38:03 +0000 UTCIdk about garbage, that label is only reserved for a very select group of movies. However, I’d be interested to know why it’s winning. Someone said that it’s probably the best known movie on here. That’s not a good sign if it’s true, as it would be difficult to get more variety on the channel if most of the Patrons are mainstream casual movie watchers.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-04 10:33:55 +0000 UTCYou need people like me. You need people like me so you can point your f*****’ fingers and say, “That’s the bad guy.” So what that make you? Good? You’re not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don’t have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth, even when I lie.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-04 10:28:35 +0000 UTCI'm done
Ronnie Brackett
2022-11-04 08:11:10 +0000 UTCWow, so many comments and requests...for sure!! As an American , War Veteran How about real, Halloween is over ...how about something thats hits home........nothing like an ied to wake you .......I just want everyone to know it was real!!!!!!
Ronnie Brackett
2022-11-04 08:10:34 +0000 UTCHow dare you, Patrick 🥹
John Cranberry
2022-11-04 04:48:34 +0000 UTCI would, but if I go on a rant I feel like I won't shut up about it. I'll just add to the list of those who hate it
Blaze118
2022-11-04 04:35:32 +0000 UTCHave not seen Deer Hunter in a couple decades. Really good story as I remember.
Jeremy Vickers
2022-11-04 04:32:40 +0000 UTCYes! Stowed away in his prison wallet! 🥸
Jeremy Vickers
2022-11-04 04:20:36 +0000 UTCCowbell Guy / Watch Smuggler ;)
Dave Hill
2022-11-04 04:19:06 +0000 UTCI think we just need another 10 or 15 veterans to chime in telling us how much they hate THE HURT LOCKER because it shows that wars are bad
Patrick Flanagan
2022-11-04 03:53:56 +0000 UTCHe’s an ornery cuss, ain’t he?
Larry Darrell
2022-11-04 03:30:45 +0000 UTCI don’t think a “Fan” of The Deer Hunter would self edit the film or enjoy a self edited version. If you don’t like the film the way it is, then you don’t like the film. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Larry Darrell
2022-11-04 03:08:16 +0000 UTCCassie already warned Shehab about that.
Richard Maurer
2022-11-04 02:56:10 +0000 UTCRichard, I guess my counter point to yours is this: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives out awards annually called "Oscars" and the Academy is made up of those within the industry; actors, directors, producers, editors, etc... They are just people, of course, and probably have biases, and I am sure not all of them see every film or performance that is nominated. But on the whole, they vote for what they think should win, for whatever reason. Just like in the polls on Patreon, people here (Mostly men, between the ages of 25-60, who love movies) vote for what they want, not many take into consideration the same things that YOU might take into consideration, or me either. More often than not, they vote for what they want to see. The Academy members vote for what they want to to be rewarded. Sometimes that means voting for something that they think deserves some recognition, for whatever reason. Avatar, as profitable and popular as it was, and for all its technical achievements... had a fairly bland story, with some pretty standard performances... Not a terrible movie, but many saw both acting and directing performances in Hurt Locker that they felt deserved honor.
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:32:03 +0000 UTCMan, that is a good point. I believe Cassie is already planning on watching First Blood? I looked at a few "Best movies for Veterans day" polls, and First blood isn't on the ones I found... but it should be, maybe. It does depict that experience, and the acting by Stallone is brilliant.
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:23:09 +0000 UTCRobert, I might be reading your comment here wrong, so forgive me. If you read Cassie's post, she says she is watching The Best Years of our Lives... Are you saying you won't vote for any of these other films until after she watches that? I think the poll will be closed by then.
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:21:04 +0000 UTCCharlie, Taking Chance is more of a Memorial Day movie. It is on Cassies radar, and she will watch it eventually. -Jon
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:17:19 +0000 UTCCaster_troy, Mike is right, on many polls there are multiple votes, but on this one and a few others, there is only one vote allowed. Choose Wisely ;-) (You can always change your vote, even at the last minute!)
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:16:29 +0000 UTCDarth, I have not seen that movie in a LONG time, can you describe to me how it incorporates the stories of Veterans after coming home from war?
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:15:19 +0000 UTCShehab, if you cannot possibly be nice to other Patreon members, then be quiet. Your behavior is rude, disrespectful, and disruptive. Say whatever you want about movies, but stop being rude to people in these discussions, and stop your nasty comments about other patreon members.
Jon Johns
2022-11-04 02:14:00 +0000 UTCThe Hurt Locker = Overrated. Fingers crossed it doesn’t win, but if it does, I guess that’s one reaction I won’t be watching.
Joe M
2022-11-04 00:24:20 +0000 UTCThe guy dancing up a storm in that Fatboy Slim video? Yeah I remember him.
Larry Darrell
2022-11-04 00:02:05 +0000 UTCEh, it's overrated
Patrick Flanagan
2022-11-03 23:50:50 +0000 UTCYou're late for your 15th viewing of TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Patrick Flanagan
2022-11-03 23:50:17 +0000 UTCWell, you're not wrong, but there are some "important movies" that are good. Wizard of Oz and Snow White come to mind.
