You’re stuck in the netherworld between life and death. With just a flask of water and a few cans of food at your disposal, you clutch the 8.8 pounds of your future—ready to fire it at all times. Everything you see, hear, and smell is suddenly converging. Mustard gas in the trenches. A beautiful farm, surrounded by dismantled landscapes. A crumpled chapel, falling into flames. The ominous sounds of a foreign tongue, echoing in the distance. Dust shimmering in the air—in your nose, in your eyes. Whispers of your family. The heartbeat of your wife. And suddenly, a bullet blasts into the wall behind you. Gunfire rains upon you. 1917.
But however imposing and in-your-face 1917’s setting remains, it is a character-driven film. It’s not about World War 1, the setting, or war in general as much as it is about the two cogs churning the story—Lance Cpl. Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Cpl. Schofield (George MacKay)—who were as brilliant as the technical aspects (from the cinematography to the sound mixing). It is the agony and fear and reluctance and impulses that follow them. You see it in their facial expressions, their dialogue, how they walk/crawl/run through the land, how they gaze upon the horizon with despair—as they lurk behind enemy lines to deliver a message that would save 1,600 troops from marching right into a German trap.
But the defining trait of 1917 is that it appears to be one continuous shot, like Birdman. The special effects and camera angles used to maintain this illusion are effective. You surrender your attention and follow the messengers from the first frame to the last, without a single break. Every second keeps you on your feet. You are vulnerable, scared, in awe, and, ultimately, rewarded. And when the credits roll, you find yourself asking questions. What are the limits of human perseverance? And pain? How did mankind reach a point wherein world war became a solution? What was it like? Well, 1917 gives you a pretty great taste.
Rating: 8.5/10
Grand review Luke. Not sure I’m with your correspondent liking it to Dunkirk though. Nolan is a genius but a bit tricksy at times; Mendes is a bit more grounded in his direction; you’re more ‘there’ I think with this war movie. But they were both films you can see again and get more from. As a film buff, do you access Kermode and Mayo’s podcast? Maybe try it when you’re walking to class. Great way to find films you might otherwise miss. Sure, it’s a British perspective but probably none the worse for that! Oh and thank you for the follow!
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Very much agreed with your points about Dunkirk. Your general insight is very much appreciated! I don’t really listen to any podcasts, to be honest, but would you say the Kermode and Mayo one is worth it? I’m open. Thanks for the suggestion! Love European perspectives far more than U.S. ones anyway haha.
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I enjoy them but maybe, thinking about it all the byplay might not appeal. It’s a two hour show with the reviews towards the end. Maybe try one and see if it resonated
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Okay sounds great! Thanks again.
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Thanks
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No prob!
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We watched it. Fantastic movie
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Love it!
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EXcellent writing
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Thanks!
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I want to see this, and now through your review I am def wanting to see it, thanks.
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Thanks so much, William! Hope you really enjoy it!
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Excellent review! I love the way you write
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This is so nice! Thank you Cameron!
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Your writing ability is phenomenal. You thought about getting an agent?
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Thank you! I know I’d consider it down the road if I pursue writing on a more professional level, but I think I’m too young & amateur still. Guess you never know what lies in the future, right!?
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Understandable. I support your stance.
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Working on getting an agent now; it’s on my list!
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Thanks so much! I appreciate this!
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Sounds very similar to Dunkirk!
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Yes! Thoughts on Dunkirk? They’re very similar in the cerebral directing, bleak setting, sense of despair & chaos, great cinematography, & the acting. But 1917, to me, felt more personal, entertaining, and moving as a work of art. But there’s no Christopher Nolan film I dislike!
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I watched Dunkirk in the cinema and just the once but I totally got why so many people raved about it. It sucked me in completely and made me feel so so much without there being any dialogue at all. I am definitely putting 1917 on my watchlist then, if you say that.
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The one shot effect was rly cool.
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Yep! So fitting for the story too
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^
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I thought it was an amazing movie! Great review!
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Thank you so much, Angelyn!
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P.S. The director is Sam Mendes, who made American Beauty, Jarhead, and Skyfall. Usually include the director but I forgot this time. Solid work from him!
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Great work from Sir Sam Mendes.
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Indeed! You a fan of American Beauty (and Skyfall)? Was impressed by him!
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great review. is it fully out now?
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Yep. The full commercial release was Friday, so it should be in circulation in all big theaters near you. Hope you enjoy!
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Omg going to see it soon then, thanks luke!
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Always appreciate your support!
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No prob ❤
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