Film Review — 1917

★★★★☆

In the midst of World War I, two British soldiers embark on a dangerous mission into enemy territory. Their orders: halt a battalion of over 1,600 men about to charge into a deadly trap.

A powerful and emotionally engaging modern war movie, just not quite the masterpiece it wants to be.

Sam Mendes’ 1917 feels strikingly similar to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, released two years prior. Both are technical marvels, forgoing epic scope in favour of something more intimate and tangible, and feature young actors with a solid supporting cast. Nolan’s movie was better.

The film’s “one shot” approach was highly touted and is impressive on occasion, with Roger Deakin’s again delivering gorgeous visuals, but overall it was more distracting and gimmicky than truly immersive. Thomas Newman’s on-brand ethereal score is predictably excellent, despite being intrusive during a critical scene.

By far 1917’s biggest strength lies in George MacKay, whose quietly determined and empathic performance is a potent symbol of humanity’s kindness amidst one of its bloodiest conflicts.

Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth Benedict Cumberbatch
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Music: Thomas Newman

Running time: 119 mins
Release year: 2019
BBFC rating: 15 for strong injury detail, language