The Representation of WW1 by Katie Trundley

Representations of World War One

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War Horse (2011)

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The Film War Horse, based on the book released in 1982 by Michael Morpurgo, portrays World War One through the eyes of a horse named Joey who is bought for service in the war by the army and his young owner Albert who is desperately trying to bring him home safely.

Portrays the War through the eyes of a horse.

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The film emphasizes the war's profound impact on human and animal lives, offering an impactful depiction of the sacrifices and horrors involved (Manning, 2011). It highlights the brutal and tragic nature of the conflict.

Trenches and Combat

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Shows the grim reality of trench warfare, soldiers enduring harsh conditions, constant threats of death and the psychological impact of the war.

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The human characters, including soldiers from either side of the conflict, experience the trauma of battle, the devastation of artillery fire, machine guns and gas attacks

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As the central character, the horse, Joey serves as a symbol of innocence amidst the chaos and brutality.

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It highlights how animals were used for transportation, as stretcher-bearers, and for cavalry charges, and often subjected to the same devastating conditions as humans. Joey's journey through multiple differing owners shows the universal suffering through the conflict.

Human Connections

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Showcases the relationships and bonds that form amidst the devastation of war. Through the bond of Joey and Albert, and through the soldiers in the trenches.

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Humanizes the soldiers on both sides, showing that despite the horror of war, empathy and compassion can persist.

Destruction and Loss

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Captures the destruction of landscapes, the devastation of families, and the loss of life inevitability. It portrays characters who must cope with the grief of losing loved ones, comrades, and their humanity.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930/2022)

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The film, based on the 1928 novel by Erich Maria Remarque, follows a young German soldier named Paul and his experience on the Western Front.

The Horror and Futility of War

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The Film depicts the senselessness of war, how young soldiers such as Paul are swept into the conflict with little understanding of the War's true cost.

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The Characters initially go to War with a sense of duty and patriotism but quickly realize the devastating and pointless violence around them.

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The disillusionment grows as they witness the slaughter, the constant threat of death, and the complete disregard for human life.

The Brutality of Trench Warfare

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The film realistically portrays the grim and stark conditions of trench warfare, with mud ,rats, disease, the constant threats of artillery fire and gas attacks (Mutter, Cinematograper.co.uk).

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The trenches are portrayed as places of constant fear and suffering, where soldiers endure psychological and physical trauma.

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It highlights how the soldiers live in brutal and dire conditions, with little regard for their well-being or basic needs, and how they are often reduced to mere soldiers than human beings.

The Dehumanization of Soldiers

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The Soldiers are portrayed as expendable, subjected to brutal and harsh training, and are often seen as cannon fodder by those in command.

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As Paul and his comrades experience the frontlines, they are gradually stripped of their humanity and innocence, becoming numb to the violence around them.

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The film shows how the soldiers are forced to endure extreme hardships, making it apparent that war does not distinguish between nationalities, and everyone suffers equally.

The Psychological Impact

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The film explores the profound psychological trauma war causes, showing how soldiers like Paul struggle with feelings of fear, isolation and guilt and how it erodes their sense of purpose and identity (David T. Zabecki ).

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Paul's experiences, including the loss of his close friends and his encounters with death, lead him to question the meaning of the conflict.

The Disconnect between Soldiers and Commanders

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It starkly contrasts the experiences of the soldiers on the front lines with the lives of the politicians and generals behind the scenes, who are portrayed as distant and detached from the suffering of the soldiers, highlighting the disconnect between those in power and those who face the consequences of war.

The Inescapable Death and Destruction

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Throughout the film, death is portrayed as an ever-present reality. Soldiers are frequently shown dying in violent and often senseless ways from gunfire, gas attacks, and explosions.

Powerful Anti-War Sentiment

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Portrays World War One as a catastrophic, brutal, and pointless conflict that causes immense suffering for everyone involved.

1917 (2019)

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The film 1917, directed by Sam Mendes, immerses the viewer in real-time as two British soldiers, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake, undertake a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.

Filming technique.

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The Film is notable for its continuous-shot technique. It magnifies the narrative's intensity and builds stronger connections between the audience and the characters through shared experience (IMDB, 2020).

The Urgency and Chaos of War.

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The film's real-time structure makes the audience feel the constant pressure, tear, and urgency that soldiers experience during the war.

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The mission the two soldiers are given-to deliver a message to stop an attack and save 1,600 men-gives the film an immediate, tense atmosphere.

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The characters' journey through the war-torn landscape, dodging enemy fire, navigating trenches, and facing various obstacles, emphasizes the unpredictability and danger of the battlefield.

The Harsh Reality of Trench Warfare.

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1917 presents the brutal conditions of trench warfare, with its muddy, rat-infested, and dangerous environment.