Mike Lemon
2022-11-03 22:41:01 +0000 UTCI wonder if there is a fan edit? To the duckduckgo! machine... Found one that cut an hour, but can't find any files for it. Dang it!
Mike Lemon
2022-11-03 22:33:56 +0000 UTCYes!!!!
Jeremy Vickers
2022-11-03 22:18:12 +0000 UTCI think you mean "the cowbell guy".
Mike Lemon
2022-11-03 22:17:26 +0000 UTCCome on Deer Hunter! Christopher Walken people?
Jeremy Vickers
2022-11-03 20:44:53 +0000 UTCThe North & South, Booka 1 & 2, with Patrick Swayze!
David Crabtree
2022-11-03 18:30:56 +0000 UTCWell, that was certainly a take…
Jason Chirevas
2022-11-03 15:13:33 +0000 UTCIt’s the movie most of them have heard of. Pretty much as simple as that here. 🤷♂️
Jason Chirevas
2022-11-03 15:10:33 +0000 UTC"Miracle on 34th Street" has nothing to do with Christianity, true. It's about the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, with all its trappings (Santa Claus, gift giving, etc.). Jaws is watched during the summer (usually in the middle of summer) because it's the FIRST SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER, not because it takes place over the U.S.'s Independence Day. So, yeah, watching a movie in the context of the meaning of the holiday / time of year does matter.
Miles E Coburn
2022-11-03 14:13:38 +0000 UTCOh god... please! Anything but "The Hurt Locker." All that movie is good for is portraying Iraq war veterans as careless cowboy war junkies. It's wildly inaccurate. This coming from a veteran.
Robby R
2022-11-03 14:02:59 +0000 UTCSame with "Once A Eagle".
Miles E Coburn
2022-11-03 14:02:56 +0000 UTCAs a veteran myself I agree... The Hurt Locker is garbage. Most veterans agree... google it to see why.
Robby R
2022-11-03 14:02:45 +0000 UTCThe Blue Max is one.
Jay
2022-11-03 14:02:28 +0000 UTCI'd add 'Valkyrie' when you need do a war poll
Rick
2022-11-03 11:35:38 +0000 UTCThe Hurt Locker winning😂😂😂 y’all some jokers
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-03 09:31:53 +0000 UTCAnother factor was this was the end of the George W. Bush 43 administration who invaded Iraq (after the media taunted his father Bush 41 for not finishing the job by not getting Sadam, which was never an object of Op. Desert Storm nor in any UN Resolution) and Hollywood loved that it was an ant-war movie which made the invasion of Iraq look bad esp. with so many US troops getting killed by IEDs. Avatar was truly ground breaking and was the biggest grossing movie at that time. I think it got snubbed as to awards.
Richard Bourne
2022-11-03 09:26:50 +0000 UTCThe final scene of An Officer and a Gentlemen will get a great reaction!
David
2022-11-03 08:41:53 +0000 UTCI cannot believe she has not seen An Officer and a Gentleman. That just mind blowing.
John Cranberry
2022-11-03 07:33:49 +0000 UTCI feel like the only films here Cassie would enjoy are Born on the 4th and Courage Under Fire.
Rodger Johnson
2022-11-03 06:29:36 +0000 UTCThis would have been a great poll for An Officer and a Gentleman. Need to have Carly for that one though, they're both going to love it. Maybe we'll get more Richard Gere after that.
David Collins
2022-11-03 05:36:29 +0000 UTCThis is a hard poll. Not because all of the films are great and it’s hard to choose one, which could be the case. I’ve seen 5 of 8, and they are all great. But, they are different, and have pluses and minuses when it comes to historical accuracy or believability or etc. Everyone has their own idea of what the best film for a day like Veterans Day would be, which makes selecting all great films for a poll an impossible feat. Not everyone is going to be pleased. I mean, when you think about it, comparing which film shows the effects of War on Veterans the best, is really a moot point. Everyone experiences War differently, and all of these films attempt to relate these experiences in their own way. Depending on the viewer, the pluses and minuses will vary. I voted for The Deer Hunter. 1) It’s one of my favorites, and 2) I like the feel of it. It’s not always a great feel, but overall it has warmth. To me at least.
Larry Darrell
2022-11-03 04:52:33 +0000 UTCEven though it's not on this poll,, Taking Chance would be a good one for both of them to watch. A war story without any on screen violence.
Brent Petty
2022-11-03 04:16:59 +0000 UTCCourage Under Fire. Denzel, Meg Ryan, Matt Damon, Lou Diamond Phillips, and a small role for Sean Astin (Sam from LOTR), directed by Edward Zwick (Glory, Last Samurai). Cassie would also be the first channel to react to it.
Brent Petty
2022-11-03 04:05:35 +0000 UTCEditing isn’t just cutting. It’s Knowing When to cut and When Not to cut.
Larry Darrell
2022-11-03 03:50:16 +0000 UTCDefinitely would love to see her watch both the 1930s AQOTWF and the new one.
AC5555
2022-11-03 03:12:27 +0000 UTCI always loved the first half personally. It's all about the relationships these young men are forming.
