Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Sam Mendes, Universal Pictures International, MA 119 Minutes.
Not since the release of the 1930’s classic World War 1 drama ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ has there been such a riveting movie made about the destructive consequences of the First World War involving two British soldiers.
The story takes place in April 1917 and centres on Lance Corporals, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman of ‘The Commuter’) and Schofield (George Mackay of ‘Pride’) being sent on an impossible mission by General Erinmore (Colin Firth of ‘King’s Speech’) to save the lives of 1600 soldiers.
The mission requires both men to deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch of ‘Doctor Strange’) – who is positioned behind enemy lines – directing him to stop his planned attack.
In a desperate race against time, Blake and Schofield must traverse a devastated landscape strewn with bodies and horses.
At a discarded farmhouse, Blake is unexpectedly stabbed after attempting to save a shot-down German pilot, forcing Schofield to shoot the German before continuing with the mission solo.
It is after his encounter with a German sniper, and then a young French mother, that Schofield finally reaches the group of British infantrymen.
In completing the mission, Schofield has kept his promise to his departed friend by being able to pass on Blake’s dying words to his brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake (Richard Madden of ‘Bastille Day’).
Mendes’ gripping storyline is filled with many emotional and inspirational scenes largely attributable to his grandfather’s stories, to whom the film is dedicated.
Acknowledging the impressive portrayals by Chapman and Mackay in playing the two British soldiers, there is no denying Mackay’s stand-out performance as Schofield in a physically gruelling and inspiring role.
A major highlight of this tension-filled wartime drama must be Roger Deakins’ masterly cinematography that encapsulates the reality of the warlike scenes and extols the courage of human beings being pushed to the limits to fulfil their mission.
Having won Best Film at the 2020 Golden Globes, it is only fitting that ‘1917’ wins the Oscar next month.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
