If you’re looking for the best movies involving the Korean War, you might be subjected to a serious search. Unlike WWI, WWII and the Vietnam War, the Korean War hasn’t been covered much in the media or most history classes and you’ll be hard pressed to find some of the best movies involving the Korean War at your local video store. While The Korean War is considered one of the biggest and bloodiest wars in history, many Americans know very little about it. In addition, many facts and statistics are conflicting and many sources fail to report just how many Koreans died during the conflict.
Considered “The Forgotten War” by most and one of the most brutal wars in history by others, The Korean War lasted from 1950-1953 and it is estimated that 2.5 million Koreans (north, south, military & civilians) and an estimated 36,000 American Service Members lost their lives during The Korean War. If you’re on a quest to find answers to questions about The Korean War, learn more about the events surrounding the war or you’re interested in personal war stories, the following are a few of the best movies involving the Korean War.
One of the best films involving the Korean War happens to be a documentary. The Korean War: Fire and Ice(1999) takes the viewer through the four stages of the Korean War. Produced by the History Channel, Fire and Ice features a decorated cast of characters including authors, historians, commanders and colonels, Medal of Honor recipients and the President of the Korean War Veterans Association. The events surrounding the Korean War are told through narration, interviews, commentary and rare black-and-white footage. From politics and brutal battles to the end of the Korean War 37 months after it began June 25, 1950, The Korean War: Fire and Ice is a must see if you’d like to learn more about the Korean War. The Korean War: Fire and Ice (200 min.) is available at Amazon.com from $41.99 (used) $56.95 (new). It is also available at www.historychannel.com ($59.95).
Based on the novel by James Michener and directed by Mark Robson, The Bridges at Toki-Ri (1955) tells the story of Lt. Harry Brubaker played by William Holden. Lt. Harry Brubaker is a WWII veteran, with a wife, Nancy (Grace Kelly), two young children and a successful career as a lawyer. When Lt. Brubaker, a navy fighter pilot, is called back to duty to serve in the Korean War, he is uncertain about the war and fearful that this mission will be his last. But his mission is one that will have a significant impact on the war-he will be part of a mission to take out the bridges which stretch across the canyons at Toki-Ri. The film follows the events before, during and after the mission and the emotions surrounding war, love and loss. Supporting cast: Mickey Rooney, Fredric March, Robert Strauss, Charles McGraw, Keiko Awaji, Earl Holliman, Richard Shannon and Willis Bouchey. The Bridges at Toki-Ri (102 min,) is available at Amazon.com from $1.99-$11.00, VHS four videos.
During the final days of the Korean War, a platoon of 135 men was instructed to take charge of a hill that was proven to have no military significance-Pork Chop Hill. With little or no communication with reinforcements or regimental command, but plenty of miscommunication, the grizzly battle at Pork Chop Hill results in meaningless sacrifices and an enormous number of deaths. Considered one of the best anti-war films involving the Korean War, this black and white film is only available in the US and Canada. Directed by Lewis Milestone, the cast of Pork Chop Hill includes: Gregory Peck as Lt. Joe Clemons, leader of the platoon, Robert Blake, James Edwards, Harry Dean Stanton, George Peppard, Gavin MacLeod, Rip Torn, Martin Landau, Norman Fell, Harry Guardino, Woody Strode, George Shibata, Biff Elliot, Charles Aidman and Bob Steele. New collectibles are available at Amazon.com from $4.94-$15.00. Pork Chop Hill (1959) is 97 minutes in length.
