Reviews
Each issue we look at different books and films that grace our eyes and review them to give you the best advice before parting with your money. Below you can find each of the books and films we review, along with a small synopsis of what we have to say. If you want to read more on each review, then simply get your hands on a copy of the relevant magazine!
Books
Agincourt: Myth and Reality 1415-2015
Stephen Cooper
(Pen & Sword Military)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
****
“The Battle of Agincourt has become the stuff of legend. However, nobody has ever been able to agree on a universal truth. Agincourt: Myth and Reality 1415-2015 satisfies on many levels as an intriguing interpretation of history and a cross-section of classical literature.”
American Tanks & AFVS of World War II
Michael Green
(Osprey Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“Green states that although there were tremendous numbers of tanks and AFVs’ being produced between 1942 and 1945, the loss of rate on the battlefields was down to not building the right tanks for the job.”
Arctic Airmen
Ernest Schofield & Roy Nesbitt
(The History Press)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“Co-author Schofield recounts his time as a navigator on a Catalina flying boat that flew a series of secret, long-range missions to the High Arctic and Russia throughout 1942. [They] were vulnerable to getting lost in what is the most inhospitable environment on earth.”
The Armed Forces of the United Kingdom 2014-2015
Charles Heyman
(Pen & Sword Military)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
***
“This isn’t what you’d call a riveting read, but it will appeal to anyone who played Top Trumps as a kid. On the whole, this is a useful reference point, but the pictures are merely adequate.”
The Backwash of War
Ellen N. LA Motte
(Conway)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Motte’s descriptions of lice and disease-ridden wounded soldiers still make one gag, while the horror of what weapons of war can do to a human body is no less potent than it was back in 1916. Be warned: it may not be suitable for those with a sensitive disposition.”
Battlefield Rations
Anthony Clayton
(Helion and Co)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
****
“In this book, Clayton provides a number of eye-opening accounts of the hardships that many soldiers faced during the turmoil of war. There’s more than enough here to provide food for thought.”
Be Safe I Love You
Cara Hoffman
(Virago)
*****
“A novel about war and family, this dark story reveals a startling insight into women in combat, war and homecomings. A definitive page-turner that will prove a best-seller.”
Bonzo’s War: Animals Under Fire
Clare Campbell
(Constable)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Campbell writes about the (largely) torrid trials of animals throughout the Second World War. Bonzo’s War will make you weep at times and sing for joy, especially if you have pets of your own.”
The Cambridge History of the First World War: Three-Volume Hardback Set
Various Authors
(Cambridge University Press)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
*****
“In short, it’s as comprehensive a study of the origins of war, its evolution and aftermath as has ever been put together. Utterly absorbing, endlessly fascinating, absolutely essential.”
Challenge of Battle: The Real Story of the British Army in 1914
Adrian Gilbert
(Osprey Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
****
“Now, through personal accounts and official documents alike, Gilbert’s book finally exposes the truth behind the tactics, personality clashes and power struggles that destroyed the BEF [British Expeditionary Force]. This is a story of both cowardice and courage.”
Chemical Soldiers: British Gas Warfare in World War One
Donald Richter
(Pen & Sword)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“It’s a compelling read as we discover that the use of chemicals was at first considered unsporting by the British. An exhaustive and painstakingly researched piece of work.”
Collision of Empires: The War on the Eastern Front in 1914
Prit Buttar
(Osprey Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“In Collision of Empires, Buttar offers a detailed account of the battles from East Prussia down to the Carpathians. This isn’t a book for your casual reader on the subject, but for fellow obsessives this will make for a worthy addition to their Great War library.”
Countrymen
Bo Lidegaard
(Atlantic Books)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
*****
“Over 14 days in 1943, nearly 8,000 Jews were smuggled out of Denmark by ordinary citizens. Written by the award-winning Bo Lidegaard, Countrymen is a real page-turner.”
D-Day – The Last of the Liberators
Robin Savage
(Helion & Company)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“This pictorial ensures that this generation of men and women’s bravery and sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
The Devils’ Alliance: Hitler’s Pact With Stalin, 1939-1941
Roger Moorhouse
(The Bodley Head)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“Moorhouse’s definitive book on the subject tells the complete story of this iniquitous agreement, and the reasons for its collapse. The Devils’ Alliance makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the two worse dictators of the 20th century.”
