Jan 18, 20202 min read

1917 (English): Movie Review

"An extraordinary piece of cinema that leaves you completely spellbound with its incredible camera-work and cinematography”

In director #SamMendes’s #1917 set against the backdrop of World War-1, two brave British soldiers, Schofield and Blake (played by #GeorgeMacKay and #Dean-CharlesChapman, respectively) are tasked with an almost impossible mission to deliver a message across the enemy border that could potentially avoid massacre and save 2 battalions and 1,600 of their comrades – including Blake’s elder brother.

What follows is an arduous journey of the two friends that transforms into a survival drama, powered with a race-against-time urgency and danger lurking at each corner as they bravely venture into different spaces and horizons. Already challenged with uncertainty and nebulous nature of the task, they encounter death traps, deathly fences, mines, crashing planes, and innumerable corpses of soldiers and horses on their way.

Mendes and cinematographer #RogerDeakins create an unimaginable sense of horror in this war classic that is shot (or made to look as) as an incredible single-take sequence. The camera unflinchingly follows the two protagonists in each of their insignificant adventures and casual banters around how they are starving and yearning for food.

As the end credits suggest that the story was inspired by what #AlfredMendes, grandfather of Mendes, narrated to him, the slow-burning narrative engulfs you with its piercingly intimate shots and evocative set design. The film’s emotional core is further amplified by haunting background music.

#1917 almost shapes up as a ‘#CastAway’ for #GeorgeMacKay who delivers a spectacular and uncompromising performance. The personal struggle of Schofield, encompassed with grit and determinism, is brilliantly portrayed by MacKay whose eyes speak volumes, largely hinting at the futility of war and its damaging repercussions.

It’s hard not to be moved by the sentiments that #1917 enshrouds – I had a lot of lump-in-your-throat moments in the finely-edited 2-hour movie, especially during its climax. As a critic, I feel so insignificant to rate this immensely admirable film and declare it as a flawless technical marvel.