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Warfare Historians Rate 51 Military Battles In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider Marathon

Insider・107 minutes read

Experts analyze war movies for accuracy, highlighting inaccuracies in distance portrayal and military hierarchy. Despite some inaccuracies, the portrayal of Normandy Beach assault is mostly realistic, scoring an eight out of 10 for realism.

Insights

  • War movies are analyzed for accuracy by experts like Alexander Watson and Gary Adelman, revealing discrepancies in portraying military tactics and hierarchy.
  • Inaccuracies in depicting historical events, such as the Normandy beach assault and Russian tactics in Stalingrad, impact the realism of the movies.
  • Hollywood often exaggerates air combat scenarios, showcasing unlimited firepower, while reality involves limited ammunition and short bursts to conserve resources.
  • The movie "Hamburger Hill" accurately portrays the challenges faced by the 1st Airborne division in assaulting Hill 937, resembling World War I trench warfare with entrenched positions and booby traps.

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Recent questions

  • How accurate are war movies in depicting historical events?

    War movies often take creative liberties for dramatic effect, leading to inaccuracies in historical events. While some aspects may be realistic, such as uniforms or equipment, the overall portrayal may deviate from actual occurrences. Experts analyze these movies for accuracy, highlighting discrepancies in military tactics, communication, and topography. Despite efforts to depict realism, certain scenes may exaggerate or simplify events for cinematic appeal, resulting in a blend of fact and fiction.

  • What are common inaccuracies in war movie depictions?

    War movies frequently contain inaccuracies in portraying historical events, ranging from military tactics to equipment usage. Experts note discrepancies in the depiction of communication between characters, the portrayal of weaponry like the German MG42 machine gun, and the accuracy of battle scenes. Inaccuracies may also extend to the behavior of soldiers, the tactics employed, and the overall realism of combat scenarios. While movies aim to capture the essence of historical events, these inaccuracies can impact the audience's understanding of the actual occurrences.

  • How do war movies balance realism and entertainment?

    War movies often strive to balance realism with entertainment value, aiming to engage audiences while portraying historical events. Filmmakers may take creative liberties to enhance dramatic effect, leading to inaccuracies in certain aspects of the movie. While experts analyze these films for accuracy, filmmakers must navigate the fine line between historical authenticity and cinematic appeal. By incorporating realistic details and engaging storytelling, war movies can provide audiences with a compelling narrative while honoring the sacrifices and challenges faced by soldiers in historical conflicts.

  • What impact do inaccuracies in war movies have on audience perception?

    Inaccuracies in war movies can influence audience perception of historical events, shaping their understanding of military tactics, communication, and combat scenarios. While movies aim to entertain and educate, deviations from historical accuracy may lead to misconceptions or oversimplifications of complex events. Viewers may internalize these inaccuracies as factual representations, potentially distorting their perception of the realities faced by soldiers in wartime. As such, it is essential for audiences to approach war movies with a critical eye, recognizing the balance between cinematic storytelling and historical authenticity.

  • How do experts evaluate the realism of war movies?

    Experts evaluate the realism of war movies by analyzing various aspects, including military tactics, equipment usage, and historical accuracy. By scrutinizing scenes depicting combat scenarios, communication between characters, and the portrayal of specific events, experts can assess the film's fidelity to historical realities. Factors such as the accuracy of uniforms, weaponry, and battle strategies contribute to the overall assessment of a movie's realism. Through this critical evaluation, experts provide insights into the accuracy of war movies and their portrayal of historical events.

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Summary

00:00

Analyzing War Movies for Historical Accuracy

  • The experts, including Alexander Watson, Gary Adelman, Bill Allison, Dr. John Kurer, and Matt Zan, analyze various war movies for accuracy.
  • The Normandy beach assault on June 6th, 1944, depicted in a movie, shows inaccuracies in the portrayal of the distance men had to traverse under enemy fire.
  • The use of the German MG42 machine gun in long bursts in the movie is unrealistic due to the weapon's limitations.
  • The depiction of communication between Tom Hanks' character and the amphibious task force commander in the movie is inaccurate in terms of military hierarchy.
  • The movie fails to accurately show the topography differences at different D-Day landing sites, impacting the portrayal of the assault.
  • The portrayal of the assault on Normandy Beach in the movie is mostly accurate, scoring an eight out of 10 for realism.
  • In a scene depicting an urban assault, the movie inaccurately shows all but one company retreating, which was disputed by the soldiers involved.
  • The use of mortars, not the Second Armor Division, is what helps drive off German armor in a particular scene, aligning with typical infantry battalion organization.
  • The movie accurately depicts soldiers lining up at Dunkirk for evacuation, showcasing the reality of air combat tactics during that time.
  • The movie "Enemy at the Gates" inaccurately portrays Russian tactics in the Battle of Stalingrad, particularly in the depiction of human wave tactics and friendly fire incidents.

