April 6, 1917. The world is at war. British forces send two young officers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), to cross No Man's Land and enemy lines. Their mission: to deliver a message and call off an attack in which over 1,000 of their comrades in arms are unknowingly walking into a trap from German forces. The two soldiers risk everything to stop the invasion and save their fellowmen, and it becomes an even more personal mission for Blake, whose brother is among them and whose life is in imminent danger.
This is one of the most immersive and incredible film experiences that I have witnessed in recent memory. I would recommend seeing this in theatres especially. It is truly epic to behold. I'm not typically fond of the war genre but this film truly struck a chord with me. It's emotional and gripping, and while it doesn't shy away from showing us the horrors and casualties of war, it also shows us that there is still hope, and love, and beauty in the world around these men who have been changed forever. There is a particular scene in which Schofield encounters a young mother while hiding in the ruins of a small French city. The mother tends to his wounds, and he in turn gives food and milk to her and her baby, and sings the child a song before resuming his mission. This is a quiet, beautifully crafted scene that shows the tenderness and innocence of humanity in the midst of the cruel war.
Actors MacKay and Chapman have fantastic chemistry as the two heroes, and the marvelous cinematography from Roger Deakins only heightens the relationship between their characters (this movie is shot almost completely in one take), and it pulls us as the audience closer to the action and makes us feel like we are fighting alongside these young men. "1917" also boasts a haunting and effective score from composer Thomas Newman, who creates a stirring soundtrack that captures both the intimate and intense moments of the story.
Director Sam Mendes ("Skyfall", "Jarhead") writes and directs this war epic, and dedicated the film to his grandfather, who served as a British army messenger himself. Mendes' work has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and I can certainly see why it is praised and positively commended by so many. "1917" is an engaging, emotional and affecting war film that tells a powerful story of courage and sacrifice, showing us that hope and love still prevails even in the harshest and darkest of times.
Rating: 4.6/5