That is an interesting observation. Perhaps the ultimate example of war being presented as personal is “Johnny Got His Gun”.
I understand that the movie audience sees the film in the light of their personal experience. Since I came of age during the Korean war, I relate to it. When I think of the movie, the image that comes to mind is the early scene where they are first getting acquainted. They are sitting together wrapped in bulky, padded coats and hoods. The cold was the icon of Korea.