Friendly Fire
164 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1.4K ratingsA history podcast with a twist: Friendly Fire uses war movies as a point of entry on not only the history of war, but the history of how societies think about war. John Roderick, Adam Pranica and Benjamin Ahr Harrison dissect movies from throughout the history of cinema, talk about film production, pedantic quibbles with costumes and airplanes, and keep you laughing the entire time.
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Episodes
Over and Out (2021)
January 22, 2021 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.02 MBWelcome to Friendly Fire, the war movie podcast that - if it accomplished nothing else - made you watch Come and See. I’m show producer Rob Schulte…here to announce that this is the end of the line for Friendly Fire. We’ve seen a lot of great movies together, and we’ve also seen USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage. But no matter what war movie we talked about, all of us who work on the show are going to miss these conversations, and we’d like to take this moment to express our gratitude to ever...
Duck Soup (1933)
January 01, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBShop the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fm This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Kanal (1957) Available on: The Criterion Channel
Operation Amsterdam (1959)
December 25, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBShop the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fm This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Duck Soup (1933) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
A Midnight Clear (1992)
December 18, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBStop by the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fm This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Operation Amsterdam (1959) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Attack! (1956)
December 11, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBStop by the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fm This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: A Midnight Clear (1992) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Troy (2004) [Director's Cut]
December 04, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 69 MBStop by the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fm This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Attack! (1956) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
In the Army Now (1994)
November 27, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Troy (2004) [Director's Cut] Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
November 20, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: In the Army Now (1994) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Age of Heroes (2011)
November 13, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Battleship Potemkin (1925) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Exodus (1960)
November 06, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBIn the aftermath of World War II, Ari Ben Canaan attempts to transport 600 Jewish refugees from Cyprus to Palestine. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are fond of everybody when they review this 1960 Epic. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Age of Heroes (2011) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Sea Wolves (1980)
October 30, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBDuring WW2 The British send vets from The Great War to attack a German ship in neutral territory. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John belong in a museum while reviewing this action-adventure film! This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Exodus (1960) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Secret Invasion (1964)
October 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 59.4 MBA group of criminals is pardoned in exchange for their help in a very special WWII mission. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are pretty clumsy and rather childish while they review this super-secret-action-drama! This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: The Sea Wolves (1980) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Devil's Own (1997)
October 16, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBWhen an NYC cop unknowingly allows a member of the IRA to crash in his basement, values and judgment are compromised, and hard decisions must be made. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John never had a choice when reviewing this 1997 Drama. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our Show Next Film: The Secret Invasion (1964) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Thirteen Days (2000)
October 09, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBIn October of 1962, we held our breath for 13 days while the Cuban Missile Crisis loomed over the country and the world. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John assure you there are other good men while reviewing this historical thriller. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show. Next Film: The Devil's Own (1997) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Flight of the Intruder (1991)
October 02, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBWhen a pair of disillusioned military men decide to play war by their own rules, not even commander Camparelli can reengage them. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John attempted to throw the aforementioned puke to the crocodiles while reviewing this 90s classic. This episode is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show. Next episode: Thirteen Days (2000) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Jakob the Liar (1999)
September 25, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBIn an attempt to inspire hope, WWII ghetto inhabitant Jakob tells falsehoods with the best of intentions to keep the spirits up of those around him. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John remind listeners not to ask questions while reviewing this drama. This episode is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show. Next episode: Flight of the Intruder (1991) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Lone Survivor (2013)
September 18, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBMarcus Luttrell and three Navy Seals are sent to locate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan but are quickly the focus of an intense attack. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are never out of the fight while reviewing this film that's based on true events. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show. The next film: Jakob the Liar (1999) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Dead Presidents (1995)
September 11, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBUsing tactics he learned during the war in Vietnam, a vet resorts to crime to try and help save his family from poverty. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John just want to do something that's different—While reviewing this drama. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show. The next film: Lone Survivor (2013) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Path to War (2002)
September 04, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBIn the mid '60s President and tailor enthusiast Lyndon B. Johnson debates with his team on if the USA Should escalate or withdraw from the war in Vietnam. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John take the heat without padding their resume while reviewing this unique HBO drama. This film is available on: HBO Support our show. The next film: Dead Presidents Is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Mulan (1998)
