Patton

Franklin J. Schaffner's 1970 film follows an American general in the Second World War. He is known as much for his conduct as for his victories. One incident costs him his command. The film neither raises him up nor merely condemns him; the narrative makes a man who loves war being out of step with his own age its real subject. It won seven Academy Awards including best picture. George C. Scott refused his. Francis Ford Coppola is among the writers. Who it's for: those who like war biography. Who it's not for: viewers wanting something short; it runs over three hours.