Dorothea’s War: A First World War Nurse Tells Her Story
Dorothea Crewdson
(Phoenix)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
*****
“Despite the book’s often harrowing subject matter, it’s not a particularly heavy read because Dorothea remains so upbeat and humorous throughout. All of which makes it more heartbreaking when the book comes to an abrupt end…”
Exocet Falklands: The Untold Story of Special Forces Operations
Ewen Southby-Tailyour
(Pen & Sword Maritime)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History Of War
*****
“Against those odds, the patrol was lucky to survive, never mind anything else… Thanks to Southby-Tailyour’s fine book, the machinations of these men will not be forgotten. Neither, more importantly, will the heroic efforts of those men who were tasked to achieve the unachievable.”
Fashion: Women in World War One
Lucy Adlington
(Pitkin Guides)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“This book is a treasure trove of images from the period. There’s fascinating insight into how women became adept at recycling materials and using home-made beauty products to look their best. Great for fashion students and historians alike.”
The Fateful Battle Line
Michael Glover
Pen & Sword
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“It’s not often that we get to bear witness to drawings and paintings from the frontline of war. The Fateful Battle Line is a very interesting book that gives us a view of the war-torn fields and towns of Europe from a very different perspective.”
Fighter: Technology, Facts, History
Ralf Leinburger
(Parragon)
***
“For any fans of military aviation, this is an essential read. It chronicles the birth of the first flight from Orville and Wright to present day fighter jets, giving intensive details and historical images along the way. Even if you’re not an aviation fan, this is still interesting.”
Garth Ennis Presents Battle Classics
Garth Ennis
(Titan Books)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
****
“Battle remains one of the most influential comics of all time. This collection serves as the perfect introduction to a new generation of a legendary magazine.”
A German Tommy: The Secret of a War Hero
Ken Anderson
(Pen & Sword)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“How could a German possibly be a Tommy? Walter Merritt’s life is placed in the context of the First World War, allowing the reader to follow his every step and absorb his emotions.”
The Great War At Sea
Lawrence Sondhaus
(Cambridge University Press)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“Sondhaus explores how control of the high seas was vital to the chances of victory for both the Entente and Central Powers during the First World War. He investigates not only the major encounters in the North Sea and the Atlantic, but also the naval campaigns that occurred in the Adriatic, Baltic and Mediterranean Seas.”
A Higher Call
Adam Makos
(Atlantic Books)
****
“This incredible true story documents the lives of two Second World War pilots, whose lives intertwine one fateful day. Written with passion, the book is deeply affecting to read.”
Hotel Florida: Truth, Love and Death in the Spanish Civil War
Amanda Vaill
(Bloomsbury)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
****
“With global conflict erupting in 1939, the Spanish Civil War that immediately preceded it has been largely overlooked. This is an intriguing tale that will keep you guessing and leave you feeling emotionally and intellectually satisfied.”
How the Scots Won the English Civil War
Alisdair McRae
(The History Press)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“McRae compares the role of the Scots to that of the Americans in both World Wars. For those who want an in-depth analysis of this period, this book might well turn their perception of the Civil War on its head.”
In Flanders Fields: The Great War Seen From the Air
Various Authors
(Yale University Press)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
*****
“This is a weighty and worthy book to have in your collection because it provides a fascinating record of the technology of the day and how it was exploited.”
Judy: A Dog in a Million
Damien Lewis
(Quercus)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“This is the true story of a brave English pointer dog who survived many of the horrors of the Second World War. Judy was eventually awarded with the Dickin Medal – the animal VC. This never fails to capture the imagination and reminds us again of the vital roles that animals can play in times of conflict.”
July Crisis: The World’s Descent Into War, Summer 1914
T.G Otte
(Cambridge University Press)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
*****
“Otte sums up his book by saying ‘none of the decision makers of 1914 desired a continental war.’ In this powerful essay, the author makes that point extremely well; July Crisis deserves to be read.”
The Knight Who Saved England: William Marshal and the French Invasion, 1217
Richard Brooks
(Osprey)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
*****
“Born into a noble but obscure family in 1147, Marshal trained as a knight in France. In his seventies, he helped stave off a French invasion, but it was his character that saved the nation. Brooks’ 300-page, meticulously researched biography is a fascinating read, and also happens to be a great story.”
The Korean War: A History
Bruce Cumings
(Modern Library)
****
“The Korean War tends to be known as the forgotten war, situated between the Second World War and the Vietnam War. Cumings aims to shed light on this devastating conflict, and does so with gusto, making this an essential read.”
