You sir, have good taste. The Thin Red Line was such a different movie, but I think it depicts war better than most war movies (including Saving Private Ryan).
BAhhh...just because you re-mentioned The thin red line, Sean Penn came to my mind and I see i forgot "Mystic River"
I completly agree that it depicts war better than most of movies.
Of course there are some heroism on the movie, but I like the focus on the emptying of the things that make us human, the morbidness that increases in the soldier, the reality that death imposes on their psychology...
I would add these to the list, if you havent seen them I highly recommend them.
Black Hawk Down
Full Metal Jacket (if you liked Platoon, you'd love this)
The Kingdom (2007)
Black Hawk Down is really good too! I just forgot to mention
The kingdom - I don't know this movie...
Full Metal Jacket - I've never seen. but I know it's Kubrick's, well... I don't know why i haven't rented this movie yet. going to rent both this weekend.
I cant remember other good war movies I've seen, but if I do I'll give a shout. I've heard that The Hurt Locker is pretty good but I havent seen it.
War is one of my favourite genre =)
I know I forgot some good movies too(not only in this genre)
I'll update the lists by the time the movies come to my mind..=)