A Graphic and Hellish Masterpiece

Come and See (1985)
Directed by Elem Klimov, not rated, 142 minutes

Come and See is an eerie, raw and harrowing Soviet war film that shows the horrors of war through the eyes of 13 year old boy who joins a group of partisans trying to survive the Nazi invasion. The incredible, sweeping visual style adds to the surreal and bizarre imagery, and the actual war scenes are realistic and impressive in scope. The film has innumerable disturbing and horrifying moments and seeing them reflected on the face of young Aleksey Kravchenko's expressive face is almost too much at times. Come and See is unlike any war film out there; its provocative and painful atmosphere is truly haunting, and it's horrors are impossible to forget. You'll like it if: You like Soviet cinema, disturbing films, war films, Apocalypse Now, The Ascent, Stalker or Cross of Iron.

"They're just people. They're not like you."

The Messenger (2009)
Directed by Oren Moverman, rated R, 113 minutes

The Messenger is a painful and brilliantly acted drama about an Iraq War veteran who struggles with his new assignment at the Casualty Notification Office when he disobeys his new captain and fraternizes with a widow. Ben Foster gives a raw and utterly believable performance in the lead, capturing the frustration and helplessness of his character, and Woody Harrelson perfectly complements him as his stern captain. The story is captivating as each scene where they must notify someone of a death s truly heartbreaking, and the characters are carefully drawn and without cliches. But, The Messenger's greatest strength, besides the amazing acting, is the compelling friendship that develops between the two soldiers despite their troubles. You'll like it if: You like films about veterans, war dramas, Ben Foster, The Hurt Locker or The Wrestler.

"I don't think of myself as a hero. No, only dead people are heroes."

Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)
Directed by Werner Herzog, not rated, 80 minutes

Little Dieter Needs to Fly is a harrowing and awe-inspiring documentary about a pilot who was shot down during the Vietnam War, captured and imprisoned. Dieter Dengler is an unbelievable man, but he remains incredibly humble about everything that's happened to him, and comes off as almost nonchalant while describing the awful things that occurred. Some parts of Dieter's story seem impossible to believe, but it's all true, and there's no way to get bored with the insane series of events. But Little Dieter Needs to Fly doesn't just have an amazing story to tell, director Werner Herzog provides some terrific visuals which make the film an engrossing experience. You'll like it if: You like war documentaries, Vietnam War films, Werner Herzog's films, Rescue Dawn, Hell in the Pacific or Encounters at the End of the World.

"...[A] journey of betrayal, heroism, and ultimate transcendence"

The Ascent (1977)
Directed by Larisa Shepitko, not rated, 111 minutes

The Ascent is a harrowing and uncompromising Soviet War film about two Soviet partisans sent to a nearby village for food and supplies, but find out the Germans got there first. Instead of taking an epic look at WWII, the film follows just two soldiers, which allows you to build a closer connection to the characters. Filmed with beautiful black and white cinematography and in a brutally realistic way, the film is one of the most tense and ruthless war films around. From the battle scene played over the opening credits to the unbelievable and haunting ending, The Ascent is one bold and unforgettable war film. You'll like it if: You like world war two films, Soviet films, black and white films, Come and See, Johnny Got His Gun or All Quiet on the Western Front.

An Original Coming-of-Age Comedy

Closely Watched Trains (1966)
Directed by Jiri Menzel, not rated, 93 minutes

Closely Watched Trains is a charming and influential Czech film about a young slacker who, during the Nazi takeover of Czechoslovakia, is more concerned with losing his virginity and slacking off at work. Vaclav Neckar is relatable and timeless in the lead role, but every character is wonderfully offbeat and unusual. The film is surprisingly similar to films like Superbad and American Pie, but has a much more mature setting and meaningful storyline. Closely Watched Trains feels many years ahead of its time with its quirky comedy, odd characters and lovable, slacker protagonist, which has made it one of the most beloved Czech films. You'll like it if: You like European films, teen comedies, quirky comedies, The 400 Blows, Rushmore or Breaking Away.

"War is a drug."

The Hurt Locker (2008)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, rated R

The Hurt Locker is brutally realistic and nerve-racking war film about an elite Army bomb squad in Iraq, trying to deal with improvised explosive devices in the middle of a war. Jeremy Renner has a breakout performance as a wild and obsessive bomb defuser, and each of the smaller parts are filled by terrific character actors. The film seems to effortlessly build tension with pulse pounding scenarios and impressive cinematography. The Hurt Locker is perhaps the first Iraq war film without a political stance, but more than that it's a powerful character study of a very interesting soldier. You'll like it if: You like war films, suspenseful films, Kathryn Bigelow's films, Black Hawk Down, Children of Men or Full Metal Jacket.

"Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France..."

Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, rated R, 153 minutes

Inglourious Basterds is a tense and ludicrously entertaining film about a group of Jewish soldiers that spread fear amongst the Nazis by hunting them down and scalping them, who come across a Jewish girl who's hosting a showing for the Nazis. Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent and Diane Kruger all deliver great performances, but Christoph Waltz steals every scene as a bizarrely likable and truly menacing "Jew hunter." The film has everything Tarantino is known for at his best, with interesting and potent dialogue, beautiful cinematography, memorable characters and stylized violence. From the nerve-racking and shocking opening scene, to the surreal and explosive ending, Inglourious Basterds is one unforgettable experience. You'll like it if: You like war films, memorable villains, Taratino's films, Cross of Iron, Pulp Fiction or Amadeus.

"It takes a clever man to make money, it takes a genius to stay alive"

The Counterfeiters (2007)
Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, rated R, 98 minutes

The Counterfeiters is a tense Austrian-German film about a skilled forger who is captured by the Nazi government and eventually sent to a concentration camp where he's made leader of the largest counterfeiting operation in history. The main character, brilliantly played by Karl Markovics, is one very interesting character to follow, as he goes from living a comfortable life of crime to staying in the barbaric conditions of a concentration camp. The true story shows a side of the Holocaust that was previously unseen, and makes for a captivating and taut film. The Counterfeiters is a gripping and smart film avoids cliches and presents some truly intriguing characters in a horrible situation. You'll like it if: You like films with criminal protagonists, holocaust dramas, The Pianist, Owning Mahowny, or Schindler's List.

"...A place where hope survived."

Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Directed by Terry George, rated PG-13, 121 minutes

Hotel Rwanda is an unbelievably moving and challenging film that tells the true story of a hotel manager who houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees, to protect the from Hutu militia during the Rwandan genocide. The film portrays a dark moment of history, and doesn't shy away from the horrors of the time. However, this hotel manager provides a glimpse of hope. Don Cheadle is perfect in the lead as an ordinary man pushed to do great things. Hotel Rwanda is a powerful film that can't help but inspire and impress you. You'll like it if: You like films based on true stories, films set in Africa, Schindler's List, The Pianist or The Last King of Scotland.