It’s been almost a decade since a Hollywood film depicted the events of World War One, the last being Steven Spielberg’s War Horse. Not since then have we seen the bloody conflict on the big screen. Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is often lauded as one of the best suspense oriented war films, I can now confidently say it is now number two to 1917. Sam Mendes’ entry into the genre, 1917, may very well be the best the entire war genre has ever seen. This piece of cinema redefines what it takes to be truly excellent in a market of ever crowding blockbusters and “theme park rides,” as Martin Scorsese would say.
The cast is a who’s who of the BBC’s finest actors, with loads of short cameo roles including everyone from Colin Firth to Benedict Cumberbatch. The two leads however, Dean-Charles Chapman and George Mackay, play two corporals sent on a mission to save sixteen hundred men from walking into an impending German trap. The story feels personal and grounded, as it is based on stories Mendes’ grandfather had told him. Despite being with the characters for mere minutes, their struggles and plights hit home. Performances of quite literally every person on-screen, down to the extras, are exemplary. World War One has never felt more real outside of the actual event than as seen here. This is a testament not only to the acting ability of the whole crew but the power of the script as well, not to mention the way it was shot. Cinematographer Roger Deakins delivers a likely Oscar-winning job, showing the audience this conflict like never seen before. The way he plays with color and lighting is truly a wonder to behold and well worth a second viewing.
What held this from perfection for me in the theater did not have to do with the actual movie I was seeing, but my expectations going in, a dangerous thing in cinema today. The movie advertised itself as one long take, an unbreakable scene moving for the entire one hundred and nineteen minutes. Unfortunately, while there are clear impressive long shots, there is no illusion that this is one long take. Most moviegoers know that this feat is largely impossible, only achieved through editing tricks. However, 1917’s biggest drawback is that these hidden cuts are not hidden whatsoever. I should reiterate that this movie is beautiful and impressive in every way, but it doesn’t feel like one continuous shot. I wouldn’t have had a problem with this if the film hadn’t been so heavily marketed as otherwise.
In conclusion, 1917 is a marvelous technical achievement layered on a compelling narrative that was even able to drive some in my screening to the point of tears. This is an unparalleled spectacle like no other that will deliver you a satisfying theater-going experience at the very least. While this may be an awards movie, it is not just an awards movie, it deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. Please do yourself a favor and go see this movie.
4.5/5 STARS