Lawrence in Arabia
Scott Anderson
(Atlantic Books)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
*****
“Anderson’s book has been heaped with honours and it’s hard to disagree with the plaudits. Lawrence In Arabia is full of eastern promise.”
Leningrad: Siege and Symphony
Brian Moynahan
(Quercus)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War (with an extract included in Issue 2)
*****
“This astonishing book incorporates the biography of Russian composer Shostakovich and his Seventh Symphony against a savage backdrop of cannibalism, starvation and hypothermia. The result is a truly humbling experience.”
Letters From the Front: From the First World War to the Present Day
Andrew Roberts
(Osprey)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
*****
“What resonates the most about the book is how the writers of the letters seek to re-establish a connection with the lives they once knew. You owe it to these heroic soldiers to hear their stories.”
Lone Survivor
Marcus Luttrell
(Sphere)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“An exciting, pulse-pounding and powerful account of modern warfare that brings home the amount of risk faced during operations such as this. One can’t help but feel admiration for Luttrell.”
The Long Road
Oliver Clutton-Brock and Ray Crompton
(Grub Street)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
*****
“In this book, we learn about the dire conditions endured by the 1,578 men who resided in the [Stalag Luft VII] camp and their hellish journey onwards. There’s even a complete list of all the men who were held prisoner at the camp. A harrowing but essential read.”
Love Letters of the Great War
Edited by Mandy Kirkby
(Macmillan)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“This deeply affecting collection of romantic correspondence from the First World War contains some truly heart-rending and poignant human stories. Love Letters of the Great War is a highly recommended purchase.”
A Mad Catastrophe: The Outbreak of World War I and the Collapse of the Habsburg Empire
Geoffrey Wawro
(Basic Books)
****
“Wawro’s work serves almost as an encyclopaedia to Austria and Hungary before and during the First World War, creating an account of how Austria-Hungary plunged the West into a tragic and uneccesary war.”
Mapping the First World War
Peter Chasseaud
(Collins)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
***
“For genuine map buffs, there’s a certain degree of interest in that the maps are vintage. Some of the maps herein are undoubtedly fascinating and are beautifully presented.”
Medal Yearbook 2014
John W & Philip Mussell
(Token Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
***
“Medals from more recent conflicts are explained in great detail. The book provides more than a glimpse into the stories behind medals from the 18th century to the present day.”
Memoirs of a Rifleman Scout
Major F M Crum
(Frontline)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“The book sheds light on the development of sniping during the 1914-1918 conflict. It is a crucial read for those who are interested in the history and advancement of sniping during the First World War.”
Men of Letters: The Post Office Heroes Who Fought the Great War
Duncan Barrett
(AA Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
*****
“Among the people who answered the call to war were 12,000 members of the British Post Office. Of them, 1,800 would not return. This book tells their incredible tale and the stories are both moving and poignant: an accomplished work.”
The Monuments Men
Robert M Edsel with Bret Witter
(Arrow)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
***
“This book has been made into a film by Twentieth Century Fox that’s doing rather well at the box office. The book feels like a pitch for a movie: it has an amazing story to tell, but misses the objective of telling it.”
Mud, Blood and Bullets: Memoirs of a Machine Gunner on the Western Front
Edward Rowbotham
(The History Press)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“Within just a few pages, I was hooked on Rowbotham’s simple, almost matter-of-fact telling of what is an engrossing and fascinating story. An incredible story proving that truth is stranger than fiction.”
Napoleon: Soldier of Destiny
Michael Broers
(Faber & Faber)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
*****
“One of the things that set Broers’ book apart from others on the subject is that it draws upon Napoleon’s actual correspondence rather than the sanitised and romanticised versions that have previously been used to glorify his persona. Broers’ style, pace and unclouded insight ensure that this book is a captivating read.”
The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Jack El-Hai
(PublicAffairs)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“The story begins in 1945. This being the golden age of psychiatry, the American authorities want to discover whether the men responsible for Auschwitz are fit to face criminal charges. A captivating, superbly researched book.”
Operation Tabarin
Stephen Haddelsey
(The History Press)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
*****
“A staggering tale, this, set in Antarctica during the Second World War. Full of historical insight, this is a hugely entertaining read that captures a lost world of frozen wastes, endless nights and frostbitten heroes.”
Portugal’s Guerrilla Wars in Africa
Al J. Venter
(Helion & Company)
****
“Venter concentrates on Portugal’s wars in Angola, Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea, a series of wars that lasted thirteen years but remain some of the most understated conflicts in history. This is an intrusive account that delves into Africa’s history first-hand.”