AC5555
2022-11-03 03:11:55 +0000 UTCInteresting that it swept the three major industry prizes for film editing.
Anthony Vawser
2022-11-03 02:25:35 +0000 UTCThe Hurt Locker also pretty much swept the critics awards and the BAFTAs. It can’t be all the fault of vindictive Hollywood.
Anthony Vawser
2022-11-03 02:23:25 +0000 UTCI like how some people refer to movies as "Important movies" other words, a crappy movie that people brag about seeing, movies that are long and boring, with some artsy premise that make some people feel superior for watching said dribble and then forcing others to watch or face condemnation
zynjams
2022-11-03 02:19:39 +0000 UTCI agree that Cassie would probably respond well to it - though I wonder about the ending…
Anthony Vawser
2022-11-03 02:17:24 +0000 UTCTV mini-series used to be a huge deal in the 80s. Herman Wouk's The Winds of War might make a good WWII reaction someday. It's sort of like Band of Brothers but with a family and a love story.
Ghostwriter
2022-11-03 01:58:05 +0000 UTCShame there are not more WW1 movies on the list, given your story about Remberance Day. I went to Ieper once, a town in Flanders, Belgium, which was devestated in the Great War. They hold a commemoration every day. The play The Last Post. When I was there it was quite busy. It was very impressive to witness. We visited quite a few places and it really brings home how brutal this war was for the soldiers.
Pickupthepieces76
2022-11-03 01:48:11 +0000 UTCShe stated she wanted movies that is (also) about when the soldiers come back home. 1917 does not belong in that category.
Pickupthepieces76
2022-11-03 01:35:18 +0000 UTCThought for sure, Platoon would be on the list.
Al Swearengen
2022-11-03 01:30:38 +0000 UTCCassie - I highly recommend John Ford's classic war film, "They Were Expendable." Also, I hope you checkout the documentary I sent you about America's Forgotten Soliders: The Phillippine Scouts. Lou Diamond Phillips (if you've never seen "La Bamba" - then you should!) narrates the documentary, which includes intvws with the vets who fought during the Battle of Bataan/Corregidor and survived the ensuing Death March and hellish captivity under Japanese forces. The Philippine Scouts documentary along with Ken Burns' "The War" have stories that are very close to my heart as you know, Cassie :) Anyway, I'm very excited to see your BYOOL reaction and "Taking Chance"🤞 I really hope you can fit this in your schedule. I saw it a few years ago bc my co-worker, who's a military spouse, encouraged me to watch it. This film is criminally underrated but so poignant and educational. More people need to see it.
Rose
2022-11-03 01:06:11 +0000 UTCHow the f*** is The Hurt Locker winning this? 🤦♂️
Tim Raths
2022-11-03 00:33:29 +0000 UTC"The Last of the Light Brigade" - Rudyard Kipling There were thirty million English who talked of England's might, There were twenty broken troopers who lacked a bed for the night. They had neither food nor money, they had neither service nor trade; They were only shiftless soldiers, the last of the Light Brigade. They felt that life was fleeting; they knew not that art was long, That though they were dying of famine, they lived in deathless song. They asked for a little money to keep the wolf from the door; And the thirty million English sent twenty pounds and four ! They laid their heads together that were scarred and lined and grey; Keen were the Russian sabres, but want was keener than they; And an old Troop-Sergeant muttered, "Let us go to the man who writes The things on Balaclava the kiddies at school recites." They went without bands or colours, a regiment ten-file strong, To look for the Master-singer who had crowned them all in his song; And, waiting his servant's order, by the garden gate they stayed, A desolate little cluster, the last of the Light Brigade. They strove to stand to attention, to straighten the toil-bowed back; They drilled on an empty stomach, the loose-knit files fell slack; With stooping of weary shoulders, in garments tattered and frayed, They shambled into his presence, the last of the Light Brigade. The old Troop-Sergeant was spokesman, and "Beggin' your pardon," he said, "You wrote o' the Light Brigade, sir. Here's all that isn't dead. An' it's all come true what you wrote, sir, regardin' the mouth of hell; For we're all of us nigh to the workhouse, an' we thought we'd call an' tell. "No, thank you, we don't want food, sir; but couldn't you take an' write A sort of 'to be continued' and 'see next page' o' the fight? We think that someone has blundered, an' couldn't you tell 'em how? You wrote we were heroes once, sir. Please, write we are starving now." The poor little army departed, limping and lean and forlorn. And the heart of the Master-singer grew hot with "the scorn of scorn." And he wrote for them wonderful verses that swept the land like flame, Till the fatted souls of the English were scourged with the thing called Shame. They sent a cheque to the felon that sprang from an Irish bog; They healed the spavined cab-horse; they housed the homeless dog; And they sent (you may call me a liar), when felon and beast were paid, A cheque, for enough to live on, to the last of the Light Brigade. O thirty million English that babble of England's might, Behold there are twenty heroes who lack their food to-night; Our children's children are lisping to "honour the charge they made - " And we leave to the streets and the workhouse the charge of the Light Brigade!
