This is a collaborative work from all 3 Drake Brothers.
We drove through gusting winds and sheets of rain all for the love of cinema. We settled into our seats hoping people would shut up for one and hoped the movie would match our excitement. Oh, how it did. My high expectations didn't matter as this picture exceeded them, and I'm giddy to talk about it, so read on!
1917 features the British army coming across a dire situation. 1,600 English soldiers are about to run into a trap, and the only way to warn them is by getting there in person. We watch Lance Corporal Blake and Schofield rush to relay this crucial information to stop the changing tides.
Let's harpoon the biggest question. Yes, the film is edited to look like a one-shot, and it's not a gimmick. Never once did I think a story transition was forced, and that's because Roger Deakins is a camera guru. The man didn't just make it a one-shot but included beautiful moments. Some were shots of chaos with explosions and gunfire while another included cherry blossom petals lightly touching the water. It took my breath away. Combine this with the amazing directing of Sam Mendes, and it's legendary. Not a lot of directors could handle this story, but I mean he should be able to. He wrote it too (his first script ever co-written with Krysty Wilson-Cairns).
Our two main leads are George MacKay (Schofield) and Dean-Charles Chapman (Blake). Both are exceptional as we follow their journey across enemy lines in this survival tale. Yes, I do mean survival. That's what makes this war film unique because our conflict doesn't come from normal battles but the fight to continue breathing. Both characters receive substantial development showing how war can affect people differently. Both endure pain and have to save each other. Both have a desire to move forward while fighting devils inside and out. Both are exceptional characters. When I was 18, I was worried about getting ready for college and choosing majors. That's the difference in wartime. I can't imagine.
One particular scene tops it all. The camera slowly pans out the window and down to see MacKay begin to walk as flares light up the night sky. The music slowly builds more and more as his walk turns into a run being chased by the enemy. My eyes refused to even blink, so I wouldn't miss a second. It put a trance over me. Logan Drake puts this scene into his top 10 of all time, and I think I agree. Well done to the composer Thomas Newman. This man deserves an Oscar. Well done to Sam Mendes. He deserves an Oscar. Well done to Roger Deakins. He deserves an Oscar for the scene and for transcending what we know about cinematography. Also, George MacKay should be proud of himself. This is the performance of a lifetime, and he deserves recognition. This is something he'll tell his grandkids about.
I'm basically in love with this film, and I implore everyone to go see it as soon as possible! My movie rating is A+.
*There's much more I want to say that contains spoilers, so contact us on Facebook or Instagram if you want to hear more. That's after you've seen it of course!
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