Major Ben Simmons reveals why he thinks the show has been such a success and suggests films with similar themes that fans can watch to curb your Our Girl craving while waiting for the second season to air…

 

The strong female lead

Watch: Alien (1979) Aliens (1986), Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Lacey Turner’s depiction of Molly Dawes was nuanced and deftly acted. Well written characters with depth are hard to come by, especially female leads who aren’t afraid to take charge and stand up to their male counterparts.

She is both arrogant and indignant, but at the same time fragile and eager to please. She shows bravery when it is needed, but at times draws strength from others around her.

Whilst the uninformed may be surprised at my next suggestions, 1979’s Alien and its  sequel Aliens are absolute milestones in the depiction of strong multi-dimensional women in film. Without Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley, there would be no Private Benjamin, and no Molly Dawes.

However, I warn you that they are also two of the best examples of Sci-Fi/Horror and Action respectively!

You should also see Terminator and Terminator 2 for similar reasons. James Cameron directed both, with Aliens in-between. He knows a thing or two about strong women as he has been married five times!

Both pairs of films have spawned multiple sequels that have become dumbed down action behemoths. Please give the originals a chance to see innovative and brave filmmaking at its best, with often mimicked, but never bettered, female leads. Whilst the second instalments of each of the franchises are where the women really get their chance to prove themselves, the first films explain the source of their drive and courage that really gives them their backbone.

 

Those left behind at home

Watch: American Sniper (2014)

One part of the story of Our Girl that really rang true and was absolutely authentic, was Molly’s difficulty in relating to her family and friends once she joined the military and deployed to Afghanistan. She isn’t able to keep in regular contact and normally she can’t explain what she is doing because she doesn’t want them to worry.

This is not uncommon in the military and whilst well meaning, it can create lack of understanding for those back home. In Molly’s case, her family have learnt to make do without her and have got on with their lives. When she returns she finds this difficult to deal with, plus she feels guilty for leaving the rest of the section on operations. This results in her being uncomfortable and restless in the UK and wanting to return to Afghanistan as soon as possible.

For those that have served in the military, you can at times feel alienated from the rest of the ‘normal’ world. This can leave some with a longing to return to a place where they were valued, to be surrounded by those who they have shared experiences with, usually to the detriment of those who love them the most.

American Sniper shows the common mental anguish of a soldier that is often too difficult to put into words for the soldiers themselves. Whilst it has received some criticism for its glorification of war and one sided view of conflict, it is far less gung-ho than most and it is brutally honest about the strain that war can have on those left behind. Even more heart-breaking is the realisation that it is a true story.

 

The wild card

Watch: A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

The fact that this film doesn’t fit into any previous section suggests that it is unique. It is also the one film on this list you probably haven’t heard of. A Matter of Life and Death was called ‘Stairway to Heaven’ in the USA and is a mixture of romance and courtroom drama.

It stars the fantastic David Niven as a Lancaster pilot, who is vainly trying to limp his bomber home after sacrificing himself for the sake of his crew. With precious little time left, he manages to contact Kim Hunter, an American radio operator back in England, who talks to him in his final moments as the plane disintegrates around him. Regularly classed as one of the best British films of all time, yet relatively unknown, its influences on other films that have followed become apparent once you start watching it.

 

So there you have it, your essential pre-viewing guide to prepare yourself for the return of Our Girl in autumn 2016!

With ten films to watch (well, 12 including the sequels – alright, I cheated slightly!) you’ve got plenty to whet your appetite.

Our Girl creator Tony Grounds is back on writing duty, so expect Michelle Keegan’s Corporal Georgie Lane to be one tough cookie. There may be some familiar faces, but everything else is going to be bigger and better with all the hallmarks of what made the first season such a success.

 

Major Ben Simmons is the military advisor to the BBC for the second season of Our Girl and Managing Director of Bare Arms Ltd.

Bare Arms provides military support to film and television productions, as well as other commercial projects. You can find out more on their Facebook page.

> Buy Season 1 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy 2013’s feature-length Our Girl special on DVD on Amazon.

Which army movies would you recommend for Our Girl fans to watch? Let us know below…