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Danger Close

Danger Close

A War Film Podcast

Join a Marine Veteran, a film critic, and a theater director as they laugh, argue, and explore the history of humanity's triumphs and tragedies through war films old and new. War is Hell. People make films about it. And we love to talk about them.
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Top 10 Danger Close Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Danger Close episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Danger Close for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Danger Close episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Danger Close - Apocalypse Now (1979)
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09/16/22 • 131 min

One of the first big-budget Vietnam War films from the US, the production of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic was quite a war in its own right.

The shooting was fraught with issues, including filming in the Philippines where rebels interrupted the work regularly, Coppola putting $7 million of his own funds on the line, and the usual complications that come with the jungle territory, like typhoons.

Add to that a main actor who almost died during filming (Martin Sheen) and a bigger than life star who was...let’s say less than professional (Marlon Brando), and you have quite the interesting tale before you even get to the plot of the film.
Surreal and disturbing, Captain Willard’s journey into this adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” is a visual spectacle of men losing their grip on sanity that takes the audience into the unknown. The infamous Colonel Kurtz awaits at the end of the journey, and Willard has orders to eliminate him “with extreme prejudice”.

Join us as we venture upriver in our PBR and discuss this award-winning epic!

Next Episode: Mister Roberts (1955)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #Vietnam

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Danger Close - 1917 (2019)

1917 (2019)

Danger Close

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04/08/22 • 115 min

Easily the biggest WWI film of recent memory, 1917 conjured a variety of opinions from critics and viewers alike. Its 3 Oscar wins (Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Editing) and over 200 total award nominations speak for themselves.

Director Sam Mendes, with Roger Deakins as Director of Photography, boldly chose to shoot and edit the film as a “simulated one-shot”, à la“Rope” or “Birdman”.

Aside from the usual rivet-counting that always accompanies high-profile war films, the “single-shot” technique might be the most discussed aspect of 1917.

So, what did we think about the film, the shooting technique, and the story (loosely based on Mendes' grandfather’s experiences as a runner in the Great War)?

Join us for our 30th episode of Danger Close!

Next Episode: Charlotte Gray (2001)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWI #worldwarone

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Danger Close - Doctor Zhivago (1965)
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12/31/21 • 101 min

DISCRETION ADVISED: This film depicts several sexual assaults that are discussed in the episode.

Our first David Lean film, but certainly not our last!

Set during World War I and the October Revolution of 1917, this love triangle (square? parallelogram?) takes place during turbulent times, and the production spared no expense with its full-scale recreation of ten square blocks of Moscow, thousands of extras, and beautiful vistas captured in Spain and Canada.

Based on the book by Boris Pasternak, and banned in the Soviet Union for decades along with the film, this Oscar-winner is one you won’t want to miss.

Find out which one of us sides with the Reds, the Whites, or just Omar Sharif's dreamy mustache!

Stick around after the end music to hear a reading of Boris Pasternak's "Hamlet" poem (at the end of the book amongst Zhivago's poems), by Russian friend of the show Tanya Lukyanova and our very own Katie Schaefer.

Next Episode: Patton (1970)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Or join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, go to our Patreon page at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #worldwarone #WWI #russianrevolution #revolution

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Danger Close - The Vikings (1958)

The Vikings (1958)

Danger Close

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02/11/22 • 122 min

Filmed in the fjords of Norway and on the coast of France (standing in for Northumbria), this epic tale set in the ninth century immortalized a singular moment in time. The first film depiction of Viking culture since the Nazis had claimed Norse lore for themselves, the story is based as much in myth and legend as it is in history (like most of what we know about Vikings).

Famously the film set that brought Janet Lee and Tony Curtis together so they could bless the world with Jaime Lee Curtis, the casting is phenomenal, although the film gets a bit rapey (viewer discretion advised).

So put on your best pair of swashbuckling sandals, grab your probably not completely period-appropriate sword, and start rowing!

Join the Danger Close team as we set the record straight on this classic of the silver age of cinema!

Next Episode: Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #vikings #middleages #vikingage

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Danger Close - Patton (1970)

Patton (1970)

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01/28/22 • 129 min

Releasing to critical acclaim, this film took home seven Academy Awards, including Best Actor (George C. Scott), and
Best Director (Franklin J. Schaffner).

It is often at the top of “best war films” lists, and a favorite of film buffs. It follows Patton's various commands through their campaigns in North Africa and the invasion of Europe in the latter part of World War II.

It’s widely considered one of George C. Scott’s best performances, and he definitely storms his way through the film. But is the portrayal of General Patton historically accurate? And did we love it or hate it?

Join us and find out!

Next Episode: The Vikings (1958)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

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Danger Close - Top Gun (1986)

Top Gun (1986)

Danger Close

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04/17/23 • 134 min

Last episode, we talked about a military aviation film. It had some pretty great aerial scenes, the best Cessna vs motorcycle race we have ever seen, and a fun soundtrack! But not nearly as good as the one for the film we are covering today (although apparently some in the audience will debate this point).

