1917

War films are and have been a common staple in Hollywood as far back as the silent film era, and since then a plethora have been produced. "1917" is one of those war films that delve into WWI. I consider this to be the film version of Peter Jackson's 2018 documentary "They Shall Not Grow Old", based on Jackson's WWI's journey at that time. This film is loosely based on director Sam Mendes' great-grandfather's experiences in The Great War.

April 1917. At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission by General Erinmore (Colin Firth). In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message to Colonel MacKenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) that will stop a deadly attack on 1600 soldiers, Blake's own older brother, Lieutenant Blake (Richard Madden) among them. The two corporals meet many other officers and non alike to push them closer to their destination, but whatever happens, they must forge through since the main thing they are battling is the clock.

Others to round out the cast are Andrew Scott as Lieutenant Leslie, Daniel Mays as Sergeant Sanders, Pip Carter as Lieutenant Gordon, Andy Apollo as Sergeant Miller, Mark Strong as Captain Smith, Richard McCabe as Colonel Collins, Claire Duburcq as Lauri and Adrian Scarborough as Major Hepburn.

This was grittily and intensely directed by film veteran Sam Mendes ("Cabaret" (TV movie) '93, "American Beauty" '99, "Road to Perdition" '02, "Jarhead" '05, "Revolutionary Road" '08, "Away We Go" '09, "Skyfall" '12, "Spectre" '15) plus many others and a video short. Mendes has an abundance of work that shows us all what talented directing looks like, this film being of no exception. The expressions, body movements of the actors were so fluid and realistic, it seemed like we, the audience, were looking into the past at actual people. It was amazingly well written by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (TV, shorts, and a video). Even though Mendes is an accomplished director, and him writing his first screenplay, he is a natural, no doubt because of his film experience. Wilson-Cairns certainly is a natural herself with this her first screenplay. She is so talented, it will be interesting to see her "Last Night in Soho" which is in post-production and her "The Good Nurse" which is in pre-production. This is one of those scripts that even though there is minimal dialogue, it actually speaks volumes. Couple that with fine directing, and there leaves its audience with quite the story. Last, but not least, I must bring up the cinematography by the accomplished Roger Deakins asc/bsc ("1984" '84, "Sid and Nancy" '86, "Air America" '90, "The Hudsucker Proxy" '94, "Fargo" '96, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" 2000, "A Beautiful Mind" '01, "Jarhead" '05, "Doubt" '08, "The Company Men" '10, "Prisoners" '13, "Sicario" '15, "Hail, Caesar!" '16, "Blade Runner 2049" '17, "The Goldfinch" '19) plus many others. Obviously by his very resume, this photographer has proven himself time and again, especially with this film. The crispness of the film enhanced that grittiness and intensity that there were some scenes that were tough to witness because of the stark reality of how this war was incredibly as brutal as it was. This cinematographer has outdone himself and could garner a nomination come Oscar time. This film was actually released in selected cities last month so as to hope to be nominated. 

This film is incredibly well directed, written, acted and photographed. If fact, George MacKay as Schofield could possibly get a nod come Oscar time as well--this film has catapulted him hugely. Also this is presented in an awesome IMAX format for those that really want to be up close and personal. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: R                                            119mins.