Friendly Fire

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A 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,…

John Roderick, Adam Pranica and Benjamin Ahr Harrison

  • Jan 22, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
  • weekly NEW EPISODES
  • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
  • 163 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Friendly Fire

Over and Out (2021)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 3:17


Welcome 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 everyone who listened, supported the show, bought merchandise, and came to see the show live. If you’re a MaxFun member who supports the show, you can update your membership at maximumfun.org/manage Thanks for a few great years of podcasting. This is Friendly Fire signing off. Expend all remaining ordinance inside our perimeter.

Duck Soup (1933)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2021 69:04


Shop the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fmThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: Kanal (1957)Available on: The Criterion Channel

Operation Amsterdam (1959)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2020 71:47


Shop the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fmThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: Duck Soup (1933)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

A Midnight Clear (1992)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 66:36


Stop by the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fmThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: Operation Amsterdam (1959)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Attack! (1956)

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 64:50


Stop by the Friendly Fire store: http://store.friendlyfire.fmThis film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our showNext Film: A Midnight Clear (1992)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Troy (2004) [Director's Cut]

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 75:13


This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. Support our showNext Film: Attack! (1956)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. 

In the Army Now (1994)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 69:55


This film is available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: Troy (2004) [Director's Cut]Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. 

Battleship Potemkin (1925)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 65:19


This film is available on:  Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: In the Army Now (1994)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Age of Heroes (2011)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2020 60:37


This film is available on:  Amazon, Apple, and your local library.Support our showNext Film: Battleship Potemkin (1925)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Exodus (1960)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2020 90:29


In 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 showNext Film:  Age of Heroes (2011)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Sea Wolves (1980)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 61:37


During 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 showNext Film:  Exodus (1960)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Secret Invasion (1964)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 64:45


A 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 showNext Film: The Sea Wolves (1980)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library. 

The Devil's Own (1997)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 71:36


When 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 ShowNext Film: The Secret Invasion (1964)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Thirteen Days (2000)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 65:09


In 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 67:17


When 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 57:38


In 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 librarySupport our show.Next episode: Flight of the Intruder (1991)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Lone Survivor (2013)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 78:06


Marcus 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 67:24


Using 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.

Dead Presidents (1995)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 67:18


Using 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 84:47


In 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: HBOSupport our show. The next film: Dead PresidentsIs available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Path to War (2002)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 84:54


In 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: HBOSupport our show. The next film: Dead PresidentsIs available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Mulan (1998)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 62:56


The 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 WarAvailable on: HBO

Mulan (1998)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 62:51


The 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 WarAvailable on: HBO

Greyhound (2020)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 62:54


While 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 69:40


For 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2020 84:45


The 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 #MaxFunDriveNext Episode: The Great Raid (2005)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 68:12


300 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2020 72:30


A 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 CurrentsAvailable on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Gladiator (2000)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 79:22


Vengeance 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2020 66:49


We 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)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 61:58


During 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 showNext Episode: In Which We Serve (1942)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 79:26


It’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)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 63:52


Malfunctioning 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 showNext week's Film: Da 5 BloodsAvailable on: Netflix

Megan Leavey (2017)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 76:33


Does 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 showNext Film: Operation Pacific (1951)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Their Finest (2016)

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 69:16


Does 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 showNext Film: Megan Leavey (2017)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Final Countdown (1980)

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 75:48


Is 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 showNext Film: Their Finest (2016)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Night of the Generals (1967)

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 70:29


Is 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 showNext Film: The Final Countdown (1980)Available on: Amazon and your local library.

Fixed Bayonets! (1951)

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 62:17


Does 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 showNext Film: The Night of the Generals (1967)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

The Steel Helmet (1951)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 78:00


Does 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 ChildressAvailable on: Amazon, Apple, and your local librarySupport our showNext Film: Fixed Bayonets (1951)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library.

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 82:33


Did 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: The Steel Helmet (1951)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Cross of Iron (1977)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 90:04


Can 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Black Hawk Down (2001)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 84:40


Does 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: Cross of Iron (1977)Available on: Amazon, and your local library

The Guns of Navarone (1961)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 72:28


Does 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: Black Hawk Down (2001)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

The Adventures of Gerard (1970)

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 57:08


Can 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: The Guns of Navarone (1961)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 99:43


Is 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: The Adventures of Gerard (1970)Available on: Amazon, and your local library

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 83:42


Is 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

War Witch (2012)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 65:16


Does 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 librarySupport our showNext Film: Pan's Labyrinth (2006)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Action in the North Atlantic (1943)

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2020 80:26


Can 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 librarySupport our show.Next Film: War Witch (2012)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Gallipoli (1981)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 85:45


Can 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 librarySupport our show.Next Film: Action in the North Atlantic (1943)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

The English Patient (1996)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 96:22


Does 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 librarySupport our show.Next Film: Gallipoli (1981)Available on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

Air Force (1943)

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 75:30


Can 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 librarySupport our show.Next Film: The English PatientAvailable on: Amazon, Apple, and your local library

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