MOVIE REVIEW: 1917

The story is of two young British soldiers that are given a mission to deliver a message that will cross dangerous and horrific territory, apparently in real time and all in one camera shot. The stakes are raised as we find out that not only could the message save the lives of 1600 men, but one of those men is the brother of one of the messengers.

The trek begins and there’s no getting out. They traverse over several beautiful yet horrific set pieces that are cleverly designed to take full advantage of the unique shooting style and lighting. From a cherry orchard that is in bloom, yet the trees have been cut down, a bombed out French city at night with frightening explosions, fire and shadows that hide and reveal dangers, to a river that’s filled with corpses from a previous battle.

Dialogue is light. No long conversations giving us background stories, hopes and dreams, just two young men living in the present and focused on the mission and staying alive. It works. Boy oh boy, does it work!

Because of the one-shot technique, we are with them all the way. We see only what they see; feel what they feel with no editing to cut away from the tension. As a viewer there are times you want a reprieve, a breath, but in 1917, like the two men with a mission, there is no out.

With subtle messaging about war, humanity and even hope, this is one film I highly recommend.

Now, my mission is to brush the snow off my car, take a deep breath and head home down the hill!

1917 — Runtime 1hr 59 min

by The Popcorn Guru

MOVIE REVIEW: 1917

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