Jim Williams
2022-11-02 23:42:33 +0000 UTCNone of them. "The Big Red One", "Gallipoli", "The Light Horsemen", "Hamburger Hill", "The Enemy Below", "The Crossing"...
Jim Williams
2022-11-02 23:40:35 +0000 UTCShe’s already seen 1917. It’s one of the first movies she reacted to on the channel.
Tim Raths
2022-11-02 22:51:37 +0000 UTC1917 definitely should have been in this poll. Had to give my vote to Courage Under Fire, The Hurtlocker isn’t a great movie in my opinion, got some suspenseful moments but nothing much else.
Biggman83
2022-11-02 22:46:13 +0000 UTCTaking chance for sure
Seymor Butz
2022-11-02 21:55:46 +0000 UTCPersonally, my thought process when I voted for FMJ and presently as I'm voting for TDH(and likely will be again regarding similar polls in the future): It's a well made film(and in the case of FMJ, done by one of my favorite directors) and important for movie reaction channels. The holiday at hand is just an excuse to watch a wartime movie and/or one with those enlisted as a focal point, much like watching a scary movie in October and/or one with the holiday of Halloween as a focal point. To me, whether a given movie is in the true spirit of the holiday in question is secondary, even trivial in some cases. Would you criticize my voting for Miracle on 34th Street in a Christmas poll because the movie has nothing to do with Christianity? Jaws has nothing to do with celebrating USA's independence from England and yet every first time reaction to it drops around that time.
mikethemotormouth
2022-11-02 21:45:42 +0000 UTCEven more indirectly, Taxi Driver is also about the veteran experience....
Carol_White
2022-11-02 21:27:50 +0000 UTCI voted for Born on the Fourth of July not necessarily because it’s the best film here, but because I know how much Cassie has come to like Tom Cruise and she is just not prepared for his performance in that movie. One of the best examples of acting I have ever seen.
DoomsdayMachine
2022-11-02 21:04:27 +0000 UTCI know you will like Courage Under Fire better than the others. Born on the Fourth of July is for my generation and I'm not sure y'all will understand. The Deer Hunter is meant to shock and is hard to deal with, again for my generation. Again, for a war movie Shining Through is one you would really enjoy.
Roger Wayne Alms
2022-11-02 20:47:44 +0000 UTCIt's an important movie but it's a hard, long watch. It's one of those movies I would not recommend to everyone. I've only seen it once and I don't really relish the thought of seeing it again. Although it is absolutely important
Caomhan84
2022-11-02 20:35:50 +0000 UTCNothing is a no-brainer with some of these Patrons. They're a special breed.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-02 20:28:15 +0000 UTCThe Deer Hunter should be a no-brainer 🥰
John Cranberry
2022-11-02 20:08:59 +0000 UTCThere’s a couple movies I think would fit good in that experience category, both are also starring Ben Foster, who played Axe in Lone Survivor. The Messenger (2009) about a soldier who is tasked with delivering the news of fallen soldiers to their families. Leave No Trace (2018) about a veteran with PTSD who lives homeless in the Oregon wilderness by choice with his teenage daughter.
Gilbert Gonzalez
2022-11-02 20:07:36 +0000 UTCI know THE DEER HUNTER was acclaimed in its day but to me it's excruciatingly long. Could easily be an hour shorter and a better movie for it. My vote goes to COURAGE UNDER FIRE, about an almost completely forgotten war today (the Gulf War) because the performances are amazing.
Patrick Flanagan
2022-11-02 19:56:05 +0000 UTCNot sure about that one. Zero Dark Thirty is more about the CIA than it is about the military. It’s still a good movie though.
Tim Raths
2022-11-02 19:54:11 +0000 UTCHi Cassie, as you are starting to watch more movies about Vietnam, you might want(on your own) to watch Ken Burns’ documentary on the war. I’ve seen where multiple reviewers rated it his best. While his opinion on the war is obvious, he does a good job of interviewing people from all sides (North Vietnam, South Vietnam, US) and all different positions (multiple military branches, POWs, families of Servicemen, civilians, politicians, protesters, journalists, etc) so he tackles telling the story of the war as thoroughly as possible. It is great for understanding how the war started, how it ended and why it divided us. I was amazed at how much I didn’t know. One caution-for your gentle heart- Vietnam was televised in living color. There is a lot of very graphic photos and film footage that exist and Burns uses them. The stories themselves can be tough on their own but add the film footage and it is heartbreaking-definitely not YouTube friendly so a reaction wouldn’t work. There are 10 episodes and each one runs about 1.5-2 hours. It’s available to rent/own from Amazon. It’s definitely worth the watch for the learning experience and will give you a quick primer on the war until you can read more on the topic. if you like the style, Burns has a bunch more documentaries available through PBS on different historical topics (the Roosevelts, Jazz, prohibition, WW2, etc).
Tinkerbell
2022-11-02 19:49:36 +0000 UTCThank you for doing this! I, too, remember those assemblies. They always made me think of my grandfather. I always get chills when I hear "In Flanders Field". Definitely a Canadian favorite.
