Empire of the Sun
Spielberg finds a nice middle ground between the spectacle, sentiment, and solemnity that tend to fall out of balance in the director’s “grown-up” efforts.
WWII & Nazis
Slaughterhouse-Five
It’s disjointed, almost too happy to change its train of thought on a dime, but the jagged mosaic in its fullness is absolutely brilliant.
Forbidden Games
It observes humanity in the face of tragedy and grief and remains buoyant despite the weight of its subject matter.
Valkyrie
There are several tense encounters where you are led to believe Hitler suspects and is about to blow the whole thing.
Moonraker
Bond is no longer the superhero of the first few novels. He is a man who makes mistakes, has hobbies and regrets and addictions.
Dunkirk
If you have any number of fears—claustrophobia; fears of darkness, flying, heights, or drowning; fear of being burned alive or shot—you are in for an excruciatingly intense viewing experience.