This movie was released the same year as Iron Eagle, was WAY more successful, and ironically spawned fewer sequels. We are of course talking about Top Gun, and this time around we have a special guest; you have probably heard something that we learned from him on the show, our regular researcher Richard Stephens!

Released in the spring of 1986, Top Gun had a slump for the month after release but went on to be the box office champ for the year and gave Tom Cruise the boost he needed to become a bona fide star.

The story follows a group of exceptional Naval aviators focusing on hotshot Maverick and his quest to be the best. Given the chance to train at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, a.k.a. Top Gun, Maverick and his radar intercept officer Goose (Anthony Edwards) do their best to beat out the competition under the command of Viper (Tom Skerritt). But when tragedy strikes, Maverick is shaken to his core and must find a way to overcome his doubts.

This episode has lots of nostalgia, some hot takes, and, well, you will just have to listen to see how we all feel about this classic 80s action film!

Next Episode: Veteran Interview

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Or join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, go to our Patreon page at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #aviation

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Danger Close - Mulan (1998)

Mulan (1998)

Danger Close

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07/19/24 • 104 min

Buckle up, Danger Close fans! We went way off the usual list this time and chose a Disney renaissance film that is also decidedly a war film. From the training scenes, to the battles, to a glorious last minute rescue of the emperor, Mulan fits most of the tropes for a war film.

It's also for kids and embraces that 90's Girl Power movement that was so prevalent at the time. You will get to hear us dish about our childhood Disney favorites, debate the quality of the songs and soundtrack, and dissect Disney's intentions with this story.

But don't worry, we also have our usual history section (with a hell of a forthcoming surplus ordnance thanks to Dave Feldmann and Mike Andrews), along with our usual nonsense.

Next Episode: Platoon (1986)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #animated #disney

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Danger Close - CHE (2008)

CHE (2008)

Danger Close

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12/17/21 • 121 min

In this sprawling two-part biopic, director Steven Soderbergh shows us the experiences of Ernesto "Che" Guevara during the Cuban revolution in 1956, and Che’s subsequent failed attempt at revolution in Bolivia in 1967.

Approaching Gettysburghian lengths, the two parts relay in sometimes oppressive detail (drawing from Guevara’s own journals) the conditions these rebels were up against and the obstacles they faced.

The filmmaker knew that he was covering a controversial topic; Che is still simultaneously reviled as a mass murderer by some, and lauded as a hero by others. The film’s critical reception was just as polarized.

So what was Soderbergh trying to tell us about this larger-than-life figure? Did the writers have an opinion, or is this a mostly neutral depiction of the events?

Next Episode: Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Or join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, go to our Patreon page at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #cuba #revolution #castro

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Danger Close - Saving Private Ryan (1998)
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02/25/22 • 155 min

What has not already been said about this monumental film?

The Omaha Beach landing sequence it opens with is one of the most gritty and violently realistic combat scenes ever put on film to this day, and it gave a new generation of viewers an idea of what their grandparents had gone through in that war while they were still around to see it themselves.

Critics and viewers alike have long praised it as one of the best war films ever made (despite the admittedly schmaltzy prologue and epilogue).

On this episode of Danger Close, we examine the groundbreaking film in all its glory, through a nuanced discussion about the impact it has had on our culture, the characters’ search for human decency in the midst of chaos, and what we really think Spielberg was trying to say.

Next Episode: The Imitation Game (2014)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII #worldwartwo

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Danger Close - The Longest Day (1962)
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05/21/22 • 117 min

Hot on the heels of our Saving Private Ryan episode, we return to the beaches of Normandy (this time filmed in Corsica) with the WWII two-time Oscar winning classic, The Longest Day.

Clocking in at three hours, this is the longest film we have covered so far, and our first John Wayne flick!
It has a star-studded cast that includes Richard Burton, Henry Fonda, Robert Mitchum, and a few of our old favorites like Edmund O’Brien and Rod Steiger. They portray everyone from General Eisenhower to the junior Officers hitting the beach, with varying levels of historical accuracy.

Many in the cast were not only WWII Veterans, but actually took part in Operation Overlord less than twenty years prior to filming, and there is plenty of realism to go around, including a lot of subtitled foreign language.

But is all that enough to make a good film? How has this one aged over the years, and how does it compare to Spielberg’s film? Join us and find out!

Next Episode: Outlaw King (2021)

Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments!
Our website: www.dangerclosepod.com
Join our Facebook group at: Danger Close - Podcast Discussion Group
If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
If you would like to support the show and get extra episodes where we discuss sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy war movies, join our Patreon for only $4 a month at:
www.dangerclosepod.com/support

warmovies #warfilms #war #film #films #movies #history #cinema #documentary #WWII

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FAQ

How many episodes does Danger Close have?

Danger Close currently has 69 episodes available.

What topics does Danger Close cover?

The podcast is about Film, History, Podcasts, War, Tv & Film, Cinema, Military and Film Reviews.

What is the most popular episode on Danger Close?

The episode title '1917 (2019)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Danger Close?

The average episode length on Danger Close is 113 minutes.

How often are episodes of Danger Close released?

Episodes of Danger Close are typically released every 14 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of Danger Close?

The first episode of Danger Close was released on Feb 9, 2021.

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