Orcagirl78
2022-11-02 19:34:21 +0000 UTCI love that movie. It got my vote.
Amy Silknitter
2022-11-02 19:34:12 +0000 UTCGo Phillies indeed! That’s my team! Courage Under Fire was so very good. That got my vote though it looks unlikely to win.
Amy Silknitter
2022-11-02 19:23:19 +0000 UTCWow Cassie, that poem hit me right in the feels
Steven Ashford
2022-11-02 19:01:13 +0000 UTCSeeing as Johnny Got his Gun is on here, You could just react to the Metallica music video for their song "One". It's set to clips from that movie and it inspired the song.
Cody Nelson
2022-11-02 18:54:09 +0000 UTCWhen I saw Taking Chance, it was not only emotional but an education. What slot it fits in is debatable, but sometimes understanding the risk can honor those who signed up. It's a beautiful film that I encourage everyone to watch, poll winner or not.
Grinznmore
2022-11-02 18:36:22 +0000 UTCYes, this is the way I feel. Asking for Carly is a bit much since I am so happy that Cassie is watching the movie. It will be an epic reaction!
Mike LL
2022-11-02 18:34:58 +0000 UTCWhat is war? Is it noble? How should it be depicted? Who should be honored? Always contentious and quickly races to personal arguments. I went through this last year. I wonder if polls are the best approach for such a topic. Maybe take suggestions and make a decision. Anyway, I honor those who served and their wide swath of experiences.
Grinznmore
2022-11-02 18:25:25 +0000 UTCHey you may want to check out a movie called Passchendaele. It is based in 1917 showing the Canadian perspective from the war.
paul morrison
2022-11-02 18:13:17 +0000 UTCFor the Fallen BY LAURENCE BINYON With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; They sit no more at familiar tables of home; They have no lot in our labour of the day-time; They sleep beyond England's foam. But where our desires are and our hopes profound, Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight, To the innermost heart of their own land they are known As the stars are known to the Night; As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain; As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, To the end, to the end, they remain.
paul morrison
2022-11-02 18:07:54 +0000 UTCMy vote is for COURAGE UNDER FIRE. It’s underrated, under seen, and features some outstanding performances by an amazing cast. It speaks to women’s evolving role in the military as well as the close, personal bonds that form between individual soldiers and the damage that can be done when those bonds are ripped apart, sometimes by things other than death or physical injury. It also deals with the Gulf War, which has been all but erased from our collective consciousness by the conflicts before and after it. An excellent, overlooked film.
Jason Chirevas
2022-11-02 18:07:49 +0000 UTCOn this poll that is correct.
Mike LL
2022-11-02 18:07:05 +0000 UTCAnything but the hurt locker.
Alex Gorell
2022-11-02 18:02:18 +0000 UTCIt’s All Wuiet on the Western front incredible.
Alex Gorell
2022-11-02 18:01:41 +0000 UTCI can’t believe “Taking Chance” isn’t even on the list for Remembrance Day.
Charlie Burton
2022-11-02 18:01:14 +0000 UTCMeh, I voted for Deer Hunter just to stay ahead of Hurt Locker. Hurt Locker is such a bad movie and a horrible portrayal of the American military. I’ll be boycotting if it wins.
Roger Banks
2022-11-02 17:59:43 +0000 UTCAdd it to the Movie/Remake poll.
Mike LL
2022-11-02 17:56:06 +0000 UTCI can only vote for one - is this right?
Odd Thomas
2022-11-02 17:49:14 +0000 UTCDoesn’t look like it’s going to win; but Courage Under Fire was such a great movie. So many great performances.
Uncle Phoenix
2022-11-02 17:46:29 +0000 UTCit feels like some of the members are jackasses. like those guys that want to see you eat a ghost pepper then laugh when youre crying in pain. so they request movies that they know that Cassie wouldnt like so they can laugh
zynjams
2022-11-02 17:37:35 +0000 UTCthat was a rough one for Cassie.
zynjams
2022-11-02 17:29:59 +0000 UTCYes I agree... It'll be perfect for both her and Carly to watch together. But either way, I'm just thrilled we're going to get a reaction to it. She's going to absolutely love it.
Caomhan84
2022-11-02 17:23:24 +0000 UTCMy write-in vote, Zero Dark Thirty
DarthChef
2022-11-02 17:22:24 +0000 UTCThe Best Years of Our Lives is the best movie about returning vets. 7 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
thomas king
2022-11-02 17:14:56 +0000 UTCThank you, Patrick 🙏
Jason Dolan
2022-11-02 17:13:03 +0000 UTCI disagree. It portrays the experience of some Vietnam vets. Plus he got an Oscar nomination for it
N M
2022-11-02 17:13:02 +0000 UTCA rare poll where I've only seen three movies (COURAGE UNDER FIRE, DEER HUNTER and HURT LOCKER). All three worth seeing, but I think I'm going with COURAGE UNDER FIRE. Not perhaps as "important" a film as the other two, but somewhat underrated. Deserves to be seen and discussed more than it is. Between this poll, THE GREAT ESCAPE and viewing BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, you definitely have a theme going this month.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-11-02 17:11:10 +0000 UTCI agree. But "Full Metal Jacket", Kubrick's anti-military paean, was voted on for Memorial Day. So you gotta take that into consideration.