Rebellion: Britain’s First Stuart Kings
Tim Harris
(Oxford University Press)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
***
“Tackling the reigns of the first two Stuart Kings, Harris explores why their kingdoms rose in rebellion. Rebellion is an interesting, if slightly specialist, read.”
Roman Soldier Versus Germanic Warrior
Lindsay Powell
(Osprey)
***
“A short book that stretches back to the First Century AD and looks at some of the bloodiest wars and fighting styles in early history. Good if you’re an amateur in this field, but not if you’re looking for an extensively detailed discussion.”
The Scapegoat
Steve R Dunn
(Book Guild)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Long before the Falklands conflict of the 1980’s, British forces engaged with the Germans in the seas around the islands as part of the First World War. It’s up to you to make your mind up who was really at fault and why mistakes were made, but Dunn helps no end by providing some compelling and well-researched evidence.”
Secret Warriors: Key Scientists, Code Breakers and Propagandists of the Great War
Taylor Downing
(Little, Brown)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“The book looks at five distinct groups of ‘boffins’ who worked variously in aviation, code-breaking, engineering, chemistry, medicine and the media. Secret Warriors is a compelling insight into the role intellectuals can play in the business of war.”
Shooting the Front
Terrence J Finnegan
(The History Press)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
*****
“Finnegan has produced an outstanding study that should be on the wish list of anyone interested in the history of aviation, aerial photography and warfare. The book is packed with fascinating photographs and maps that enabled the Generals to plan out their campaigns.”
The Steady Running of the Hour
Justin Go
(William Heinemann)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“Destined to join the long list of wartime romances that have been turned into Hollywood movies, what follows is an engaging detective story that takes in a number of historical sites and events. It will leave you emotionally drained and historically enlightened.”
The Tank War: The Men, The Machines, The Long Road to Victory 1939-45
Mark Urban
(Abacus Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“The 5th Tanks were on the front-line from the French campaign in 1940, through North Africa and Italy, to Germany in 1945. Graphic recounts of battles from the men who fought them present the stark reality of their lives.”
Theirs Not to Reason Why
Graham Winton
(Helion and Co)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
***
“The horse as a vehicle of war has a history that is almost as long as that of armed combat itself. This book provides the back story and an extreme level of detail.”
Tommy’s War
Richard van Emden
(Bloomsbury)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Emden continues his quest to ensure that the stories of those heroic men are not left behind by the grand sweep of history. This book is a touching, occasionally humorous addition to our understanding of the conflict.”
Unlikely Warriors: The Extraordinary Story of the Britons Who Fought for Spain
Richard Baxell
(Aurum Press)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Unlikely Warriors tells the story of the 2,500 men and women who left the gloom of Depression-era Britain for the romance and excitement in taking on Franco. This is an extraordinary story of heroism, tragedy and sacrifice.”
Vietnam War Helicopter Art (US Army Rotor Aircraft): Volume Two
John Brennan
(Stackpole Military)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
***
“These [glossy pictures] are accompanied by a plethora of interesting anecdotes, facts and tidbits, which will appeal to any military – and indeed, history, enthusiast. But if you didn’t serve in ‘Nam or fly a chopper, you might be better off borrowing a copy from the library.”
Walking the Retreat
Terry Cudbird
(Signal Books)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“By completing the route to the Marne on foot, Cudbird gives us a valuable insight into the challenges faced by half-starved, exhausted troops carrying 60lb packs on their backs in blistering heat.”
The War Behind the Wire
John Lewis-Stempel
(Weidenfeld & Nicolson)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“How many of us truly know what being a prisoner of war entails? It’s extremely difficult to fault Lewis-Stempel’s work and The War Behind the Wire is a riveting read.”
War Report: BBC Dispatches From the Frontline 1944-1945
John Simpson (Foreword)
(BBC Books)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“This weighty collection of dispatches makes for utterly fascinating reading on a micro and macro level. You owe it to yourself to buy this slab of history.”
The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Terrorism, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failures of Great Powers
Peter Tomsen
(PublicAffairs)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
*****
“The work is a unique mix of historical interpretation, personal memoir and political polemic. Tomsen is a history maker and this is essential reading for modern-history enthusiasts and US Presidential nominees alike.”
Waterloo: A New History of the Battle and its Armies
Gordon Corrigan
(Atlantic Books)
Reviewed in Issue 6 of History of War
****
“It’s Corrigan’s frank opinions and driving narrative that give this book its appeal. He puts forward an interesting argument that had Napoleon won, things may not have been as bad as other historians have suggested.”
