Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Joe Wright, Focus Features, PG 125 Minutes.
There have been many movies made about Britain’s greatest wartime leader, Winston Churchill, but none as brilliantly told as in the ‘Darkest Hour’ by English director Joe Wright (‘Anna Karenina’).
Set at the start of World War II, the factually-based story of Churchill’s ascendancy and involvement in this historical war drama is nothing short of superb, following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup – ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’).
After Prime Minister Churchill (Gary – ‘Criminal’) has accepted the poison chalice he faces his darkest hour with France’s impending collapse, the stranding of 300,000 British troops on the beaches of Dunkirk and the real possibility of a German invasion.
Unlike the 2017 ‘Churchill’ movie involving the British leader in the 1944 Normandy invasion, Wright’s captivating story only covers the critical period in May 1940 when Churchill first became Prime Minister; in particular it shows how he dealt with his main detractors, namely Chamberlain (who later led the Conservative Party) and Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane – ‘Mary Shelley’) in their push for peace talks with Hitler.
Besides appearing to pacify his political colleagues Churchill must also contend with King George VI (Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn – ‘Robin Hood’) the monarch having at first resented his appointment but later changed his mind.
There is also some fascinating insights into Churchill’s hectic work routine including his at times difficult relationship with his secretary Liz Layton (Lily James – ‘Baby Driver’) that is often placated by his wonderful wife Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas – ‘The English Patient’).
In every respect ‘Darkest Hour’ is a magnificent movie with Oldman delivering the best portrayal of Churchill through his stirring oratory and his physical presence deservedly winning the Golden Globe.
Actually one cannot overlook Churchill’s first major speech – “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat”; or in fact that memorable statement in the concluding scenes:
“Victory at all costs.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills – WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER.”
In addition to the outstanding performance from Oldman and Mendelsohn’s perfectly – pitched portrayal as the King it is Wright’s biopic that later won the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor for Oldman.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 ½ Stars
Darkest Hour is being televised on Foxtel Drama Movies at 6.25pm on Sunday 28 November.
