Film Review – 1917. The following is a totally independent and unbiased review of the 2019 film, “1917”, by Chris Pennington.
2019, Director: Sam Mendes (Skyfall)
It may seem strange to start a new film review section of a fantasy novel website with a war movie, but this film is just so damn good not to write about. So Film Review – 1917 is the first one, and what a good one it is too!
The story centres around Lance Corporals Will Schofield (George Mackay – Pride, Captain Fantastic, Ophelia) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman – Game of Thrones’ Tommen), who are tasked with delivering a message to call off a British attack on enemy lines following a supposed German retreat.
The British army have intelligence that the retreat is in fact tactical, and the troops are heading straight into a trap that will spell the inevitable doom of some 1,600 soldiers should the message not be delivered before the orders are given to attack.
Scofield and Blake travel alone through several dangerous and incredibly tense situations, Blake himself with the personal goal of sending the news to his brother who is stationed in the frontline and therefore destined for doom.
The film is incredibly moving in parts, and the tension in some scenes is palpable. It is shot using a unique perspective that just simply works, and is used brilliantly to add to the growing feeling of unease. It is simply unlike any other film I have seen.
It is not difficult to see why the film has been nominated for and subsequently won several awards at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Director.
Look out for cameo appearances from various bigger-name stars along the way.
This is an incredible film, and a must-see at the cinema to really appreciate the stifling, tense atmosphere in the full format it was designed for.
My Rating: 9/10 – Unmissable.
Click here for the IMBD link to the film https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8579674/
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