Director Joe Wright, makes an astonishing historical epic. It's filled to its utmost capacity with knowledge, truth and politics. It's a very engaging film that does well on keeping the story alive. This film also has the element of sophistication. It's the actors and actresses. The action, the drama and the score flowing so gracefully together that make this film even more necessary for viewing pleasure.
Not only does Oldman pull off a remarkable performance, but Lily James, who plays his secretary, does an outstanding job with all the madness day-and-out. The two make for an even amazing duo that's meant to be because they have instantaneous chemistry on screen. James' Ms. Layton, holds together Oldman's Trump-esq Churchill. Churchill is essentially the Donald Trump of his days, or maybe Trump is Churchill of now? Whatever the case may be, Churchill wasn't liked by different thinkers, same goes for Number 45. Churchill did amazing things for the UK and Trump is essentially trying to emulate that leader quality. How's that for a comparison? Eh?
The most striking thing to me about this film, was how Churchill described Hitler. He often referred to him as a Tiger. This was one of the films top chilling moments, after a group of soldiers getting sealed their fates by the fascist Germany.
On top of these amazing performances, the drama and war sequences are even more gripping. They grab you in so much that you can feel the intensity of what's happening. The score is also a major component to this films success factors. Dario Marianelli, assembles a riveting dynamic of sound. The score might not be as heart pulsating as Hans Zimmer's works for Dunkirk but, it is it's own creation. They're both part of the same story, just different avenues of the War were covered in them.
There were a lot of powerful moments in this film, but a few stand out for me. One, a scene where Churchill is late for work and has to take the "Underground". This is the equivalent of the "Subway". Winston gets in the train, and several British citizens surround him in shocking stares, silence and bewilderment. Two, the end scene, when PM Churchill gives a tumultuous and passionate speech. In his speech, he calls for the country to be warming and welcoming, united, yet vigilant. This speech showed that not all are created to be gifted orators-( Paging 45). It also showed the power of God is with them shoulder to shoulder to eradicate the Devil on Earth.
War of words? Or a War of choices? Whatever the case may be, World War II, was an economic and a human catastrophe. The leadership of Winston Churchill, was one of strength, struggle and determination. He had a battle plan but it was difficult to execute it. This film's subjects are rare, so rare that it's fitting for the current climate in their friend across the pond, good ol' America. Be that as it may, this film is a stunner. It should be witnessed by history lovers and those who like true-story based films.
Rate: A
Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristen Scott-Thomas, Ronald Pickup
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some thematic material)
Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes
Synopsis: A thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.
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| Photo: Focus Features |
Malawski’s Movie Rating System
A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.