August 28, 2020 06:55 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThe Ballad of Mulan is put through the Disney musical blender to tell the tale of a Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a man to join the army. On today's episode, Adam, Ben, and John have powers beyond the mortal imagination—while reviewing this 1998 animated classic. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. The next film: Path to War Available on: HBO
Greyhound (2020)
August 21, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBWhile leading an Allied convoy across the Atlantic, inexperienced WWII Commander Ernest Krause is pursued by German U-boats in what would eventually be known as The Battle of the Atlantic. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John steer a course for the debris while reviewing this 2020 drama. This film is available on: Apple TV+ Support our show! Next Episode: Mulan (1998) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Great Raid (2005)
August 14, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBFor 3 years 500 American Soldiers have been entrapped during WWII, now a group of Rangers will set out in an attempt to save them. On today's episode Adam, Ben and John are here to tell you the latrine rumors are true, while reviewing this 2005 adventure. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show! Next Episode: Greyhound (2020) Available on: Apple TV+
WarGames (1983)
August 07, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBThe Cold War heats up when video games and battle collide! On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John taste the vitamin A and E when reviewing this 1983 fantasy! This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Help us reach 3,500 new and upgrading members during #MaxFunDrive Next Episode: The Great Raid (2005) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
July 31, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 63.1 MB300 Japanese enemy ships are no competition for Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his 13 battleships. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John rotate starboard and prepare the cannons—while they review this 2014 epic! This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show during #MAXFUNDRIVE2020 and receive amazing gifts! Next Episode: WAR GAMES (1983) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Good Kill (2014)
July 24, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBA Las Vegas drone pilot faces an ethical battle over dropping bombs in Afghanistan from the safety of his Nevada bunker. On Today's episode Adam, Ben, and John drive home on the freeway while reviewing this 2014 drama. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show during #MAXFUNDRIVE2020 and receive amazing gifts! Next Episode: The Admiral: Roaring Currents Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Gladiator (2000)
July 17, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBVengeance is alive when an ex-Roman General works his way up from a slave to confront and kill a corrupt emperor who murdered his family. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John's fame is well deserved—while they review this award-winning 2000 action film. This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show during #MAXFUNDRIVE2020 and receive amazing gifts! Next Episode: Good Kill (2014) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
In Which We Serve (1942)
July 10, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBWe see the story of the British destroyer H.M.S. Torrin told through flashbacks while its survivors stay afloat via a life raft. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John bless our ships... and all who sail them—while reviewing this 1942 WW2 drama! This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Max Fun Drive 2020 starts next week! Next Episode: Gladiator (2000) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Carter's Army (1970)
July 03, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBDuring World War 2, a racist officer is put in charge of a squad of African-American troops who are about to take an important bridge from the Germans. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John single-handedly wash 35 dirty t-shirts while reviewing this 1970 made-for-tv drama! This film is available on: Amazon, and your local library. Support our show Next Episode: In Which We Serve (1942) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Da 5 Bloods (2020)
June 26, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBIt’s about more than buried treasure. Decades after the American War in Vietnam, four African American vets return to Country seeking the remains of their squad leader and the gold fortune they all hid. On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John get shown the "Champs-Eleesees" while they review this 2020 adventure. This film is available on Netflix. Next film: Black Brigade (1970) Available on: Amazon, and your local library. Support our show.
Operation Pacific (1951)
June 19, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBMalfunctioning torpedos are not helping the "Thunderfish", and neither is Duke's love triangle. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John spit teeth and cuss while they review this 1951 submarine love story. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next week's Film: Da 5 Bloods Available on: Netflix
Megan Leavey (2017)
June 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 70.8 MBDoes this film depict a soldier who will stop at nothing to save a bond that saved her life, or is this story a bigger tale about relationship building in a time where someone needs it most. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John connect with people very well while reviewing this 2017 biopic. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Operation Pacific (1951) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Their Finest (2016)
June 05, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 64.1 MBDoes this film tell the backstory to typical English film propaganda, or is this a deeper tale of myth making and relationships? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John get Mr. Hilliard out of Dunkirk—while they review this 2016 drama. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Megan Leavey (2017) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Final Countdown (1980)
May 29, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBIs this a film about having the ability to change the course of history—but realizing that's just a paradox, or is this an American self-esteem picture with an easy out? On today's episode Adam, Ben and John stay out of visual contact while reviewing this 1980 sci-fi classic. Available on: Amazon and your local library. Support our show Next Film: Their Finest (2016) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Night of the Generals (1967)
May 22, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIs this a film that shows the ripple effect of one of many World War 2 atrocities, or is it a deeper look at the psyche of a detective and their case that spans decades. On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John still have much in common while they review this 1967 mystery! Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: The Final Countdown (1980) Available on: Amazon and your local library.
