While some war movies prefer to showcase the horrors that occur on the battlefield, others choose to present devastating love stories.The best war moviescapture the impact such a massive conflict has on individuals,both those engaging in battle and those watching from the sidelines. Great war movies that involve romance show two individuals drawn to one another during a tumultuous time in history. While it’s nice to assume such stories would be lighthearted, that’s rarely the case.
Happy endings can never be guaranteed in the genre, and the characters in these films are aware of this, too.Characters in films likeCold MountainandA Farewell to Armsacknowledge the possibility that they or their romantic partner could be killed during the war. In fact, most war romance films end in tragedy, whether it’s by death or a forced farewell when one is called to fight for their country. With war romances, it’s best to go in with the assumption that the film’s ending is going to be emotionally devastating.
Charlotte Gray
Cast
Charlotte Gray is a World War II drama set in Nazi-occupied France. The film follows a young Scottish woman, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, as she collaborates with the French Resistance to rescue her missing lover, an RAF pilot. The story is based on the novel by Sebastian Faulks.
While the 2001 film may not be the best effort to adapt Sebastian Faulks' 1999 novel of the same name,Charlotte Grayis still an intense war drama sprinkled with a bit of romance.Cate Blanchett plays the title character, who joins Britain’s Special Operations Executive and completes missions in Nazi-occupied France. Charlotte’s primary reason for taking up missions in France is in hopes of reuniting with her MIA lover, Flight Lieutenant Peter Gregory.
This leads toCharlotte Grayfeeling a bit disconnected at times, though Blanchett does her best to anchor the film with her dramatic performance.
Charlotte’s participation in a French resistance mission to destroy a Nazi train containing soldiers and weapons is a stark contrast to the film’s romantic plot points.This leads toCharlotte Grayfeeling a bit disconnected at times, though Blanchett does her best to anchor the film with her dramatic performance. Blanchett is also supported by actors Billy Crudup, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Anton Lesser.
Allied
Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in this Romantic War and Drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Steven Knight. The 2016 film sees two intelligence agents sent to assassinate a German Ambassador during World War II. The duo is set to pose as a married couple but end up falling for one another during the stunt.
There are many comparisons to be made betweenAlliedandCasablanca.Alliedstars Brad Pittand Marion Cotillard as a Canadian intelligence officer and a French Resistance fighter, respectively, who are paired together under orders to assassinate a German ambassador.Whilst posing as a married couple, the two wind up falling for one another, which complicates their mission.The 2016 film doesn’t shy away from its references and shared plot points withCasablanca, and it presents itself as a remake at times.
Unfortunately, the similarities between the two have led to a mixed critical response over the years, with many preferring the 1942 film.Still, there are redeeming qualities toAlliedthat make it one of the better war romance movies. Through its performances, direction, and costuming, the film captures the feeling of a classic Hollywood war film, making for a feel-good watch.
Cold Mountain
In the final days of the American Civil War, a wounded soldier embarks on a perilous journey back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, to find his girlfriend.
Providing Jude Law with his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor is the war romance filmCold Mountain.The film takes place near the end of the American Civil War and sees Law’s W. P. Inman, a Confederate deserter, make a treacherous journey back to the love of his life, Ada (Nicole Kidman). The war splits them apart for some time, but no matter what obstacles come his way, Inman is determined to reunite with Ada.
Cold Mountainhas a typical, sweeping love story that touches on the desire for human connection during such difficult times.
The film is elevated thanks to its wonderful performances, especially those of Law and Kidman. Inman’s trek back home isn’t easy, and Law captures every bit of the character’s determination and bravery deftly.Cold Mountainbalances the harsh reality of war well with its main love story and has an ending guaranteed to make audiences teary-eyed.
A Farewell to Arms
A Farewell to Arms is a 1932 romantic drama set during World War I, featuring the love story between American ambulance driver Lt. Frederic Henry and British nurse Catherine Barkley. Their relationship faces numerous obstacles and difficult decisions as they navigate the turmoil and separation of wartime.
The deep romantic connection and heartbreak one associates with war romance films is seen inA Farewell to Arms.The film is the first adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s semi-autobiographical novel.The story follows Gary Cooper’s American ambulance driver, Frederic, who comes across the English nurse Catherine (Helen Hayes) during World War I. A romantic connection immediately forms between the two, but Frederic’s duties in the war split the pair apart.
A Farewell to Armsbeautifully depicts Frederic and Catherine’s longing to be with one another as they are forced to be apart and live with the fear that either of them will be killed amidst the war.Though the film doesn’t have much originality compared to the many war romance movies that followed, its unexpected plot twists, suspense, and portrayal of love will have audiences invested in its story regardless.
A Very Long Engagement
Jeunet’s romantic World War I film starring Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, and the director’s beloved regular, Dominique Pinon.
Based on Sébastien Japrisot’s 1991 novel of the same name,A Very Long Engagementhas a bit of everything —a murder mystery, a corrupt government, romance, and the standard conflict in war. The film centers around Mathilde (Audrey Tautou), who is determined to uncover the truth about her fiancé’s supposed death.Mathilde’s fiancé is among a group of French soldiers who attempted to avoid military service and were reportedly killed as a result.
Mathilde’s investigation begins as a mission to reunite with her fiancé but leads to the discovery of the corrupt nature of the French government.Tautou is a captivating lead and delivers one of the best performances of her career.A Very Long Engagementstands apart from most war films, both in its direction and depicted drama, and is gratifying in all senses —particularly in its visuals and emotional storytelling.
