| Although it is very tiny and comes at the end of the movie, there is a disclaimer at the end of U-571 that gives the Brits their credit.
Also, while I agree that it isn't Hollywood's duty to teach history, I think it would be a good idea if they had a large disclaimer at the begining of every movie that at least points out that it is a work of fiction and doesn't represent the truth. Maybe even suggest some books that do show the truth.
Now speaking as a combat vet, I'm glad that movies don't show too much of the awful truth of war else I would never see another war film and I doubt many of the public would go see them except the few psycopaths out there who enjoy seeing people torn to bits. Two recent movies (well one was a mini-series) that have come closest to the truth of battle are "Saving Private Ryan" and "Band of Brothers". The latter being the only one that comes anywhere close to what it's like to fight beside your friends. I loved that series but it gave me many hard memories and some sleepless nights. I stood beside Lt. Compton when he saw his pals blown to hell as if I was in battle all over again. Is that accurate enough for you? I hope to God it is. Anything more and nobody could watch it.
As to the preeminence of US action over British action well, Hollywood is in the US. Britain has its own film studios. They can make movies too. Is that correct? Probably not, but since when has life been fair? As for my own opinion, the entire western world should get down on its knees every morning they wake up and thank their maker for the courage and ability they showed when Britain stood alone against the tide of tyranny from May 1940 to June 1941 (Soviets joined them before the US did in December). If they hadn't, this forum would not exist, I and many others would never have been born and the rest of you would be speaking either German or Japanese and existing in slavery. |