Weapons of World War II
Alexander Ludeke
(Parragon)
***
“The book’s title is misleading, but in a good way. Not only does this book chronicle guns and armaments used in the Second World War, it also looks at military vehicles and aircraft that were used to devastating effect. A fascinating, if limited, read.”
We Remember D-Day
Frank & Joan Shaw
(Ebury Press)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“Twenty years ago, Frank and Joan wrote to 700 local newspapers across Britain, asking for people’s memories of the war. Delving into this book puts you amongst the action with all the sights, sounds and smells described by people who were actually there.”
What Tommy Took to War: 1914-1918
Peter Doyle & Chris Foster
(Shire Publications)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“It’s a slight tome but is a welcome change from the more academic books on the conflict.”
World War I: The Definitive Visual Guide
RG Grant
(Dorling Kindersley)Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
***
“It’s candy for the eyes and provides a lighthearted read that you can pick up whenever you have five minutes to spare, but it’s unlikely to offer you much you don’t already know.”
Films/DVD’s
1944: The Final Defence
Director: Ake Lindman, Sakari Kirjavainen
(Metrodome)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
**
“1944: The Final Defence tells the story of the Battle of Tali-Ihantala, throwing you into the action from the very beginning. But it is repetitive, unfulfilling and not worth your money.”
Age of Uprising
Director: Arnaud des Pallieres
(Chelsea Films)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
*
“Judging from the cover, you’d think an epic battle is in store as two forces collide, but instead we get a slow, empty film that doesn’t really go anywhere. The film is a squandered opportunity.”
Assault on Normandy: Pointe Du Hoc
Director: Anthony Clayton
(Pen & Sword Military)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
Pointe Du Hoc recounts the operation to destroy the German gun battery during the D-Day Landings. It’s probably not a DVD you’ll watch often, but it offers an intriguing insight into one of the less well-known chapters of Operation Neptune.”
The Battle
Director: Rafa Lara
(Anchor Bay)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“This Mexico-centric rendering of the story of the 1862 Battle of Puebla is the host nation’s biggest-budget film of all time. The tension leading up to the final, 30-minute battle is skillfully executed.”
D-Day: Breaching Enemy Lines
Dir: N/A
(History)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“This is a smart-looking and neatly packaged 3-disc DVD box set, and manages to pack in just about everything that happened over that fateful period in history. But this US-produced documentary is predictably slanted towards the American version of events.”
The Empire’s Shield: The Royal Navy in the First World War
Director: N/A
(Strikeforce Entertainment)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“At around two and a half hours long, this subject matter is as comprehensive as it is intriguing. This will have proper history nerds enthusiastically stroking their chins.”
Father of a Soldier/Tomorrow Was the War
Director: Rezo Chkheidze/Yuri Kara
(Ruscico)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
**
“These two Russian films look back at the Second World War from different moments in Soviet history. The former is a sentimental, revisonist melodrama while the latter is a coming-of-age tale.”
Fix Bayonets
Director: Jeremy Freeston
(Upfront)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“This documentary focuses on two men who fought in the first major land battle of the Falklands War. Essentially a DVD version of a battleground visit, it provides a fascinating insight into the mindset of men who were sent off to fight in a place they had no connection with.”
Going Medieval: Get Hands On With a Thousand Years of History
Director: N/A
(History)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“Fronted by historian and weapons expert Mike Loades, Going Medieval takes us back to the Middle Ages and is an intriguing journey into one of the country’s most challenging periods. It’ll make you wonder how our forefathers ever managed.”
The Great War
Director: N/A
(Eagle Media)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
***
“Whoever was responsible for sourcing the archive footage appears to have only had one eye on the job and I found that the commentary seemed to go off the beaten track. But it’s dirt cheap and does have its share of interesting clips.”
Hercules
Director: Roger Young
(Spirit Entertainment)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
**
“The film has surprisingly high production values for a title you’ve likely never heard of, but the telling of the story is just too wishy-washy to truly capture the imagination.”
I Am Soldier
Director: Ronnie Thompson
(Lionsgate)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
***
“I Am Soldier follows the fortunes of a military chef as he undertakes the gruelling SAS selection process. There is a twist of sorts, but for the most part the plot is fairly predictable and you feel like you’ve been here many times before.”
Lee & Grant
Director: N/A
(History)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
***
“Originally made for the History Channel, this TV programme focuses on the American Civil War’s two main protagonists. Lee & Grant is a decent introduction to the Civil War, but will no doubt leave you wanting more.”