Fixed Bayonets! (1951)
May 15, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBDoes this film create a metaphor equating the nature of service and valor to War during wintertime, or is this simply an expanded story Fuller wanted to tell about the versatility of wartime? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are over the hump—while reviewing this 1951 drama. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our show Next Film: The Night of the Generals (1967) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
The Steel Helmet (1951)
May 08, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBDoes this film give a first glimpse of what the Korean War looked like, or is it an even bigger stare at American culture in the 1950s? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John forgot to take off the price tag—while reviewing this 1951 drama. The introduction for today’s episode was The Soldiers, by William Childress Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Fixed Bayonets (1951) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.
Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
May 01, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 76.3 MBDid this film help spark a "new" Vietnam conversation, or did it simply catapult Robin Williams into Mrs. Doubtfire stardom? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John can't even make fun of Richard Nixon—while they review this 1987 Comedy. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: The Steel Helmet (1951) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Cross of Iron (1977)
April 24, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBCan a story from the bad guy's POV have the same emotional pull as a story based on the good guys— or is this movie just representative of pre-80s war films? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John prepare for the next one, while reviewing this 1977 drama. Available on: Amazon, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Black Hawk Down (2001)
April 17, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBDoes this film accurately represent the U.S. military's 1993 raid in Mogadishu, or is it a heightened-truth-action-film with another enigmatic enemy? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John understand why we have a chain of command—while reviewing this 2001 drama. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Cross of Iron (1977) Available on: Amazon, and your local library
The Guns of Navarone (1961)
April 10, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBDoes this film accurately depict what a WW2 commando mission could look like, or is this just a fun adventure with a commando variety pack? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John really want their pound of flesh—while they review this 1961 action picture! Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Black Hawk Down (2001) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
The Adventures of Gerard (1970)
April 03, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 53 MBCan a movie successfully tell a farce about the Napoleonic wars based on a series by Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, or should we just throw our hands up and munch on popcorn? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are in a pickle, they have brought their doggies—while they review this 1970 comedy. Available on: Amazon, and your local library Support our show Next Film: The Guns of Navarone (1961) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
March 27, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBIs this a film about one man’s journey during The Great War, or does this film show the ripple effect any individual has the potential of creating? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John answer without saying anything—while they watch this epic adventure! Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: The Adventures of Gerard (1970) Available on: Amazon, and your local library
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
March 20, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 77.3 MBIs this a film about the Spanish Civil War, or is this a movie about escaping abuse and finding a better life? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John are the mountain, the forest and the earth—while they review this 2006 fantasy. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
War Witch (2012)
March 13, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBDoes the brutality of war heighten or lessen when mysticism is introduced? Can the fictions a group creates help a victim escape? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John show their courage—while reviewing this 2012 drama. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show Next Film: Pan's Labyrinth (2006) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Action in the North Atlantic (1943)
March 06, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBCan the Merchant Marines inspire a nation of teens to join the military? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John train themselves to have an iron nerve—while they review this 1943 propaganda picture! Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show. Next Film: War Witch (2012) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Gallipoli (1981)
February 28, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBCan a war film that shows very little war, replace the struggle of battle with the rapport of speedy best friends? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John got mates who'd be lucky to do the hundred in twelve—while they review this 1981 drama. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show. Next Film: Action in the North Atlantic (1943) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
The English Patient (1996)
February 21, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MBDoes a historical romance flick tighten or loosen the tension of a war? Maybe it rips the tension right off? On today's episode Adam, Ben, and John point at the horizon and said, "Faya!" while they review this 1996 passion-piece. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show. Next Film: Gallipoli (1981) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
Air Force (1943)
February 14, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBCan one film show the birth of a wing of the US Military while at the same time functioning as a propaganda-picture? Find out, when on today's episode when Adam, Ben, and John—get tuned in, and review this 1943 action film. Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library Support our show. Next Film: The English Patient Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
1917 (2019)
February 07, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 74.1 MBIs this a film that simply stitches together stories from an elder, or is it a one-shot epic that uses oral tradition to encapsulate all of The Great War? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John travel the fastest when they travel alone—When they review this 2019 drama. Available: In theaters now! Support our show. Next Film: Air Force (1943) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library
K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
January 31, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBDoes this movie show the versatility of sub-films or is it just the "Red Son" of Jack Ryan stories? On today’s episode Adam, Ben, and John might as well wear raincoats while they review this 2002 thriller! Available on: Amazon, DVD, and your local library Support our show. Next Film: 1917 (2019) Available: In theaters now!