Since Memorial Day is right around the corner (May 31st to be exact!), I thought I could share with you all the best movies to watch on this important holiday. If you're feeling patriotic or missing a loved one, these movies may be what you need! I actually wrote this article for Future Female Leaders, but I thought it would be fun to do here! Here's the link for my FFL article! https://futurefemaleleader.com/9-veteran-movies-to-watch-before-memorial-day/
To all the men and women who have served or are currently serving, thank you for your service. This post is dedicated to the armed forces who have fought to protect this nation, and tragically lost their life. Like Justin Moore said, "This is for the ones who didn't make it back home."
To all the men and women who have served or are currently serving, thank you for your service. This post is dedicated to the armed forces who have fought to protect this nation, and tragically lost their life. Like Justin Moore said, "This is for the ones who didn't make it back home."
Image credit: Giphy
- First Blood: Sylvester Stallone stars as John Rambo, a veteran from the Vietnam War, comes back to the States only to be treated like he's the enemy. Rambo struggles to differentiate reality and his past, mainly stemming from his PTSD. At the end, when speaking with his former commander, Rambo exposes a side of veterans most people are unfamiliar with, or barely know of. He breaks down remembering all the things he saw and the friends he lost. This movie's ending is certainly a tear-jerker. I prefer Rambo over Rocky, as I consider Stallone's role as John Rambo to be, arguably, his best role as an actor.
- Rambo First Blood Part Two: The second installment in the Rambo series. This one was almost as good as the first. Rambo, originally going to rescue POW (prisoners of war) discover how his government and fellow Americans really think of the armed forces. Rambo, again played by Stallone, says something at the end of the movie that rings true today: "I want, what they want, and every other guy who came over here and spilled his guts and gave everything he had, wants! For our country to love us as much as we love it! That's what I want!"
- Hacksaw Ridge: The Mel Gibson movie was a HUGE hit at the box office. When the premiere was released, the cast received a 10 minute standing ovation. This movie discusses a unique approach to fighting, as the main star of the movie (played by Andrew Garfield) decides to fight, not with guns, but with his words and actions. This was also based on a true story. He was tested by everyone in his platoon, yet he still proved that actions speak louder.
- Unbroken: Angelina Jolie has received her fair share of criticisms, but this movie (surprisingly) stayed almost true to the original story. The only part she left out, upsetting many viewers, was when the main character, Louis Zamperini, got his faith. Aside from that, it is a great story on perseverance, determination, and how to beat the odds you're facing. I remember reading that Zamperini had to go to the hospital, and when the movie finished editing, Jolie saved it on her laptop and went to the hospital to show Louis.
- The Great Escape: This is an older movie (1963), but still is an intriguing story of men trapped in a prison camp during WWII, fighting to escape. It's one you have to pay close attention to, otherwise you'll lose the plot. Ironically, in my leadership class at UF, my professor had each group in the class watch a movie then identity leadership traits. This was my group's movie. I didn't think I'd like it so much, but it was pretty good!
- 12 Strong: Based on the true story of the 12 men who took the first steps in fighting back against the Taliban. This one captivated you. I couldn't stop watching, and I know you won't be able to either. This was an interesting film to watch, and I do recommend it for this holiday! You'll feel inspired and patriotic for sure!
- American Sniper: The Clint Eastwood movie starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle. This movie was revered and loved by many. Despite the popularity in box office, critics did point out how the movie ignored Chris' failings, like dealing with the balancing home and the war going on in his head. Many said he was not properly shown on the big screen. It's up to you to decide what you think of the movie. I have not seen it yet, but I have been meaning to!
- Black Hawk Down: Certainly a more graphic movie depicting what happens when things don't go as planned. The movie shows the army people fighting for their lives after their helicopter, which was bringing supplies to the people of Somalia in 1993, were shot down. From there, they fight to survive. If you've seen Tears of the Sun with Bruce Willis, it has a similar theme.
- Walk The Line: This may seem like an unusual choice, but I thought it was still appropriate. This was the movie about Johnny Cash's life, where you see the struggles he goes through during his life. When he was 18, he left home to serve in the Army, which is where he learns his love of music. This led him down a path unlike any other in country music. Certainly a great movie to watch!
Well, I managed to provide many movies for you to enjoy on Memorial Day. Mission accomplished!😉😉Is there a veteran related movie you have seen that I didn't include? Comment below! (Image credit: Tenor)
In honor of this holiday, I will be taking 25% off my store's items! Use promo code Murica21 when shopping! Here's the link!
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