Ballad of a Soldier follows a Russian trooper who, by virtue of some accidental bravery, receives a pass home to visit his mother and, while travelling back through the drained country, meets a young woman with whom he falls in love. Instead of gory brutality, this film is about romance and hope, as well as reflections on how people were affected by the war. Many consider it an utter classic and it won't please those gratified solely by violence.(1)

Brutal is an over-used term, but perfect for one of the most deeply affecting war movies ever made. Filmed in a frequently lyrical, disorientating style, 'Come and See' views the Eastern Front through the eyes of a child partisan, showing the Nazi atrocities in all their horror. If you felt Schindler's List was shocking, it's Hollywood syrup compared to this.(2)

Based on a true story of The 9th Company during the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan in the 1980's. Young Soviet Army recruits are sent to defend Hill 3234 - totally cut off and hopelessly outnumbered. (3)