Love and Honor
Director: Danny Mooney
(High Fliers)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
****
“In this, the Vietnam War is more of a sub-plot than the central theme. It’s a poor cousin of Pearl Harbour, but it’s a good choice for a not-too-taxing night in. Just don’t expect an explosion fest.”
Merlin’s Revenge: The Grail Wars
Director: Steve Barron
(Three Wolves)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
**
“Merlin’s Revenge: The Grail Wars is a reasonably enjoyable fantasy adventure that deserves a couple of hours of your time, if only for the pretty cinematography. The film has its fair share of flaws, but enjoy this movie for what it is – or, rather, isn’t.”
The Patrol
Director: Tom Petch
(Soda Pictures)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“A terrific little British war film that was overlooked by the cinema-going public. The film’s writer-director was a serving squaddie for eight years, so he has an ear for military language. You won’t find much in the way of pyrotechnics here – The Patrol is smarter than that.”
The Philadelphia Experiment
Director: Paul Ziller
(Anchor Bay)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
***
“The US denies that Area 51 ever happened, though its managed to spawn two movies. Both are included here and it’s all good fun, but take it with a large pinch of salt.”
Private Peaceful
Director: Pat O’Connor
(Spirit Entertainment)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
****
“The film does justice to the original story by illustrating the harsh realities of war. While its unlikely to win any awards, Private Peaceful is a tale that will tug at the heartstrings.”
Saving General Yang
Director: Ronnie Yu
(Universal Pictures)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
***
“The story centres around a group of warrior sons who attempt to rescue their General father from imprisonment by a rival army and the ensuing battle sequences are beautifully choreographed. But the film is let down by subtitles that change too quickly.”
Seven Samurai: BFI 60th Anniversary Edition
Director: Akira Kurosawa
(BFI)
Reviewed in Issue 5 of History of War
*****
“This film’s influence on films in other genres, like ‘The Magnificent Seven,’ is well documented. The battle scenes, in particular the final defence of the village, are jaw-dropping. An uncommonly unpoetic offering at the time.”
The Submarines of World War II: The Silent Service
Director: N/A
(History)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“This collection of documentaries grabs your attention from the get-go. The story of these hidden killers is well worth hearing.”
Spirits of the Somme
Director: Bob Carruthers
(Beckmann Visual Publishing)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
*****
“In awe-inspiring clarity, we see hundreds of British squaddies cheerily marching, and it all seems very lighthearted and genteel. But this painfully haunting documentary is an absolute must addition to your DVD collection.”
Strikeback: Shadow Warfare
Directors: Michael J Bassett, Julian Holmes and Paul Wilmshurst
(2entertain)
Reviewed in Issue 1 of History of War
***
“The ten-part series of high drama, nudity and adrenaline is not particularly clever. But Strikeback delivers exactly what it intends to. Think James Bond without the sophistication.”
Triumph of the Will
Director: Leni Riefenstahl
(Go Entertain)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“This year sees the 80th anniversary of the 1934 Nuremberg Rally. Ultimately, this is a propaganda film that documents, quite brilliantly, how the words of a few men so enchanted a deeply civilised nation that it sleepwalked into catastrophe.”
Tunes of Glory
Director: Ronald Neame
(Odeon Entertainment)
Reviewed in Issue 4 of History of War
****
“Tunes of Glory is an engrossing drama starring three of the heavyweights of British cinema – Alec Guinness, John Mills and Susannah York. While Tunes of Glory looks a little dated nowadays, the film’s themes – not to mention the outstanding acting of the cast – are timeless.
Ultimate Warfare
Director: N/A
(Discovery Channel)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“There’s a morbid curiosity in all of us that makes us want to know what it was like to fight in some of the most famous, and fiercest battles in history. This three-DVD set aims to satiate that urge, so if you want to know what it’s like to be a real-life soldier in a real-life combat situation, buy this.”
Vikings
Director: Ciaran Donnelly, Ken Girotti and Johan Renck
(20th Century Fox)
Reviewed in Issue 2 of History of War
****
“The Vikings weren’t exactly known for pussy-footing around. This has undoubtedly been made on a big budget and the sets are breathtaking.”
War Games
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
(Fox)
Reviewed in Issue 3 of History of War
****
“The mid-eighties was undoubtedly a golden period for cinema, and this is up there with the best of them. The plot keeps you interested for the whole 108 minutes and is an enjoyable drama-suspense.”