1917 [Blu-ray]

"1917" is a cinematic masterpiece that immerses viewers into the harrowing landscapes of World War I. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is a technical marvel, notable for its innovative one-shot filming technique that intensifies the sense of urgency and immediacy. The story follows two British soldiers, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake, tasked with delivering a crucial message to prevent an impending massacre. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman deliver compelling performances, capturing the emotional toll of war.The cinematography by Roger Deakins is breathtaking, seamlessly weaving through trenches, no man's land, and war-torn landscapes. The film's visual language is both haunting and beautiful, effectively conveying the brutality of war juxtaposed with moments of fragile humanity. Thomas Newman's score enhances the tension, complementing the on-screen drama.The narrative unfolds in real-time, creating an immersive experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The relentless pace mirrors the soldiers' race against time, contributing to the film's suspenseful atmosphere. The minimalistic approach to storytelling allows for a focus on the characters, their struggles, and the devastating impact of war on the human psyche."1917" is more than a war film; it's a poignant exploration of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Mendes' direction, coupled with outstanding performances and technical brilliance, makes "1917" a gripping and emotionally resonant cinematic achievement.

An Incredible FilmA recommended watch for all ages.Can we just pause for a second,Can we please put a stop to wars!They don't do anything but destroy the lives of the soldiers and their families.Most of the soldiers that survived WW1 and WW2. Committed Suicide as a result from the War.Mental health was not recognised back then. So, the soldiers that survived. Had to live the rest of their lives, In constant agony. Mental Agony.I'm aged 24. and this movie hit home with me. I couldn't stop thinking of my friends in that situation. I think most young people now a days. Don't have a clue. Back in 1917, it was males aged 18+. So if this was 103 years ago. I and many people my age would have to suffer with this traumatic event.Seriously guys, Do you want you children to suffer in the way the people did in this war? no?We need to speak out. otherwise this is just gonna happen time and time again, like it has done for thousands of years.This is the technological age. There are nuke bombs and many other weapons being built right at this moment.Will the younger generation PLEASE! use technology wisely.War's have gone on for far to long. Destroyed many of lives.For what. a country? or to defend ours?Think to yourself.Why. Why are we as a species so 'Apparently Clever' That were killing our own.For a bit of land? a country?Bloody hell why cant all countries unite as one, and say this is PLANET EARTH! This is our home! We all live here. No matter where you come from, we are all human.Its time to put a stop to this behaviour, otherwise it will be the end of us.Incredible MovieLets make sure that this sort of thing does not happen again.We have statues in town to basically say to us "Don't do this"But then, most countries are funding other countries with weapons in war.Makes me sick to the stomach that human beings are still to this day, Fighting their Wars.Even though, they know, it wont solve anything.I was always told when i was a kid, Violence isn't the answer.Mum was right. but sadly to this day, Wars are still going on.We made the world we live in, no other creature made our world for us, we have done that.Time for change. Big Change!

A beautiful movie that flows slowly like a muddy river at dusk, becoming gloomier, grittier and more ominous with the night coming in. The storyline itself is not essential -it's the story of a dangerous mission of two casual British brothers in arms through presumably abandoned enemy zones, towards the front of the French trench-line during WWI. The raw horror of the Great War, with its load of dirt, rot and stench, unrolls before their eyes and fades upon their young hearts like a grey toxic pall. In the claustrophobic labyrinths that the two Lance-Corporals must go through to accomplish their important mission, the enemy is an invisible but constantly menacing presence. The more they proceed, the thinner it gets the gap between life and death. Director Sam Mendes's eye focuses on the emotional journey forced on the two young corporals by the bleakness of the war; their fortitude and their resolution is strengthened by the toughness of the experience they undergo. In the end, a question remains open: was it all worth it? Direction, photography and sound are sublime, especially the night scenes. Some dramatic aspects of the story, however, are not given enough time and attention to sufficiently develop and, in my opinion, they remain muffled and overall weak with respect to others. In the movie I found beautiful conceptual and visual references to Coppola's Apocalypse Now (the inner journey) and Tarkovsky's Stalker (the invisible menace).