Review: 1917

1917 is a tremendous technical achievement for movies everywhere. This film receives a 5-star review from me.

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In 1917, Cinematographer Roger Deakins used long takes to have the entire film appear as one continuous shot. I believe Mr. Deakins deserves his 2nd Oscar (Blade Runner: 2049). This epic war film is immersive and hard-hitting from the first to the final frame. Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty and Skyfall) captures the raw and unnerving horrors inside the trench warfare of WWI. I understand why 1917 has been getting all of the hype, it’s a strong film from the perspective of two British soldiers (actors George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman). MacKay and Chapman were both superb throughout the entire picture. 1917’s startling immediacy will send butterflies through your stomach. This movie will be on my Top 10 Film's List for 2019. Nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography — 1917 has been one of the surprise front-runners from this Award Season.

The film won 3 Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director - Motion Picture (Mendes). 1917 also took home 7 BAFTA Awards the other night, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography (Deakins). Right now, 1917 seems posited to go head-to-head with Parasite this Sunday evening at the 92nd Academy Awards. I still believe that Parasite should win the Oscar for Best Picture, but 1917 is still a tremendous film and deserves high praise for its technical quality. So, it's April 6th, 1917 and as a British regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory (Germany), two British soldiers (actors George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap. This heart-pounding film will keep you glued to your seat. Mendes' gentle touch over these two character's stories uplifts the film, while not sacrificing the realism of war.

MacKay was the central backbone of the film's narrative — delivering a potent performance. Actors Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, and Benedict Cumberbatch also make cameo appearances in the movie. On top of that, we got beautiful cinematography from Mr. Deakins himself. Showing off his staples of orange, yellow, and blue colors that brighten the backgrounds with a since of awe. Mendes has stated that he got the idea of the film's tale from listening to war stories from his grandfather (who also served in WWI) when he was younger. Mendes stated, "It's the story of a messenger who has a message to carry. And that's all I can say. It lodged with me as a child, this story or this fragment and obviously, I've enlarged it significantly. But it has that at its core." "I took a calculated gamble, and I'm pleased I did because of the energy you get just from driving forward (in the narrative), in a war that was fundamentally about paralysis and stasis." In the end, 1917 is a powerful movie, both on a technical scale and a human scale. Experiencing this grandeur in theaters, 1917 was a visual masterclass in the highest order.

1917 is rated R (Restricted). For violence, some disturbing images, and language.

Directed by Sam Mendes, a director with an ambitious film vision.

Starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, our two main protagonist who we follow from beginning until end. Through thick and thin.