As promised, I’m continuing the sniper motif from the other post. Which is also inspired by the Sniper Ghost Warrior video games. We do have plenty of the Sniper Ghost Warrior games on sale here at IndieGala, but that’s like half of the reason for this post.
This particular post is more about the action sub-genre, and my favorite picks from that bunch. Yes, I mentioned some of the best examples in the post regarding our affinity towards the sniper movies. But over here I’m going to reveal and explore five very distinct sniper movies. And what makes them so interesting of course. It’s time for a quick list of my favorite movies on the subject.
My top 5 racing movie picks that deserve a mention here.
But before I do that, I think it’s good to get back to the game that started the whole Ghost Warrior franchise. Sniper: Art of Victory.
Sniper Ghost Warrior And The Art Of Victory
Developed and published in 2008 by City Interactive, Art Of Victory is a first person shooter game set in the dark days (more like months) of WW2. The player (as the name suggests) assumes the role of the sniper. He takes part in operations in the Eastern front and Italy. A series of missions follow that the sniper must complete, so a set of instructions is provided on the loading screen.
And besides the realistic atmosphere of the WW2, the added realism is in plenty of other areas as well. Like realistic sniper rifles, authentic uniforms, additional equipment and historically accurate locations. Not to mention that when there’s a head-shot, the camera follows the bullet on its way to the target. Which is nice.
Sniper Ghost Warrior and sniper movies
But let’s go back to the topic at hand. The sniper movies. While this list contains just 5 titles, there’s plenty of diversity to be found there. They cover different military operations, different eras and of course different wars. There’s also a mix of different genres, but you’ll figure it as the list progresses.
Let’s begin. Shall we?
American Sniper (2014)
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, American Sniper is a biographical story about Chris Kyle.
One of the deadliest and notorious snipers in the US army. However, the movie shines a light on Kyle’s private life as well. And of course on the tool that his job had on him and his family. Led by the outstanding Bradley Cooper, American Sniper is a harrowing biopic about the internal war of Chris Kyle. Celebrated as a hero, he’s also haunted by his actions.
American Sniper is also one of the finest Clint Eastwood directed movies to date. It’s worth the watch.
Sniper (1993)
What would later become a whole cinematic franchise, started with this particular movie. Sniper. Tom Berenger’s most recognizable role and movie. Berenger is Thomas Becket in Sniper. An experienced sniper (along with his spotter) is assigned to take down rebel leaders in the jungles of Panama. It’s a dangerous mission but somebody has to do it.
Billy Zane offers great support in the cast, while the energetic direction from Luis Llosa wraps up the entire movie experience. And when I mentioned that Sniper became a franchise, I meant it. There are seven (yes 7) additional sequels in the Sniper film series. And the seventh movie awaiting release next month.
Phone Booth (2002)
How can you make a neo-noir thriller, that’s shot in real-time and in just one location? Just ask Joel Schumacher. The director behind Phone Booth. It’s a thrilling and gut-wrenching movie because it’s set primarily in one location and in real-time. And there are the fantastic performances from Colin Farrel and Kiefer Sutherland. One is in front of the camera, while the other is behind it. Colin Farrell’s character is a hostage in a NY City phone booth. The man at the end of the sniper rifle wants to expose his dirty laundry to the world in the most deranged way possible. Will any of them get away with their crimes? Watch it. It’s so good.
Savior (1998)
This one hit way too close to home. Why? Because I’m a child of the 90’s. And I also grew up in the Balkan area during that tumultuous period. I’m sad to say, I know too much about this war. But I digress. Back to the movie. A grieving and emotionally defeated man named Joshua/Guy (played by Dennis Quaid) will join the ranks of the French Legion.
His assignment will take him to the Balkans and to Vera. He must escort and protect a pregnant woman. Savior is in fact, the first movie that was shot in Serbia after the end of the war. Furthermore, it’s one of the most harrowing and poignant anti-war movies ever made. It’s a shame that Savior didn’t get the acclaim that it deserves. But back in the day, even Roger Ebert gave Savior a glowing review, and yes. I’m recommending it here.
Enemy At The Gates (2001)
I started this list with a biopic and it seems fitting to end it with a biopic. That’s why I chose Enemy At The Gates.
Based on William Craig’s 1973 nonfiction book Enemy at the Gates: The Battle for Stalingrad, the movie is set… you’ve guessed it. In Stalingrad. Portraying the game of cat and mouse between two opposing soldiers, a Russian and a German soldier, during the long harsh Russian winter.
But besides having Jude Law in the lead role, the movie is filled with great actors as well. Ed Harris is magnificent as Major Erwin König and Joseph Fiennes delivers a decent performance too. There’s the late Bob Hoskins, the always stellar Ron Perlman and the Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz. It’s a truly interesting movie that deserves your attention for sure.
Sniper Ghost Warrior and some of your picks
These were 5 of my movie picks. I hope you like my selection. Which ones are your favorite sniper movies? Tell us in the comment section below. We’d love to know more about them.
