The cast of Sgt. Haane, a new docudrama depicting the Māori Battalion's fighting in North Africa.
From emotionally charged, visceral blockbusters to stark anti-war films, entertainment reporter Mitchell Hageman breaks down the war stories to watch this Anzac holiday and why you should see them.
There’s no shortage of harrowing on-screen stories showcasing the heroism and sacrifices made by those who fought for their country.
For a look at the heroism of our 28th Māori Battalion.
Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi changed the course of World War II in North Africa, and now his incredible true story is finally being told on the big screen.
Manahi, a member of the 28th Māori Battalion, led his comrades up a cliff to capture the Tunisian town of Takrouna from Axis powers. He was said to have taken hundreds of prisoners, helped countless injured, and protected civilians from danger during one of the most intense periods of the war.
Directed by Tearepa Kahi, the docudrama shines a light on a story that was only previously kept alive by descendants. It’s a blessing to have Kiwi stories told on the big screen, especially those paying tribute to our heroes and in time for the holiday.
Where to watch: In cinemas nationwide now
For those who want a raw look at Allied camaraderie.
This 2001 Steven Spielberg-produced series, based on the non-fiction Stephen E. Ambrose book, is often described as the best screen-based work about war of all time – and it’s abundantly clear why.
Set during World War II, mainly on the Western Front, the story follows the men of “Easy” Company, a parachute infantry regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, and their journey from the training grounds to the battlefield.
There are plenty of bloody firefights with grim, raw, realistic detail, but where the series really shines is in its quieter moments. The pacing is realistic, and the men’s relationships and characterisations never come across as staged or overblown.
Depictions of the D-Day landings and the liberation of concentration camps are stark reminders of the war’s pain and suffering, and moments away from the battlefield shed light on the complex personal situations these men went through.
One of the more astounding features, however, is that the series also contains opening scenes with the real-life veterans portrayed in the show, all of whom praised its historical and military accuracy.
By the end of the 10 episodes, viewers will likely be inspired to look more deeply into the lives of those portrayed on screen, continuing to dwell on the vital memorial theme of Lest We Forget.
Where to watch: Available to stream on Neon
For a Kiwi boots-on-the-ground perspective.
Based on the 1982 play by Maurice Shadbolt, this big-screen adaptation is one every Kiwi must watch at least once in their life.
While not reaching the big-budget heights of Band of Brothers, Chunuk Bair expertly focuses on the extreme hardships Kiwi soldiers endured during the Gallipoli campaign of World War I.
Combining blunt Kiwi dialogue with deep philosophical conversations about the meaning of war, the film highlights a testy relationship between the British and the Kiwis, and how a failure in communication can lead to horrific consequences.
Standout performances from Kevin J. Wilson (Colonel Connolly) and Robert Powell (Frank South) anchor the incredible cast, with a small role also being filled by an up-and-comer at the time, Karl Urban.
There are firefights, heated monologues and plenty of Kiwi-isms throughout, and while the execution and lack of high-budget effects leave something to be desired, it’s still empowering to have a war story we can call our own for the big screen.
If you’re heading to an Anzac Day service this year, perhaps spend the afternoon afterwards sitting down to give this a go.
Where to watch: Available to buy on DVD
For those who want a stark anti-war film.
Many film buffs will remember the scene in this film where a frightened Army private is being bombarded with obscenities by his drill sergeant.
Full Metal Jacket does everything but glorify war and its purpose, instead deciding to focus on why turning soldiers into brutal killing machines isn’t the way forward.
Director Stanley Kubrick focuses his camera on disturbing and dehumanising actions the United States military allegedly took during the Vietnam War, with scenes depicting cruelty, self-harm and mental anguish.
Matthew Modine as the wisecracking James T. “Joker” Davis and Adam Baldwin as the battle-hungry Sergeant “Animal Mother” act as symbols of coping mechanisms, and their ill-fated journeys convey an explicit reasoning for an anti-war attitude.
Combat and cruelty are portrayed in such a way that viewers will likely wince when they see it, and there is no escaping the fact that Kubrick wants people to know that war changes people (and overtly that war never changes).
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store, Google TV, YouTube, and to rent on Neon Rentals
For those who seek to understand the psychological toll of war.
Released last year, Prime Video series The Narrow Road to the Deep North is an example of non-linear war storytelling that aims to provide an intimate look into war’s psychological toll.
Adapted from the Booker award-winning novel by Richard Flanagan, it explores an Australian soldier’s life before, during and after his time as a prisoner of war (POW) on Burma’s Death Railway during World War II.
Featuring terrific performances by Ciaran Hinds and Jacob Elordi (who play the older and younger versions of tormented soldier Dorrigo Evans), the series doesn’t sugarcoat the immense mental stress of those who faced the harrowing ordeal of being a POW.
Loneliness serves as a key theme, and we see Evans’ sense of camaraderie vanish as the anguish of war continues to plague his soul.
There’s also an underlying affair, strained emotional connections, and clear post-traumatic stress conveyed in a way that comes across as real and historically accurate.
If you can handle the dehumanising nature of the series and become engrossed in the incredible storytelling, this is a must-see for your Anzac watchlist.
Where to watch: Prime Video
For a personal look at those who stayed behind.
Seasoned Kiwi documentarian Dame Gaylene Preston stays away from sensationalism in the poignant sit-down with the women who watched their loved ones go to, or in some cases object to, the war.
Preston’s raw documentary explores the mental and physical experiences of those who stayed home, often languishing over the fates of their loved ones.
The casual comfort that Preston fosters within her subjects, who are all at this stage in their 70s and 80s, allows for revelations to come to light and unheard stories to be unearthed. Combined with archival footage, stills, and popular songs of the era, it gives a beautiful voice to a section of our society who were often voiceless.
Where to watch: NZ Film On Demand or AroVision
For those seeking an inspiring untold war story.
When the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion disbanded in 1946, none of the all-female members received public recognition for their services.
Today, their story is finally being told on the big and small screen in numerous forms, with director Tyler Perry straying away from his usual comedy antics and crafting this powerful story that celebrates the heroic actions of strong wāhine.
“No mail, low morale,” was the battalion’s motto. They were the only black and multi-ethnic US Women’s Army Corps unit sent overseas during World War II and faced constant discrimination and setbacks. Despite this, they strove to serve their country and their people to the best of their ability.
Expect plenty of inspiring moments, tears, and a history lesson that isn’t boring.
Where to watch: Netflix
For a look at modern warfare and its effects.
Kathryn Bigelow’s Best Picture-winning war film is as timely now as it was when it was released.
This no-frills look at the horrors of 21st-century military service from the point of view of those defusing bombs in Iraq pulls no punches, its quasi-documentary style adding to the realism.
Starring Jeremy Renner as Sergeant First Class William James and Anthony Mackie as Sergeant J.T. Sanborn, the film highlights the fact that, to this day, soldiers are putting their lives on the line in the interest of national security.
While some veterans have criticised the film for being “overblown” and lacking detail, most still said its general atmosphere and story paint a good thematic picture of modern warfare.
It also touches on civilian life and how the pain of war and impending threat of danger never leaves those who embark on a tour of duty.
There are plenty of tense moments in the film (bomb defusing, kill shots) intended to make the audience fear for the safety of the characters on screen and reflect on why servicemen are put in these situations.
The film also doesn’t shy away from expertly conveying the life-or-death decisions soldiers have to make on a daily basis, something we see continuing today.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Prime Video Store, Google TV, YouTube, and to rent on Neon Rentals and AroVision
Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.