Cinema Lounge Reviews

Set in World War I. Two British soldiers receive impossible orders from the general which could save 1,600 men, including the soldier’s own brother, on the frontline. However, this battle against time doesn’t seem so easy for them as they have to fight through every soldier’s worst nightmare known to man.

This emotional story focus’ on two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake, who has been given the impossible task by the general to cross into enemy territory and deliver a message which has the possibility of saving 1,600 men including Blake’s own brother. This one of a kind film really focuses’ on its storyline as you can tell they are passionate about 1917 as they are not making entertainment but telling the stories of our brave WWI heroes. Sam Mendes created this immersive story world to really show what the conditions were like for the soldiers during the war and showing its true nature. Most action and war films are made for entertainment and to celebrate the soldier’s achievements, 1917 doesn’t only show the story of an outstanding war veteran but also educates people on what war was really like for them.

Believe me when I say this, when you leave the cinema it’ll make you think differently about war and respect the heroes who choose to put their life on the line for our freedom. What I love specifically about the story is that it shows the tragic events that the soldier has to go through to complete his orders. What I also like about the story is that some scenes really make it seem like you are with them and really create suspense and dramatic suspense as sometimes certain events will happen which you will not be expecting at all. For me, this is perfect. However, one thing that could be considered annoying is that throughout the film we learn that one of the main characters wants to leave home and isn’t too happy there but it isn’t revealed to us why that is.

The visuals of 1917 are fantastic and fully deserve the awards that they were given. Because of Sam Mendes’ excellent directing and writing, this movie is everything a war movie should be. It gives us an excellent film to watch whilst experiencing and celebrating the lives of many heroic war veterans who sacrificed themselves for us. What separates this to any other war movie before, is that not only does it have excellent cinematography but also includes an emotional storyline, as mentioned before, and also educates people on the war and what the conditions were like for the soldiers out at war.

Linking back to the visuals, which also makes this movie great is the actors who played the war heroes and honestly, I don’t think I’ve seen much better acting ever. These actors, specifically Dean-Charles Chapman and Geroge MacKay, perfectly perform the roles of their characters and really get to know their characters well which is important for any actor as then you are able to understand what they think, do and would say in certain situations which these two actors do very well.