Miles E Coburn
2022-11-02 17:10:52 +0000 UTCTaking Chance is a great film to watch on any occasion.
David Crabtree
2022-11-02 17:09:23 +0000 UTCYep. It's all about a Veteran's attempt to survive back in the "real world".
Miles E Coburn
2022-11-02 17:09:23 +0000 UTCI was going to write a comment similar to this, but you said it perfectly!
Patrick Gibbs
2022-11-02 17:08:43 +0000 UTCAs a Veteran I can tell you right now it's trash.
David Crabtree
2022-11-02 17:08:40 +0000 UTCIn Flanders Fields really touched me. It's been so long since I have heard/read that. Thank you. THANK YOU for a reaction to The Best Years Of Our Lives. I have been lobbying for that movie all year, and I can't wait to see your reaction. A movie that will touch your heart, the only thing that would be more perfect would be for Carly to watch it with you. Why? Well you won't understand that until you see it, and I won't tell you in advance. :) Thanks for making this one of the best years of my life.
Mike LL
2022-11-02 17:03:12 +0000 UTCBeing an army veteran these are not movies I would watch for Veterans Day. I’m letting you know the Majestic and best years of our lives would be better for remembering vets in November
zynjams
2022-11-02 17:01:15 +0000 UTCYou’re absolutely right, but - pardon my ignorance here - I’m not sure Canada has a Memorial Day equivalent aside from Remembrance Day/Armistice Day/Veterans Day. Taking Chance would fit criteria in that case. But if I’m wrong, I willing to withdraw my recommendation for a more appropriate date.
Matthew Periolat
2022-11-02 17:00:16 +0000 UTCCurious why "First Blood" wasn't on the list? Maybe because the meat of the movie is about survival, but there is a lot of Vietnam topics covered? I voted Deer Hunter.
Todzilla
2022-11-02 17:00:10 +0000 UTCYou definitely should watch 'Thank You For Your Service' at some point. It's so good, and very eye opening
Sophie Gallo
2022-11-02 16:58:33 +0000 UTCI would think that’s more because Vietnam vets were the first to return home and basically be shunned by the public. WWI and WWII vets were given a heroes welcome.
Rick Moreno
2022-11-02 16:57:13 +0000 UTCI agree 100%
Jon Johns
2022-11-02 16:54:53 +0000 UTCWhere it's losing.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-11-02 16:54:31 +0000 UTCThe Deer Hunter is a 3 hour film that truly feels like a 3 hour film. Pacing is not one of its strong suits and that may very well have been deliberate. However, the performances are amazing. It's about time you saw De Niro, the greatest actor ever, in his absolute prime.
Shehab Dawoud
2022-11-02 16:52:55 +0000 UTCBless you. (I hope I didn’t come across too desperate). 😊
Ike
2022-11-02 16:50:54 +0000 UTCIt's hard for me to vote for any of these until you see THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946).
Robert Jewell
2022-11-02 16:50:15 +0000 UTCI see quite a few veterans posting here. Just wanted to say thank you for your service. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.
Robert da Spruce
2022-11-02 16:50:13 +0000 UTCAlso - if seeing Amadeus whetted your appetite for classical music, I highly recommend you listen to War Requiem by Benjamin Britten. The text combines the Latin mass for the dead with the poetry of Wilfred Owen, who wrote his poems while fighting in WWI; he was killed in battle a week before the Armistice (so it’s very appropriate for November 11.) It was actually made into a feature film, really more of a feature length music video, with Laurence Olivier in his final performance.
jdj830
2022-11-02 16:48:52 +0000 UTCAwesome !!! Taking Chance is another I highly, highly recommend.
Bill Maurer
2022-11-02 16:45:24 +0000 UTCI think I'm pulling for this one :)
Cassie
2022-11-02 16:44:55 +0000 UTCI am going to try and fit it in this month with all the comments!
Cassie
2022-11-02 16:44:08 +0000 UTCFor everyone suggesting "Taking Chance", it would be better suited for Memorial Day. Remembering those who have fallen in combat. Veteran's Day or Remembrance Day is more about those Veterans who have returned home alive.
Miles E Coburn
2022-11-02 16:43:57 +0000 UTCi'll be watching The Best years of our lives this month1
Cassie
2022-11-02 16:43:37 +0000 UTCIt is between THE DEER HUNTER and BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY - both are punishing films to watch, but a reminder of the absolute HORROR of war, and better to watch these films than live these films.
Jason Dolan
2022-11-02 16:41:56 +0000 UTCI’m glad to see Johnny Got His Gun on this list. A powerful film and I hope you see it some day. I voted for it but it looks like Deer Hunter will probably win, and I suppose it should; it’s definitely a film you should see for its acting and novelistic sweep, but the veterans I’ve talked to about it don’t think it’s particularly realistic.
jdj830
2022-11-02 16:40:32 +0000 UTCThe 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month was armistice day now called veterans day, how about All Quiet On The Western Front either 1930 or 2022
Hankster
2022-11-02 16:40:32 +0000 UTCNo one else is abstaining. Pick one so you have a better chance at having her watch a movie you want to see.
