Review: 1917

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I will.

Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) are given a mission to cross enemy territory during WWI and deliver a message to call off a planned attack that will see 1600 men killed, including Blake's brother. 

After what felt like an eternity I finally got to watch the recent Golden Globe winner for Best Drama and it lives up to every bit of hype. I am in awe of this film on a technical level. It's masterful film work.

Much has been made of the "single take" method of shooting, and it looks wonderful. It makes us feel like we're in the trenches with Blake and Schofield. We're right there next to them seeing the hopelessness of war. The annoyances and fear of their fellow comrades as they push by them on what feels like a suicide mission. The score, which is beautiful is one of the things that had me on the edge of my seat. Every time it picked up I was afraid of something terrible happening - and yes, it does. 

The cinematography is splendid. Even though the "money shot" in the trailer so to speak is the biggest part of the film, and I had seen behind the scenes footage of them making it, seeing it on the big screen uninterrupted was glorious. That scene alone is winning them a Cinematography Oscar.

Let's talk about the acting. George MacKay absolutely carries this film. It's a bit criminal that he's not in more Best Actor discussions when he's far better here than at least two of the nominated actors. Chapman doesn't have as much to do as MacKay but he's also good and it's nice to see what young Tommen Baratheon is up to. As for the big name cameos that are peppered throughout the film, Andrew Scott's was my favorite as a very cynical commanding officer who is so sure they're not going to make it he asks them to throw an expensive looking flare gun back towards their front lines if they get shot at. It's one of the few humorous moments that worked so well.

I thought a lot about Dunkirk after watching this, another masterfully made war film. I don't think they're very similar other than the fact that they feel so different from other war movies. There's not nearly as many WWI films out there but I think 1917 will now be known as the gold standard. It's incredible. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "Don't worry, you'll be wanking again soon enough." - Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman)

Comments

  1. GeektellerJanuary 14, 2020 at 6:56 AM

    Great review! I can't wait to see this!!!! it comes out on the 24th of January in my country and I will definitely see it in cinemas!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ChrisJanuary 14, 2020 at 9:33 AM

    I'm so happy I managed to catch 1917 on the big screen and agree it's techically amazing. At the same time, I don't know if there's a lot of rewatches as the story was very straightforward. But it was a great spectacle with characters I cared about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 14, 2020 at 11:46 AM

      I agree. I don't re-watch a ton of war movies in general but I would see this again.

      Delete
  3. thevoid99January 14, 2020 at 7:08 PM

    I might check it out and try to catch up with the other films nominated for Best Picture but I'm not in a rush to see it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 15, 2020 at 6:36 AM

      This is at the higher end of the list for the Best Picture noms for me. I hope you like this.

      Delete
  4. BirgitJanuary 14, 2020 at 9:31 PM

    I really want to see this and I pray it will be a great film like you say because I was really disappointed in Dunkirk and was not impressed by that movie at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 15, 2020 at 6:35 AM

      I remember that you didn't care for Dunkirk, hopefully this one fairs better with you!

      Delete
  5. s.January 14, 2020 at 10:51 PM

    Madden is in this for like 15 seconds isn't he? :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 15, 2020 at 6:35 AM

      Yes, but he's really good in his scene at least lol

      Delete
  6. Big Screen Small WordsJanuary 16, 2020 at 4:37 AM

    I actually haven't heard about this movie until the Golden Globes win (oops). I've been watching the behind the scenes clips making its rounds on Twitter and it does look fantastic. I do hope it gets released here soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 16, 2020 at 8:00 AM

      I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to watch it.

      Delete
  7. KatyJanuary 19, 2020 at 3:13 PM

    Nice review! This is one of the few that I'm waiting to see to round up my 2019 list. I can't imagine the technical work not living up to the hype, but if it doesn't, at least there's Madden. Glad you finally able to see this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 20, 2020 at 9:16 AM

      Madden's not in it very much but his scene is wonderful at least!

      Delete

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