15:29

High-speed aerial combat in World War II.

  • The individuals had recently gone to bed when they heard bombs exploding, still dressed in tuxedo pants.
  • They hastily entered a car traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour while being shot at.
  • In aerial combat, bullets fired from one plane to another in level flight would not fall directly in front but ahead of the target.
  • Hollywood often portrays unrealistic scenarios of unlimited firepower in air combat, whereas in reality, ammunition is limited, and short bursts are fired to conserve it.
  • Welch and Taylor engaged in dogfights at higher altitudes, not at treetop levels.
  • Midair collisions are common in air combat, but the coordination required for planes to collide intentionally is mostly fictional.
  • The SPD Dauntless, a scout dive bomber, surprisingly had a 3 to 1 kill ratio in air-to-air combat.
  • Enemy fire against aircraft includes barrage fire and aimed fire, with flak shells exploding at predetermined altitudes.
  • Dive bombing is preferred due to its accuracy, minimizing errors compared to level bombing.
  • Ensuring enemy aircraft do not fall into enemy hands, torching a plane after a crash is a common practice.

29:50

WWII Fighter Aircraft Realism and Accuracy

  • External fuel tanks are carried to maximize range but are jettisoned before engaging the enemy due to added weight and drag.
  • Kamikaze attacks typically involve lower angle approaches rather than pop-up and diving attacks.
  • Vulnerability peaks when pitching over at the apex due to reduced speed, making pilots easy targets.
  • Realism is highlighted by details like brass shell casings, but overall accuracy is criticized.
  • High altitude dogfights during the Battle of Britain left visible contrails over London and the English Countryside.
  • Engine hits causing oil to cover the windscreen are depicted realistically, emphasizing the lack of windshield wipers.
  • Bailing out of a World War II fighter is accurately portrayed, including the struggle to untangle parachute risers.
  • The movie's use of real airplanes is praised, showcasing one of the largest Air Forces during filming.
  • P-51 Mustangs are inaccurately depicted in combat scenes set in 1943, as they were introduced later.
  • Formation flying in groups of four with mutual support is accurately represented, emphasizing lead and wingman roles.

44:45

WWI Tactics and Technology: A Summary

  • Gas mask fitting is incorrect, leading to potential trouble in a few hours.
  • French tanks in 1918 were vulnerable to artillery fire, obscured by smoke barrage.
  • German behavior inaccurately portrayed in defending a French trench.
  • Germans in 1918 would signal artillery with flare guns upon tank sighting.
  • Germans had anti-tank weapons and tactics, not just rifles, against tanks.
  • Tanks in 1918 were mobile and required constant movement to avoid getting stuck.
  • Germans used mobility kills against tanks by disabling tracks and attacking crew.
  • French using flamethrowers in the first wave is historically inaccurate for 1918.
  • French and British made significant advances in the last three months of WWI.
  • Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, led a fighter wing with distinct red aircraft.
  • French infantry used smoke to screen attacks in 1916, led by an officer.
  • Authentic portrayal of French soldiers using Adrian helmets for head protection.
  • Spacing out soldiers and using terrain for cover crucial for survival in attacks.
  • French soldiers armed with rifles, missing the presence of light machine guns.
  • Latvian Riflemen attacking German lines with Bangalore torpedoes in 1917.
  • Latvian Riflemen using snow camouflage to attack German lines in winter.
  • Experienced soldier's tactics against machine gun fire and taking cover.
  • Soldiers using bare hands as ice axes to climb icy slope in desperate situation.
  • Fictional naval battle between Russian destroyer and German cruiser in Baltic Sea.

