In the fall of 2003, I noted that Hollywood had made a slew of war movies in which the protagonists were heavy underdogs fighting a defensive war against a morally inferior invading horde.

Some of these films were historical: “The Last Samurai,” “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” and “The Alamo.” Others, such as “Matrix: Revolutions” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” take place in imaginary worlds. In each case, though, the narratives were constructed to present one side of the conflict as clearly in the right. Although garnering mixed critical reception, these films were mostly more commercially successful than was last spring

Seniors Jeremy Yoder, Sarah Pharis, Christie Benner, Roxy Allen, Johan Grimsrud and Tama Duncan will read from their works – fiction, poetry and essays – at the gathering.

Admission to the program, which includes dinner, is $7. Advance reservations are required and should be made by Mar. 29 by calling the box office, 540-432-4582.

The language and literature department at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ will hold another “Writers Read” program 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, in the west dining room of the university cafeteria.

Cynthia Yoder, author of “Crazy Quilt: Pieces of a Mennonite Life,” will read from her book at the dinner meeting.

The book, from Cascadia Publishing House, depicts the author