Photo by Stephen Wheeler on Unsplash
The Synopsis:
Lately I went to see the Movie 1917. This movie is about the first World War and the story of two young soldiers who are given a mission that would not have been taken on very easily by just anyone.
The movie starts with the German army puling back from their post in France. The British notice that they have not retreated, but have actually strategically set up themselves at another post, therefore attempting to trick the British army and ambush them. This would result in a surprise attack that would kill 1,600 men.
It is not possible for the British army to send an urgent message to the Second Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment due to a dysfunctional telephone line. Instead they ask Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) to hand-deliver a message to the Second Battalion. Blake is very motivated to complete this mission because his brother is part of the Second Battalion.
The two soldiers embark on the mission and experience a journey that is not for the faint of heart. There are unexpected explosions, attacks, barriers, encounters and deaths that are disconcerting to the characters. Interestingly enough, you feel the pain and hardships as well within you.
Blake is killed and Schofield promises him that he will complete the mission and find Blake’s brother. He continues the journey and delivers the message, eventually saving hundreds of men.
The Review:
I enjoyed this movie very much, and I recommend it for everyone to watch. It was inspired by a true story shared by director Sam Mendes’ grandfather. He was a veteran of the Western Front in World War I. This detail adds true authenticity to the storyline and evokes emotions within the viewer.
It was exciting to see so many stars in this movie and ones that I adore. There was Richard Madden (Lieutenant Joseph Blake), Benedict Cumberbatch (Colonel MacKenzie), Colin Firth (General Erinmore), Andrew Scott (Lieutenant Leslie), Mark Strong (Captain Smith), Daniel Mays (Sergeant Sanders) and Adrian Scarborough (Major Hepburn). Each of them had a short amount of time in the movie with their roles, but each of them added great value.
What I found interesting was that the story focused on two soldiers only. It seemed as though the movie was filmed in one continuous take, with other characters being introduced briefly and leaving the journey just as quickly. This really made the journey one that the viewer felt they were part of. I felt like I was traveling with the two soldiers throughout the movie. When Blake died, I felt Schofield’s sadness and longing to fulfill Blake’s wishes. When they were running through trenches, fields and buildings, I felt the tension and the stress of the situation. When Schofield reaches the Second Battalion and is denied access to the commander, Colonel Mackenzie, the urgency and anger that he feels, I felt.
It goes on and on until the end when Schofield was sitting under the tree. I felt just as calm, content and relieved as he seemed to feel when completing the mission.
This movie was filled with so much intensity. It was worth the watch and I encourage everyone to see it.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll enjoy my review of Jojo Rabbit!