01:00:47

Inaccuracies in Film Depicting Historical Battles

  • Some cruisers were equipped with torpedoes, but the ship in the film had mines, leaving it defenseless against the Friedrich Carl.
  • The Cruiser had multiple guns, the largest being 21 cm, capable of sinking the Russian Destroyer with a hit.
  • The Friedrich Carl was sunk by a mine, causing a slow sinking without explosions or flames.
  • Around 85,000 Indian troops served on the Western Front during WWI, with the British Indian army sending an expeditionary force.
  • The film depicts an unrealistic combat scenario between a destroyer and an armored cruiser in 1915.
  • The portrayal of Australian troops storming Anzac Beach in 1915 exaggerates the Turkish defenders' actions and the bloodiness of the landing.
  • The Gatling gun was not used in 1862 or in New Mexico as shown in the film.
  • The scene showing soldiers charging into melee at the Battle of Glorieta Pass with 800 soldiers on each side is historically inaccurate.
  • The depiction of soldiers using metal rods in cannons to cause devastation is unrealistic for the Civil War era.
  • The Battle of Fort Wagner involving black soldiers is portrayed accurately, showcasing the challenges faced by the 54th Massachusetts.

01:17:28

"War Tactics and Technology in Film"

  • Hand-to-hand combat in the Civil War was rare, with artillery fighting at a distance and soldiers typically trying to run away when the enemy was close.
  • The myth of Civil War surgeons operating without painkillers is debunked, as most amputations were done with morphine or ether.
  • The Battle of Gettysburg, particularly the depiction of Little Roundtop, is praised for its accuracy in the movie.
  • The Union soldiers on Little Roundtop faced ammunition shortages after repulsing multiple Confederate attacks.
  • The Union's successful military maneuver on Little Roundtop involved a strategic wheeling movement to counter the Confederate attack.
  • The use of explosives in the Civil War, like the crater explosion, was accurate, but the movie didn't show the delay in the explosion and the subsequent risky repair.
  • The blockade of southern ports by the Union was crucial in limiting the South's resources during the war.
  • The emergence of Ironclad vessels changed naval warfare during the Civil War, with the movie accurately depicting their design and vulnerabilities.
  • The use of helicopters in the Vietnam War, as shown in the movie, was common, with accurate portrayals of the types of helicopters used.
  • The use of Napalm in the Vietnam War was widespread and devastating, with its distinct smell accurately portrayed in the movie.

01:33:14

Vietnam War Tactics and Accuracy in Film

  • Setting up a defensive position with logs and trees is advised for protection.
  • Knowing the location of a command bunker is crucial for safety.
  • Maintaining night vision during explosions is challenging.
  • Calling for all remaining resources in a desperate situation can lead to friendly fire casualties.
  • Fire support bases are well-organized and defended.
  • Tunnels were common fortifications for the Viet Cong.
  • Helicopters were used to transport troops for surprise attacks.
  • The Battle of Ia Drang Valley in November 1965 marked the first major confrontation between American and Vietnamese forces.
  • The tactic of close combat to hinder air strikes was employed by the Vietnamese.
  • Calling "Broken Arrow" signals all air assets to converge and provide support.
  • The film depicts unrealistic scenarios in terms of military tactics and historical accuracy.
  • The depiction of American troops mistakenly attacking innocent civilians reflects the complexities of war.
  • The scene from "Rambo" inaccurately portrays the concept of American soldiers still being held captive after the Vietnam War.
  • The presence of Russian and Chinese military advisors in North Vietnam during the conflict is historically accurate.
  • The scene from "The Green Berets" is criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of Special Forces operations.
  • The battle for Hue City in 1968 is inaccurately depicted in terms of tactics and setting.
  • The use of cameras by soldiers for personal use during the war is unlikely.
  • The attack on Quang Tri in 1972 is depicted with some accuracy in terms of equipment and tactics.

01:50:27

Battle for Hamburger Hill: Vietnam's Controversial Assault

  • The movie depicts the 1st Airborne division's assault on Hill 937 in the A Shau Valley in 1969, known as Hamburger Hill.
  • The hill's steepness and the well-entrenched enemy made it challenging for aircraft to target.
  • The strategic value lay in the presence of the enemy regiment on the hill.
  • The battle resembled World War I with entrenched positions, machine guns, and mortar sites.
  • Booby traps, including gruesome ones like pungy stakes, were common in Vietnam.
  • The enemy had more equipment for explosive traps, while the airborne troops faced frontal assaults.
  • The decision to persist in the assaults was based on the belief that the casualties inflicted on the enemy justified the cost.
  • After the battle, 72 Americans were killed, with over 600 enemy bodies found.
  • The controversy arose from the casualties and the subsequent abandonment of the hill by the Army.
  • The movie aims to portray the experience of African-American soldiers in Vietnam, highlighting their combat roles and post-war return.

02:07:03

Reviving Viet Kong for unity: 6/10 rating

  • The purpose is to promote unification by resurrecting the Viet Kong role in the war.
  • The rating given is a six out of ten.
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