War Through the Lens: Real stories of conflict, bravery, and tragedy captured on Documentaries

April 14, 2023

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein

 

five men on board, dirty, but smiling. One of them on the left is drinking in a white cup.

Wars have shaped our world, and their impact can still be felt today. From the devastation of World War II to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, war has left scars on the human psyche and the physical landscape. Documentaries and docuseries about war provide a platform to hear from those who have experienced it firsthand. They offer a unique perspective on the realities of conflict, the human cost of war, and the political and social factors that contribute to it.

From World War II to modern-day conflicts, these films provide insight, context, and perspective on some of the most significant events of our time.

A soldier with a military uniform resting with eyes closed. The sky is full of stars and behind him is another soldier crossing

 

These documentaries and docuseries about war offer a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of conflict, from the human toll to the complex geopolitical factors at play. They allow us to learn from the past and gain a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by those who fought and continue to fight for their countries.

Whether you choose to watch them on Guidedoc, Netflix, Youtube, or our platform, these films are a powerful reminder of the consequences of war and the importance of striving for peace.

From the Frontlines to the Homefront: The Top 10 Must-See Documentaries and Docuseries on War:

 

Our Lucky Hours

A group of people sitting on the grass, smiling and clapping

During World War II, 45,000 psychiatric patients died in French hospitals, except for an asylum in Saint-Alban. Doctors, patients, nuns, and nurses worked together, developing a new approach to psychiatry and the role of the mentally ill in society. This led to the birth of the "institutional psychotherapy" movement that revolutionized post-war psychiatric care.

 

The Fog of War

An old man with a light brown coat and a black tie, behind him the flag of the United States of America

In this compelling and award-winning documentary, former US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara shares candid reflections on his pivotal role in the Vietnam War, exploring the complexities of decision-making in times of war and the profound personal lessons he learned along the way.

 

The Rocking Sky

A drawing of a Japanese plane kamikaze

Is a tribute to the valiant Chinese pilots who fought against the Japanese in WWII. Through interviews with surviving pilots and animation re-enactments, the film sheds light on their experiences and emotions during the war. Additionally, the stories of three women - the pilots' partner, wife, and mother - are explored to offer insight into the impact of the war on their lives.

 

They Shall Not Grow Old

A. group of soldiers with military uniform

Using a mix of restored footage and cutting-edge colorization techniques, this groundbreaking documentary vividly brings to life the gripping experiences of British soldiers in the trenches of World War I, providing a unique and immersive perspective on one of the most brutal conflicts in human history.

 

Tunisian Victory

War propaganda poster with a map and American soldiers and fags of the United States.

Follow the journey from the initial stages of Operation Torch and Acrobat to the liberation of Tunis as two soldiers share their hopes and fears during this crucial campaign against Germany's Afrika Korps. Through their stories, viewers witness the human experience of war and the courage it takes to face it head-on.

 

About A War

A  devastated city

Unveils the untold stories of the Lebanese civil war through the raw and personal accounts of three fighters with vastly different backgrounds and beliefs. Assaad, Ahed, and Nassim share their deepest motivations, regrets, and traumas as former militia members, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on the pivotal conflict that shaped Lebanese and Middle Eastern history. Through their eyes, the documentary exposes the human cost of war and the complex web of political and social forces that drove a nation into turmoil.

 

We Will Remember Them

A field and a war tank with a military walking.

Explores the enduring legacy of the First World War in the city of Ypres. Through the lens of filmmaker Annabel Verbeke, the film delves into the ways in which Ypres has dedicated itself to commemorating the war since 1919. With a focus on the diversity and occasional contradictions of these remembrance efforts, Verbeke takes viewers on a poignant journey through this landscape of memory.

 

Five Came Back

 a war reporter the sky full of planes

Discover the untold story of how five of the most iconic Hollywood directors of all time contributed to both filmmaking and propaganda during World War II. Through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and rare archival materials, this docuseries sheds light on John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, and Frank Capra, exploring their journeys as soldiers and filmmakers. Follow their footsteps from the frontline to the editing room and learn how their experiences in war shaped their artistic vision and changed the course of cinema forever.

 

The Siege of Jadotville

 Soldiers prepare a trench during sunset. One of them smiles towards the horizon.

Based on true events, Irish soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Congo during the 1960s find themselves outnumbered and outgunned by a much larger force. The docudrama tells the gripping story of the siege, highlighting the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who faced overwhelming odds.

 

Virunga

 a man with an expectant face drives a wooden wheelbarrow,. behind him a group of children, they observe the same thing as that man

In the heart of Africa, a small group of rangers risks their lives to protect endangered species and preserve the stunning landscapes of Virunga National Park. This gripping docudrama sheds light on their struggles against poaching, corruption, and armed conflict in a region where conservation is often overshadowed by political and economic interests.

 

War tank and soldiers in the middle of the jungle

 

War has been a part of human history for centuries and its impact is far-reaching and devastating. Documentaries and docuseries provide a unique perspective on the realities of war, shedding light on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and the political leaders who shape the course of conflict.

From the heart-wrenching stories of veterans struggling to cope with the aftermath of war, to the analysis of the political and social factors that lead to conflict, the documentaries and docuseries mentioned in this article offer a diverse range of perspectives on the complex and often tragic realities of war. These films not only provide valuable historical and cultural insights, but also serve as a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to work towards a world free from the devastation of war.

Will be right Einstein?

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