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The trenches are portrayed as places of constant anxiety and discomfort, where
soldiers face death not only from enemy fire but from disease, exposure, and the psychological toll of the war.

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The soldiers are shown fighting not just the enemy but also the harsh conditions, such as rain, darkness, and exhaustion.

The Emotional and Psychological Strain.

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The film delves into the emotional and psychological burden that war places on soldiers.

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The protagonists, Schofield and Blake, are shown as vulnerable young men thrust into the chaos of war, carrying the weight of their mission and the loss of their comrades.

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The constant fear of death and the grief they experience along the way reflect the emotional cost of war, as both soldiers must cope with the loss of friends and the trauma they encounter.

The Brutality and Destruction.

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The film emphasizes the destructive nature of the war through the landscape, which is scarred by violence. The soldiers move through devastated villages, burned fields, and bodies scattered across the battlefield.

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1917 doesn't shy away from showing the carnage, including the aftermath of a German plane crash and the bodies of fallen soldiers. These images highlight the human cost of the conflict, with death and destruction omnipresent.

The Futility and Waste of War.

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While 1917 focuses on the immediate journey of the two soldiers, it subtly addresses the larger theme of the futility of war.
The soldiers' mission is important, but it ultimately reflects the high stakes and the human costs of the war, with little to no larger personal or political gain.

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The tragedy of the war is underscored by moments that show the soldiers'
struggle to find meaning in their actions, particularly when faced with the death of comrades or the unpredictability of
battle.

The Heroism of Ordinary Soldiers.

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The film also portrays the heroism and camaraderie of the soldiers on the front lines.

While Schofield and Blake are the main focus, the soldiers they meet along the way also embody the courage and sacrifice of the many men who fought in the war (2023, CWGC). Their dedication, despite the overwhelming odds and apparent futility of the conflict, speaks to the resilience and bravery of the common soldiers, who often fought not for glory but for the survival of their comrades.

The Sensory Experience of War.

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Mendes uses sound and cinematography to put the audience directly into the experience of the soldiers. The camera often follows the characters closely, allowing viewers to feel as though they are part of the action, in the midst of explosions, gunfire, and the horror of war. The long takes and immersive shots create a visceral sense of the tension and unpredictability of the battlefield.

Joyeux Noel (2005)

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The film Joyeux Noel (2005), directed by Christian Carion, portrays World War I through the lens of a remarkable event: the Christmas Truce of 1914. it focuses on the temporary ceasefire between French, German, and Scottish soldiers, who, despite being enemies, come together to celebrate Christmas in a brief moment of peace.

The Humanity Amidst the Brutality.

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Joyeux Noël emphasizes the shared humanity of soldiers, regardless of nationality. The Christmas Truce is depicted as a poignant and deeply emotional moment where soldiers from opposing sides, who are otherwise trapped in a brutal war, connect through simple acts of kindness, such as singing carols, exchanging gifts, and even playing football together.

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The film underscores how, in the midst of the violence and dehumanization of war, the soldiers find a moment of mutual respect and compassion, which transcends national and military boundaries.

The Horror and Futility of War.

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Although the film focuses on the truce, it does not shy away from depicting the

grim realities of trench warfare. The film shows the physical and emotional toll of

the war on the soldiers.

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There are scenes that illustrate the fear, fatigue, and loss experienced by the men in the trenches, where they face constant shelling, poor living conditions, and the threat of death.

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These scenes highlight the futility of the conflict, as soldiers realize that they are often fighting for reasons that seem distant and disconnected from their personal lives.

The Impact of War on Soldiers.

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Joyeux Noël provides insight into the mental and emotional struggles of soldiers on all sides. The film portrays them not as faceless enemies, but as individuals with families, beliefs, and aspirations.

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It shows how the war has torn apart their lives, leaving them longing for peace and connection.

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The truce itself symbolizes the desire of many soldiers to end the violence and return home to their loved ones, illustrating the deep emotional cost of war.

The Role of Leadership and Command.

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The film also explores the contrasting attitudes of military leadership toward the soldiers' ceasefire. While the soldiers on the ground seek peace, their superiors on both sides react with anger and a determination to resume fighting.

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The higher-ups view the truce as a threat to their authority and the war effort, reinforcing the disconnect between the front-line soldiers and the distant, often callous, military leaders who dictate their fates.

The Power of Symbols and Shared Traditions.

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The film highlights how shared cultural symbols, such as Christmas, can transcend the horrors of war and create a sense of commonality.

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The soldiers' collective experience of celebrating Christmas together-despite their different backgrounds and beliefs becomes a powerful symbol of peace, if only for a brief moment.

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The film underscores how moments of humanity, even in times of conflict, can provide a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of war.

The Tragic Return to Violence.

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While the Christmas Truce is central to the story, Joyeux Noel also poignantly portrays the tragic return to violence once the truce ends. As the soldiers are forced back into battle, the temporary peace serves as a stark reminder of the futility and cyclical nature of war (Schweiger, 2024).

