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On the Fourth of July, although a picnic and some fireworks sound like a lot of fun, at the end of the day, putting your feet up and watching a good movie is as American as hot dog and apple pie! Whether you showed your patriotism by flying that flag during the day, felt your pride swell when you heard the haunting strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” you might just get hit with a good healthy dose of national pride by watching a Fourth of July themed movie on the night we celebrate our nation’s birth.
Best Fourth Of July Themed Movies
“Shenandoah
” It’s an oldie, but it’s a goodie, and it’s all about family and country. “Shenandoah
” is one of my most favorite of all movies to watch whether it’s the Fourth of July, or just when I feel a yearning to satisfy a need somewhere inside to connect to those who sacrificed a whole lot more than me in order for my children and I can live in freedom.
This movie was film in 1965 starring Jimmy Stewart along with Doug McClure, Katharine Ross and George Kennedy. The story takes place during Civil War times, although the war seems far off to this family where they live and run a 500 acre ranch. Jimmy Stewart plays Charlie Anderson, the owner of the land and father to six sons and one daughter who run the ranch and its operations together, as a family, and without any slaves. The film is a tear-jerker from beginning to end as we see Charlie Anderson try to keep his family out of the war and, when it becomes tragically inevitable, we see family members act on the values they have learned; values that may take them away from a father who so desperately tries to keep them together and safe.
“The Patriot
” is a great movie to see on the Fourth of July. It conveys the horrors of war and the family’s attempt at holding each other together while outside forces converge to rip them apart. With the late Heath Ledger playing his son, Mel Gibson plays the title role as militia leader Benjamin Martin who seeks revenge on the British Colonel Tavington. Like “Shenandoah,” “The Patriot” also involves an eventual decision by a family member due to values and morals taught by the parent, which leads this child to choose to face danger, thus honor, in place of staying and letting his father “protect” and make decisions for him.
“The Fighting Sullivans
” is another of those movies of a family struggling to stay together when a time of war is threatening. We watch these siblings grow up during the Great Depression and laugh at their antics. All the while, we know what is coming as in the background of the story we hear the rumblings of war. We are drawn into the heart-rending situation faced by the parents of a family of five boys who are all called to war.
“Glory
” is a movie based during the “Civil War” and stars Matthew Broderick as a young white colonel, Capt. Robert Gould Shaw, who is put in charge of leading the first company of black soldiers. We struggle with him to overcome the prides and prejudices of both his comrades and those of the enemy. He gets to know the soldiers of the 54th Mass. Regiment and he sees beyond the color of their skin to the person they are in their heart. He sees their patriotism and bravery and he gains pride in being their leader. He asks that his troops be able to do more for the cause than the menial work they have been ordered to do and his wish is granted. The unit is to lead an operation, an assault on Fort Wagner. Due to the strategic location of the fort, there was no question that the first troops to make a move on the fort will incur heavy losses. Shaw accepted the responsibility and led his men into battle. The men of the 54th Mass. performed in such a way and with such courage that many more black regiments formed following this skirmish.
This Independence Day, take in the usual barbecue, watch the fireworks. But when you switch on the tube, look for one of these great films. Watch it with your family then hug your family through those tears, as the stories will surely remind you how lucky you are to have what you have and to live in such a wonderful country. Any one of these great movies to watch on the Fourth of July come with poignant story lines, stirring scenes pride and sacrifice, of love and loss, all accompanied by haunting musical scores that will pluck at those patriotic heart-strings.