Cole Jennett
2022-11-02 16:37:53 +0000 UTCAs a Marine Corps veteran, I'm not a big fan of the selections here. But movies are all subjective, so to each their own. I would have recommended 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Taking Chance, Behind Enemy Lines, Sands of Iwo Jima, Heartbreak Ridge, and Pearl Harbor.
David Crabtree
2022-11-02 16:37:18 +0000 UTCI'm not really fond of any of these, but The Best Years of Our Lives is very special to me. I first saw it when I was in electronics school in the Navy and was just sulking in my room one day when I found it on TV. Homer's little sister was about the same age as my own sister at the time and I really missed her. Great movie.
Nathan
2022-11-02 16:37:15 +0000 UTCPersonally I think Dear Hunter is overrated as nothing really happens for the first hour. I know it’s all about characters development so it has a bigger impact towards the end but it’s so dull. Courage Under Fire for me is the best one out of the group and one I think you’d enjoy the most.
Dean Holt
2022-11-02 16:37:05 +0000 UTCNoone else will vote for it, but as a Vet myself, if you want to watch a film that will contextualize the experience of many soldiers today, then watch "Thank you for your Service". I got to see it early when they showed it at West Point, but I couldn't relate to it until I after I had commissioned. Many use war films for entertainment, but the film asks the question, how do you react once you've gone home?
Jaccob Cortes
2022-11-02 16:34:45 +0000 UTCFor future polls on this theme, allow me to recommend The Big Red One. Not only is it just a really good movie, it also happens to star Mark Hamill.
glenn harper
2022-11-02 16:31:36 +0000 UTCTime for another great Tom Cruise film…. Born on the Fourth of July fits the bill! He got an Oscar nomination for his role in this.
N M
2022-11-02 16:31:24 +0000 UTCTaking Chance is great!
David Crabtree
2022-11-02 16:31:00 +0000 UTCHurt Locker only grossed $21 million and it was up against AVATAR which grossed $2.3 BILLION. How did Hurt Locker win the Oscar? IMHO because Hollywood hates James Cameron and wanted to see his ex-wife, Kathryn Bigelow, who directed Hurt Locker win. Hurt Locker is overrated IMHO. Nothing against Jeremy Renner who is a fantastic actor and person.
Richard Bourne
2022-11-02 16:27:30 +0000 UTCBorn on the Fourth of July. Raw and honest, Oliver Stone pulls no punches and this moved Tom Cruise into the realm of a serious, versatile actor. I only watched it once because it was so powerful.
Grinznmore
2022-11-02 16:24:39 +0000 UTCTough choice for me between Born On The Fourth Of July and The Deerhunter. I'm leaning more towards Born On The Fourth Of July for three reasons though, one, it's a true story, two, it's written and directed by Vietnam veterans (Oliver Stone served 13 months as an infantryman in Vietnam), and three, I personally think it's Tom Cruise's best performance.
Joe D. MacGuffinstuff
2022-11-02 16:24:32 +0000 UTCI loved the book Johnny Got His Gun -- the scariest book I ever read -- but the movie did not have the same impact.
Bruce C Snell
2022-11-02 16:24:02 +0000 UTCNot exactly a rememberance day film but Reach For The Sky is a good film about the life of Douglas Bader. There are very few films focusing on the story of ww2 vets and even fewer on ww1 vets. Apparently there were no veterans before Vietnam according to Hollywood.
James Moy
2022-11-02 16:22:28 +0000 UTCI'm just wondering how she'll feel about the ending: confused, upset, dissatisfied...
mikethemotormouth
2022-11-02 16:22:13 +0000 UTCBit weird The Hurt Locker is on this poll when it's also on the 2010s Oscar poll...
Eli van Aggelen
2022-11-02 16:21:44 +0000 UTCI hope The Deer Hunter wins this poll, but can I just say how thrilled I am that you have The Best Years of Our Lives lined up. The greatest film ever made about the experience of returning veterans, and a film that still feels incredibly radical in its portrayal of disability.
Henry Graham
2022-11-02 16:19:38 +0000 UTCCan we one day take a chance on getting “Taking Chance” on the poll? It didn’t make it last Veteran’s Day and it somehow missed out in multiple live streams. It is a Veterans’ Day/Memorial Day movie. I can promise you (Scout’s Honor) that you will appreciate it.
Ike
2022-11-02 16:19:25 +0000 UTCTaking Chance The Best Years of Our Lives are much better options.
Bill Maurer
2022-11-02 16:19:00 +0000 UTCSure wish Officer and a Gentleman was on this list.
Art of Free Speech
2022-11-02 16:18:46 +0000 UTCPulling for The Deer Hunter,have a box of tissues on hand Cassie..
