Released: 4th December 2019 (UK)
Length: 119 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: George Mackay, Dean Charles Chapmam, Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch
The tragedy of World War One has been represented many times in entertainment media, the emotive resonance of that conflict, growing stronger since its centenary. Following in the footsteps of They Shall Not Grow Old and Journey’s End, director Sam Mendes presents us with a truly excellent cinematic experience.
Based on stories told by the director’s paternal grandfather Alfred Mendes and set during its namesake, 1917 follows two British lance corporals, William Schofield (George Mackay) and Thomas Blake (Dean Charles Chapman). At the film’s opening they are given a desperate mission; to make their way to a neighbouring trench and call off an attack, potentially saving 1600 men from charging into a trap set by the German side. A trek across the war-torn battlefields of northern France ensues as the two comrades make their way through No Man’s Land and the film works to create perhaps the most detailed window into the Great War on the western front. Fear, futility, danger and loss; all these elements are captured in a standout narrative that is always moving forward while never shying away from the horrors of battle. We never leave the perspective of these men and are always fully engaged with their objective; as they cross paths with both friend and foe, the importance of time never waivers. The sense of build-up is palpable and the ultimate climax is a breathless final dash that will leave you awe-struck. You feel as if you’re on the journey with these characters and the result is a near unparalleled level of immersion.
Considering how we spend nearly the entire runtime with them both McKay and Chapman do a brilliant job carrying the film, fleshing out their characters and beautifully conveying the impact the war has had on them. Schofield is older and more seasoned while Blake represents a more a greater sense of innocence that make them both distinctive. On that note, all dialogue in 1917 is delivered on the fly and it’s very precise; not only are the character conversations naturally paced, they also drop bits and pieces of information about the way the war was and how people lived at the time. It’s a perfect complement to the action in which the pace never slows down and the camerawork continues its deft movement around the proceedings. The side characters are put where they should be, in small roles that don’t take away from the perspective of our two main leads. Be that as it may, the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong and Richard Madden all fill their roles well for the short time they’re on screen. A special mention should also go to the countless extras lining the scene who convey the fear, stress and madness of trench warfare very well.
It’s very rare to see a film take on the ambition of one continuous shot but 1917, like 2014’s Birdman before it, is absolutely masterful in the way it draws the audience in. From the moment we first see the two young soldiers resting in the fields, the film sets out to create a stunning and immersive portrayal of the senseless conflict. The background is just as much a character as the main cast, always giving a glimpse of what life was like in the trenches while also enhancing the distance travelled. Authenticity is flawless across the board, with costume work, set design and period accurate inclusions all on top form. The brief appearance of an Indian Gurkha who fought alongside the British was especially fascinating, maintaining its true to life roots. Finally the aesthetic elements that went into the film are truly astounding; a sequence taking place at night shows off some of the best lighting I’ve ever seen in a film. An angry fire burns as the foreboding atmosphere delivers the fear and loneliness of the mission unbelievably well. It’s all rounded off by a superb score from Thomas Newman that rises and falls fluidly to match both the action and heart wrenching moments.
1917 is simply a fantastic production from beginning to end, and one of the most impressive portrayals of World War One put on screen. Everything about it is so seamless and succinct that it earns a place among the best war films ever made. Go and see it as soon as you can.
Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)
Comments