Testament Of Youth
Testament of Youth is a historical drama directed by James Kent, based on Vera Brittain’s memoir of the same name. Set during World War I, the film stars Alicia Vikander as Brittain, who postpones her studies at Oxford University to serve as a nurse, experiencing firsthand the horrors of war. Kit Harington co-stars as Roland Leighton, her fiancé. The story explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Vera Brittain is a famous English feminist and pacifist whose best-selling memoir,Testament of Youth,provided the story for the 2014 drama.Alicia Vikander leads the film as Vera, who, at the start of World War I, volunteers as a nurse and is eager to see her brother and his friends join the army. It isn’t until Vera sees the horrific nature of war up close that she has a change of heart.
Testament of Youthdiffers from Vera’s memoir in a few ways but remains an effective drama film that makes note of the sheer ruthlessness of war.
While the film isn’t necessarily uplifting, it’s inspiring at times to see Brittain transform into the person she’d become best known as. Much of the film acts as a coming-of-age story for Vera, and her hopeful romance with a man named Roland is moving and bittersweet.Testament of Youthdiffers from Vera’s memoir in a few ways but remains an effective drama film that makes note of the sheer ruthlessness of war.
The Best Years of Our Lives
The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 drama directed by William Wyler, focusing on the post-World War II experiences of three veterans. Fredric March, Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell portray the struggles of adjusting to civilian life upon returning home. The film depicts the personal and societal challenges they face, highlighting themes of reintegration, trauma, and shifting relationships in the aftermath of war.
The readjustment to civilian life after war is rarely easy for veterans to make.Though many popular war films do highlight the issues faced by these veterans, one of the first to do it wasThe Best Years of Our Lives. The film follows three men who return home after World War II and have a difficult time adjusting to civilian life and the changes within American society.
The Best Years of Our Livesisn’t solely focused on the men’s romantic relationships, but this is a part of their life that they have to settle back into after being away for so long.One relationship that stands out is that of Homer Parrish and his soon-to-be wife Wilma, who continues to reaffirm her love for him after Homer’s convinced she wouldn’t want to marry him due to his war-inflicted injuries. Earning love from audiences and critics,The Best Years of Our Livestook home seven Academy Awards in 1947, including Best Picture.
The English Patient
In the aftermath of World War II, a critically burned patient in an Italian monastery recounts his tragic love affair with a married woman. As memories unfold, the complexities of their romance and the secrets of the past come to light, intertwining with the present and revealing poignant truths.
Considered to be one ofRalph Fiennes' best movies,The English Patienttells a moving love story in the form of flashbacks.Fiennes plays the title character in the film, a British man burned beyond recognition and unable to remember many details from his past. Through a series of flashbacks, audiences learn he is a fictionalized version of Hungarian explorer László Almásy.
Almásy’s life depicted in the flashbacks takes place before the war and details his affair with the married Katharine Clifton.Like most war romances,The English Patienthas a heartbreaking ending.The tragic end of their relationship is likely to stick with audiences for some time, which explains why the movie was such a hit following its release. The film had impressive box office numbers and won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Atonement
Atonement is a romance and war drama released in 2007 by director Joe Wright. The film stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, and Romola Garai. The film takes place in 1930s England, spanning multiple years afterward as a man is wrongfully incarcerated and then must face a war, all while wanting to get back to the girl he loves.
With titles to his name such asAnna KareninaandPride & Prejudice,director Joe Wrighthas proved to be a trusted head of period fiction.His filmAtonementis based on Ian McEwan’s eponymous novel and follows the ruined relationship between Cecilia Tallis (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the housekeeper for the Tallis family. When Cecilia’s sister wrongfully accuses Robbie of rape, he is sent to prison, then forced to join the war —effectively tearing him and Cecilia apart.
Atonement Ending, Explained
Atonement’s final scenes jump across timelines and question reality for a tear-jerking conclusion to Joe Wright’s movie based on Ian McEwan’s novel.
The writing and direction throughout the film are effortlessly captivating, with audiences having a difficult time not being engrossed by Knightley and McAvoy’s chemistry or being frustrated with a young Saoirse Ronan, who causes trouble due to her misleading testimony.As is the case with most war romance movies, audiences are left feeling the emotional effects ofAtonement’s heartbreaking ending for quite some time after the credits roll.
Casablanca
Casablanca is a classic film set in December 1941, starring Humphrey Bogart as a cynical American expatriate in Morocco. When he encounters a former lover, portrayed by Ingrid Bergman, complicated personal and political tensions arise amidst the backdrop of World War II.
Casablancais often considered to be one of the best films of all time and certainly the best war romance movie.American expat and nightclub owner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) is surprised to see his former lover Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) after she had previously left him with no explanation. The film uses the rising tensions during World War II as the backdrop for the pair’s doomed romance and creates one of cinema’s most iconic love triangles.
Casablancaboasts some memorable quotesand sees Bogart and Bergman each at a high point in their careers. By showcasing the effects of war on individuals, the film has held up incredibly well over the years and has continued to gain praise for its distinct style, theme song, writing, and performances. Despite its dated release and war-related themes,Casablancais easily accessible for audiences, as many have a hard time not being entertained and fully engrossed in the Hollywood classic.