Celeste McAllister
2022-11-02 16:17:30 +0000 UTCI would also suggest a movie called Taking Chance. It's not a "war" movie, but more of a meditation how we care for our fallen soldiers on their final journey home. It's based on a true story, and stars Kevin Bacon as a US Marine who volunteers to escort the body of a young Marine from the mortuary center in Delaware to his hometown to be buried.
Patrick Egan
2022-11-02 16:16:40 +0000 UTCThere is so much about the Deer Hunter that angers me (so many of the characters are total jerks) but Christopher Walken is brilliant. Well deserved academy award. So many people associate him with his over the top persona and more silly roles but the man has serious acting chops.
China Andronicus
2022-11-02 16:14:51 +0000 UTCHmm.... I've only seen four of these. I don't know which one to pick. I think The Deer Hunter is probably the best one of the four I've seen, and the most important cinema-wise. But I think you would appreciate Courage Under Fire. I don't think I can vote between them. I'll have to abstain.
Caomhan84
2022-11-02 16:14:35 +0000 UTCIn Flanders Fields is a beautiful poem. Thank you for reposting it, and I love the idea for this poll. I voted for Coming Home because it is so well done and such a testament to the human spirit, but lots of good options on here (also excited for you to see The Best Years of Our Lives, sooooo good!)
Cesar Abella
2022-11-02 16:14:27 +0000 UTCDitto. Although I could care less about the "Hollywood" factor. It's just an insulting depiction and everything the protagonists do is the height of moronic in a war zone.
Aaron
2022-11-02 16:12:15 +0000 UTCBeautiful, moving poem.
Steve Holton
2022-11-02 16:11:56 +0000 UTCSome good movies on the list, but "The Deer Hunter" is the only truly great movie there for me. For Remembrance Day though (We have the same here in the UK) the best option is one missing from the list which is "They Shall Not Grow Old", which is a superb achievement. Maybe next year. I'm hearing very good things about the new "All Quiet On The Western Front" too.
Dryfesands
2022-11-02 16:11:50 +0000 UTCThe Deer Hunter is an Amazing powerful film.
nick bell
2022-11-02 16:11:17 +0000 UTCThe new one surprised the absolute hell out of me. I did not expect to be impressed, yet I was. And yet it still gets a fair bit of ridicule Because of the CGI and hammy acting. But to me, going in there not expecting a lot, it was so good I wanted it to be longer.
Caomhan84
2022-11-02 16:10:33 +0000 UTCThere is something about the next few days that makes Wag The Dog seem like a good idea
Dennis Shogren
2022-11-02 16:10:09 +0000 UTCComing Home is a powerful film. What the aftermath of war does to people, this film portrays perfectly because it's so real. Whenever I hear the song Once I Was by Tim Buckley, I always tear up. 🥲 I really hope this one wins the Veterans Day poll.
Zane From Canada
2022-11-02 16:09:50 +0000 UTCOh man, THE DEER HUNTER. Not sure how Cassie would like that. She'd probably be fairly bored during the first act and wonder what the fuss is all about regarding the film. Once the second act hits...
Matt Rose
2022-11-02 16:08:29 +0000 UTCI appreciate you wanting to pause for Armistice Day/Veteran’s Day. I sense it is a day forgotten in the US because US only saw one year in the First World War where the rest of the world saw four in the trenches. That and with Memorial Day in May, it becomes “just another day” at times. Having said that, I would encourage you also having a look at Taking Chance. I usually watch it on Memorial Day by tradition and wouldn’t mind if it gets more attention. Thank you again for remembering.
Matthew Periolat
2022-11-02 16:07:57 +0000 UTCFYI most actual veterans hate The Hurt Locker as it is very "Hollywood"
Scott Beadle
2022-11-02 16:07:17 +0000 UTCThe newer one or the 70s one? If the new one, I agree. That was surprisingly great and was fairly historically accurate.
Matt Rose
2022-11-02 16:07:14 +0000 UTCI have not seen any of these movies so I’m ok with whatever wins. I have heard great things about both the hurt locker and born on the Fourth of July. I’m kinda interested in both movies. Can’t wait to see what wins. Have a great week Cassie.
brooke atkins
2022-11-02 16:06:38 +0000 UTCI remember learning about the poppies! Men and women from every branch would come to school and talk about their time. Very important and glad we learned about it
Dante D
2022-11-02 16:05:51 +0000 UTCWhat about the marine with John Cena?
ExploreWinnipeg
2022-11-02 16:05:46 +0000 UTCJohnny Got His Gun might be too depressing. It's an anti-war film of the strongest stuff....
David Blount
2022-11-02 16:05:46 +0000 UTCFirst time I've ever seen ... ANYTHING reaction-related that involves movies I don't recognize.
Nick P
2022-11-02 16:05:33 +0000 UTCI would also recommend Midway for future war movie polls if you haven't seen it.
Ricardo Alanis
2022-11-02 16:05:08 +0000 UTCVery unique films - each and every one of them. Personally I feel Born on the Fourth of July and Deer Hunter (with Hurt Locker third) capture the feeling of going to war and coming back the most effectively.
AC5555
2022-11-02 16:05:01 +0000 UTC
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