In this article we will analyze the best documentaries about the Second World War. Until now, every person on Earth remembers those long-standing events. When viewing the paintings selected by us, you will get a chance to look at those terrible events from different points of view. Especially for you, we have collected "documentaries" of various years, shot in different countries of the world. Among other things, at the end of the article you will find an overview of several excellent feature films made on this subject.
"World in war"
In this large-scale transmission cycle, a huge number of rare chronicles from the Second World War are presented. The filmmakers received at their disposal the archives of eighteen countries that took part in those sad events. You are waiting for not only recordings of hostilities, but also the opportunity to get acquainted with the life of people. In particular, viewers will see Hitler’s rare home recordings. Also, the creators of the program took numerous interviews with people who lived in those years and saw all the horror with their own eyes.
"Apocalypse: The Second World War" (2009 film)
In this French film, rare declassified shots from the time of the terrible war will be available to the viewer. Also, amateur photography is awaiting you, which was not previously shown anywhere.
It's no secret that that war became one of the most terrible events in the modern history of mankind. For the first time, casualties among the general population were equal to the military. In those years, the fate of many was destroyed. People lost loved ones, were forced to fight for their existence. In the documentary "Apocalypse: World War II" there will also be stories about the fate of those people and about what they had to go through. The directors also touched on the causes of the conflicts that led to the Second World War.
You are waiting for one of the largest and most believable films on this subject. So if you are not indifferent to the story, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this documentary.
"World War II in color"
The series contains a number of rare frames from the battlefields. In particular, you are waiting for material captured live in the waters of the Atlantic, as well as during the tragic attack on Pearl Harbor.
"Stalingrad"
For many years this legendary battle was illuminated from only one side. After the battle of Stalingrad, the Germans suffered one of the first crushing defeats, which served as the beginning of the surrender of the Hitler regime. However, the inhabitants of Stalingrad had to sacrifice a lot for the long-awaited victory. In this documentary, created jointly by the Germans, Russians, Dutch and Finns, you will find a true story about the events of those old years. Why did Hitler think that the battle of Stalingrad would be easy? And why did this battle eventually drag on so much? You will receive answers to all your questions by watching this unique movie. Spectators are also waiting for rare recordings and interviews.
"Triumph of the Will"
A rather unusual documentary for our top. For many years this film was considered banned in many countries of the world. Judge for yourself: "Triumph of the Will" - one of the few full records with the participation of Hitler and the German army. This parade, shot with incredible professionalism for those years, is considered one of the most significant documentaries in the history of cinema. But debates about him continue to this day.
"The Great Patriotic War"
This unique documentary film is dedicated to the very beginning of World War II. You will learn about why the German attack was unexpected, and also why the Soviet army suffered such tremendous losses in those weeks. The authors of the project will try to answer all your questions.
"Ordinary Fascism"
The famous Soviet film about World War II, shot by one of the best directors of the USSR - Mikhail Romm. Perhaps this film does not need to be introduced. And everyone must see her.
Austerlitz
What other documentaries about World War II are recommended for viewing? The new film by the famous director Sergei Loznitsa - “Austerlitz” - will be interesting to history buffs. The director has long specialized in documentaries. Moreover, they are all quite experimental and non-standard. In his project Austerlitz, the author decides to speculate on the subject of concentration camps, many of which have now become museums. A huge number of people regularly come to Austerlitz. They take children with them, smile, even have fun. In a word, they behave as if they were in an amusement park. Loznitsa decides to raise this topic in this documentary.
"Night and Fog"
Another truly great short documentary about the Second World War, which everyone must watch. Even after years of events, the events covered in it can inspire horror. Filmed by his eminent French filmmaker named Alan Renee. Perhaps this short film is the most significant work in his brilliant career.
"Blockade"
A film about Leningrad during the blockade. Unlike other films of this kind, here you will not find behind-the-scenes text, reasoning, analysis of events, music and other things familiar to documentaries. You will find a chronicle, during which you will see all the horror that happened in those days.
"Great War"
This Russian documentary, which consists of one season, tells about the most significant events that occurred during the Great Patriotic War. Viewers will be able to find out about everything that happened with maximum detail. Everything told is confirmed by facts.
The Liberators
You are waiting for a first-hand narration. The participants of the Great Patriotic War will tell the audience stories from their lives. About what they happened to experience in those old days. You will have access to both sad and funny memories. Yes, it turns out that even in such a period of time people managed to find time in order to forget about the war and make fun of each other even for a moment. They will also talk about what they were taught in the service and what experience they gained. This is a film about soldierly tricks and the ability to survive in the most inhuman conditions.
"War and myths"
A small television series that discusses myths about the Great Patriotic War. Unfortunately, to this day there are erroneous opinions that the creators of "War and Myths" will try to clarify and refute. A very informative and memorable sight.
Best feature films
Now you will be presented with feature films about the Second World War. They were shot a lot, and each in its own way is interesting. But we tried to highlight the most memorable.
"Paradise"
A new film by the outstanding Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky. Despite his age, he continues to regularly delight us with unusual films for every taste. This time the director decided to turn his attention to the Holocaust. I must say that it is rare for Russian cinema. Basically, we are used to the fact that films about the Great Patriotic War as a whole are being shot in Russia. However, Konchalovsky decided to move away from stereotypes and presented us with this heartbreaking black and white drama, which will delight all connoisseurs of author's cinema. All actors successfully fit into their roles, so you believe what is happening on the screen unconditionally.
"Germany, year zero"
Roberto Rossellini is one of the greatest Italian directors. He became famous thanks to his legendary film "Rome, an open city", which made him a major star. Then the author showed the audience all the horror that was happening in Italy during the Second World War. This time, the director ventured to show the situation on the other, unexpected side. Events unfold in Germany immediately after the war. We see the devastation, unemployment and many other terrible things that occurred after the surrender of Hitler. Rossellini is trying to show us that after the war it was hard not only to the countries-victims of the German attacks, but also to the Germans themselves.
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
The famous drama film by Mark Herman, the main characters of which are two little boys. Unlike adults, they are not yet aware of all the horror that is happening around. One of them is the son of a representative of the Nazi regime, while the other is a prisoner in a concentration camp. They are forced to communicate with each other through a barbed wire grill. But how long will the friendship of the children last?
"Pearl Harbor"
An outstanding and truly large-scale film of one of the main directors of the blockbusters of our day - Michael Bay. In this film, large Hollywood stars starred. But Ben Affleck played best of all, who by that time had already managed to become a screen star. The film tells about one of the most tragic moments of modern American history - the attack on Pearl Harbor. You are waiting for one of the best films about the Second World War. A tremendous amount of money was spent on creating the film. So the film by Michael Bay looks great even after more than ten years from the moment of release on the screens.
Empire of the Sun
Steven Spielberg has repeatedly turned to military topics during his career. However, this film about World War II undeservedly went unnoticed by many fans of the work of the venerable director. He is remarkable not only for the theme, but also for the fact that it was then that the very young Christian Bale played his debut role in it. In the center of the plot is a boy named Jim Graham. Together with his parents, he lived in distant China. And it was during this period that the Japanese decided to invade their territory. Real chaos begins, as a result of which Jim is lost. After some time, together with his new-found friend, he ends up in one of the camps. What will be his future fate?