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The film captures the emotional impact of the truce's end, as the soldiers, who had briefly found solace in each other's company, are thrust back into the brutal realities of the conflict.

The War Below (2021)

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The War Below portrays World War I through the lens of a lesser-known but historically significant event - the tunneling efforts of British miners during the Battle of Messines in 1917. The film focuses on a group of civilian miners recruited to dig tunnels beneath No Man's Land to plant explosives under German trenches (Hoad, 2021).

Trench Warfare.

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The film captures the grim and brutal reality of trench warfare, showing the harsh conditions soldiers endured, including mud, disease, and constant bombardment.

The Role of Tunneling.

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Unlike many WWI films that emphasize large-scale battles, The War Below highlights the underground war, showcasing the miners' expertise and the dangers of tunnel collapses, gas, and enemy counter-mining.

Class Struggles.

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The story contrasts working-class miners with the military hierarchy, emphasizing the challenges they face in gaining respect from traditional officers.

Comradeship and Sacrifice.

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Like many war films, it explores themes of friendship, duty, and loss among the miners-turned-soldiers.

The Passing Bells (2014)

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The Passing Bells (2014) represents World War I through a personal and emotional lens, telling the story of two young soldiers-one British and one German- as they experience the war from opposite sides. The series spans the entire conflict, showing how it affects their lives, families, and relationships.

Youth and Innocence Lost.

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The series emphasises how young men, full of hope and excitement, were quickly disillusioned by the brutal realities of war. Both protagonists begin as eager volunteers but soon face the horrors of
the trenches.

Everyday Soldier's Perspective.

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Instead of focusing on generals or major strategic decisions, The Passing Bells follows ordinary soldiers, highlighting their personal struggles, friendships, and the small moments of humanity amid the conflict.

Both Sides Humanized.

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Unlike many WWI films and shows that focus only on one side, this series presents the war from both the British and German
perspectives, emphasizing that soldiers on both sides suffered equally and shared similar fears, hopes, and losses.

The Horrors of Trench Warfare.

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The show accurately portrays the miserable conditions of the trenches, including mud, disease, and constant shelling (Smith, Nov 2014).

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It also explores the psychological toll of war, showing soldiers dealing with fear, grief, and trauma.

Impact on Families.

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Our World War (2014)

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Our World War (2014) portrays World War I in a raw and immersive way, using modern filmmaking techniques to bring historical events to life. The three-part BBC series is based on real accounts from soldiers and covers different aspects of the war, from the early battles to trench warfare and the psychological effects of combat. Each episode focuses on a different moment in the war.

Intense and Realistic Combat.

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The show presents a gritty and visceral depiction of battle, using a fast-paced, almost documentary-style approach with handheld cameras, POV shots, and modern music to intensify the action. It gives a "you are there" feel, making the chaos and fear of war more immediate.

Individual Soldier's Perspective.

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Unlike many WWl dramas that focus on large-scale strategies, Our World War tells its stories from the viewpoint of individual soldiers, showing their emotions, decisions, and moral dilemmas in the heat of battle (Wollaston, 2014).

Psychological Struggles.

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The series explores the mental toll of warfare, depicting how soldiers cope with fear, loss, and trauma. It also addresses issues like leadership under pressure,
cowardice, and acts of heroism.

Diversity in WWI.

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The show highlights contributions from soldiers of different backgrounds, including Black and South Asian soldiers, offering a more inclusive view of Britain's war effort.

The Crimson Field (2014)

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The Crimson Field (2014) portrays World War I through the lens of a field hospital in France, focusing on the medical staff-particularly the nurses-and the wounded soldiers they treat.

The Role of Women in the War.

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The show emphasizes the experiences of volunteer nurses (Wollaston, 2014), known as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs).

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It explores their struggle for respect in a male-dominated medical system and their determination to provide care despite limited training and harsh conditions.

The Brutality of War Injuries.

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While not as graphically violent as some war dramas, The Crimson Field does not shy away from the horrific injuries caused by trench warfare.

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The series depicts soldiers suffering from amputations, infections, and gas attacks, emphasizing the primitive medical treatments available at the time.

Psychological Impact of War.

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The show highlights not only the physical wounds but also the mental trauma soldiers faced. It explores issues like shell shock (early PTSD), survivor's guilt, and the emotional toll of watching
friends die.

Social and Class Tensions.

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The war forced people from different social backgrounds to work together. The series depicts tensions between aristocratic nurses and working-class volunteers, as well as between military doctors and volunder staff.

Moral Dilemmas and Military Authority.

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The Crimson Field also explores ethical conflicts, such as whether soldiers should be sent back to fight after recovering, the treatment of deserters, and the harsh discipline of the military system.