‘Best war film’ is a 1969 ‘masterpiece’ | Films | Entertainment

War films are always among the most talked-about movies ever made, and everyone seems to have their own favourite. That is why debates about the greatest war film of all time never really end.

Some viewers prefer to see constant action, while others look for performances and storytelling. But there is one film, which was released more than 50 years ago, that often tops the list. It holds a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and is regularly described as one of the finest war movies ever made.

That film is Army of Shadows. Released in 1969, the French-language film was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and is based on Joseph Kessel’s 1943 book of the same name.

The movie stars Lino Ventura, Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel and Simone Signoret.

Set during the Second World War, it follows members of the French Resistance as they carry out dangerous missions while trying to avoid capture.

Unlike many war films, it focuses less on large-scale battles and more on the people involved and the difficult choices they face.

However, the film was not a success with critics when it first arrived in France. At the time, some reviewers criticised it because of the political climate following the events of 1968, when widespread protests and unrest in France led to changing attitudes towards authority, nationalism and figures such as Charles de Gaulle.

It also failed to gain a wide international release and was largely overlooked outside France for many years.

However, all of that changed in the decades that followed. A restoration and re-release introduced the film to new audiences, particularly in the United States in 2006, where it received widespread praise.

Many American critics included the film on their lists of the best films of that year.

Today, Army of Shadows holds a 97% critics score and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

And, many viewers believe it deserves its reputation as one of the greatest war films ever made.

One person said in a review: “It genuinely is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. The story, the acting, the twists and turns, plus an amazing score to top it all off. I’m telling you this movie has it all, but don’t take my word for it. Do yourself a favour and give it a watch.”

Another added: “Filmmaking at its best. No gimmicks, no film tricks, just superb acting, straight forward story and a directing style that focuses on keeping you interested in the movie from beginning to end.”

A third wrote: “Best war film. Jean-Pierre Melville delivers a goosebump-raising masterpiece.”

Someone else commented: “As of today, Army of Shadows is the greatest film I’ve ever seen. Never have I been as paralysed as I was by a film’s greatness. Genius flows in every frame.”

Army of Shadows can be rented or bought on Prime Video.