George C. Scott as Patton in the 1970 release

In the golden age of Reality T.V., the beauty and craftsmanship of screenwriting is a lost skill. A craft that is needed more than ever today, as Hollywood struggles to maintain the integrity and relevancy of filmaking as an art form. There’s nothing like a great war film to highlight the artistry and brilliance in well-crafted dialogue and story structure. In the confinement s of the war genre, the screenwriter must inspire and capture with authenticity, the internal struggle often felt by those on the cusp of battle. Here are the Top 5 Best Battle Cries in Modern Cinema.

5.  Patton (1970) “That’s All”
This remarkable film is a semi-biographical tale of General George S. Patton Jr., a real-life tank commander in World War II. On the eve of the battle in North Africa, General Patton, played by legendary actor George C. Scott, addresses his troops against a backdrop of stars and strips. A young Francis Ford Coppla and Edmund H. North, penned this remarkable, unforgettable story of a true warrior without the satisfaction of victory.  “…that’s why Americans have never lost or will never lose a war, because the very thought of losing is hateful to American…..”  Patton won 7 Oscars, including the Best Actor Award. Ironically enough, Scott actually refused to accept the honor, leaving the producer, Frank McCarthy, to accept the award at the ceremony on Scott’s behalf, where he later returned it to the Academy the following day.

4. Braveheart (1995) “We Free Men”
Mel Gibson’s contribution to the genre can also be considered one of the greatest moments in modern cinema. Braveheart tells of the plight of Scotland’s patriot, Sir William Wallace, who led a rebellious, spirited military campaign against England. Gibson, who took on dual roles as director and lead actor, delivers an awe-inspiring monologue just on the heels of battle. This epic tale, penned by Randall Wallace, won 20 awards, including 5 Oscars.”…..Fight and you may die. Run and you will live, at least awhile. And dying in your bed many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that, for one chance to come back here as young men, and tell our enemies that they make take our lives, but they will never take our freedom.”

3. 300 (2006) “Take the Brave 300 to Victory”
Director and co-writer, Zack Snyder (Kurt Johnstad and Michael B. Gordon) helmed this real-life tale of the great battle at Thermopylae in 480 B.C. With video game-like effects and clever cinematography, 300  takes creative license in telling the story of the brave Spartan soldiers who fought off a massive Persian army for seven days. “…We are at war, gentlemen. We must send the entire Spartan army to aid our king in the preservation of not just ourselves, but of our children. Send the army for the preservation of liberty. Send it for justice. Send it for law and order. Send it for reason. But most importantly, send our army for hope - hope that a king and his men have not been wasted to the pages of history - that their courage bonds us together, that we are made stronger by their actions, and that your choices today reflect their bravery….”

2. Matrix: Reloaded (2003) “We are Zion and We Are Not Afraid”
Matrix: Reloaded is the second installment of the three-part franchise by the Wachowski brothers. In this sequel, the crew of the Nebenkenzer has successfully enlightened thousands since the awakening of Neo. Meanwhile, the machines have begun to step-up their efforts in their plan to oppress individuality and the human spirit. On the eve of the great battle to preserve  humanity, Morpheus ( played by Lawrence Fishburne) addresses the free men and women of Zion, calling for courage and not fear.  “….Remember that for one hundred years we have fought these machines! Remember that for one-hundred years they have sent their armies to destroy us and after a century of war. Remember that which matters most! We are still here! Tonight let us send a message to that army! Let us shake this cave! Tonight let us tremble these walls of earth, steel and stone! Let us be heard from red core to black sky! Tonight let us make them remember this is Zion and we are not afraid!”

1. Independence Day (1996) “We Will Not Go Quietly Into the Night”
Often overlooked, Independence Day takes top billing for the most inspiring, heartfelt patriotic battle cry in modern cinema. Written by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, this formula Sci-fi action flick delivers a pure dramatic moment as the world prepares to do battle with aliens’ intent on annihilating mankind. Actor Bill Pullman’s wholesome delivery evokes a sense of patriotism, honor and state pride. “….Perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom… Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution… but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”