The film is based on the tail end of the first World War and tells the story of two British soldiers who need to deliver a crucial message to a top British Military official who is near enemy lines. This film is indeed perhaps one of the greatest war films, and the stunning work of art that this film is will certainly be honored this award season.
Director of “Skyfall”, Sam Mendes, has done an extraordinary job at this retelling of a pivotal time in history. Mendes takes inspiration from his paternal grandfather who served in the war as a British soldier. Mendes can undeniably capture the essence of war so powerfully that the audience is witnessing it all makes this film even more captivating.
Partnering with Mendes once again on cinematography is acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins. Deakins can take audiences into the war with his stunning camera work. His one-shot technique is fantastic because this captures the atmosphere of the war and all surrounding it. I’ll say that this is without a doubt genius filmmaking.
Also reuniting with Mendes for the score is composer, Thomas Newman. Newman makes this film as gripping as possible with a score that is so upbeat and riveting in nature just like the film itself. To go along with this film, the score is as anxiety-inducing as the film itself, but in a good way.
The film's cast is predominately young, considering that this is a film in war. The two main leads George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman give sensational performances in this war drama. Each of them encompasses what it was like being a soldier in the war in stunning fashion and in an emotionally charged way.
This film makes the war film genre proud. Its utter sense of realism and authenticity in approach make this film more thrilling than ever. Whether you are a history buff or not, this film will educate you on one of histories most enduring wars. Sam Mendes possesses a talent that pays off in the long run as this film is one of the best, most fascinating war films of all time.
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| Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures |
Rate: A+
Director: Sam Mendes
Starring: George Mackay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Colin Firth and Mark Strong
MPAA Rating: R (for violence, some disturbing images, and language)
Runtime: 2 Hours
Synopsis: During World War I, two British soldiers -- Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake -- receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades -- including Blake's own brother.
