Movie # "1917" --- this is one AMAZING film, and I really respected it and its craftsmanship. The story is straightforward and simple --- two young men during WWI are given one clear job --- to get info to a squadron ahead to not get caught into a trap that is being set up for them --- what makes it important esp. to one of the soldiers is that his brother is one of the members of the group he must warn --- so they charge ahead. The filming of the first part of the trip uses very few edits (you really have to search for them,) as they traipse through one trench after another, filled with all sorts of doughboys doing all sorts of activities that would have to be set up long before the two main actors get there, with all their props, including minor explosions., etc. It's something the viewer doesn't think about, but I went in knowing that about the film so one scene after another, I sat with my mouth open wondering "now how did they do that?" There's a scene with rats that do particular actions -- are we expected to think they were trained? or thrown from above? Amazing. The guys are watching a plane in the distance flying overhead and then all of a sudden it takes a turn and comes toward them and keeps coming and coming and crashes right in front of their eyes (and ours ---once again AMAZING! the way it is filmed). The photography is wonderful and no wonder --- the great Roger Deakins is at the helm, and could there be another academy award for him after not winning for several films he was nominated for? DGA saturday night gave the Best Director award to Sam Mendes for this film, which sets him up to possibly win another Oscar this year ("American Beauty" was the previous one) , and my first reaction to seeing this movie is ---- finally, a movie that I would be proud of winning the Oscar for this year , which I wasn't too sure about with the others (though "Jojo Rabbit" is my very favorite this year, I realize it wouldn't be liked universally because humor is tough to bottle and sell ---- I realize for example, laughing at a Hitler character might not be everyone's cup of tea). I see the merits in the other films that are nominated this year, , and I DO understand why the others are nominated, but this is the one that has everything in a nice neat package --- good script, terrific cinematography, unbelievable acting from two young kids (along with some secondary work, like the priest from "Fleabag" in a small but wonderfully funny scene). This one moved me to tears, such a tender ending ----- and it left visual images for me that I will remember forever. I give this a 5 out of 5 and have a new film to be rooting for now. I highly recommend it (and I am NOT a war picture fan at all, but I am sure glad I put that prejudice aside and saw it).
"1917" 1 hour and 59 minutes rated R
April 6th 1917. As a regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message, that will stop 1,600 men, from walking straight into a deadly trap.
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