Hey my friends.
Welcome to another film review.
And today, I am going to take my time to review a movie that, definitely, is one of the best movies of 2019 by far.
Well… the title says it all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SKYFALL, SPECTRE AND AMERICAN BEAUTY…
«1917»
But before I continue with the review. I must ask you guys… The Question.
«Are you guys ok?» «Are you having a good time?»
If you are happy, I am happy.
Now, let’s go on to the review.
STORY
As I said, 1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, and tells the the story of two British soldiers during World War I; Lance Corporal William Schofield, played by George MacKay, and fellow Lance Corporal Thomas Blake, played by Dean-Charles Chapman, who must send a message to call off a planned attack to the German Army, which will result in the massacre of 600 soldiers due to a carefully strategic ambush beneath Hindenburg Line. Furthermore, the life of Blake’s brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake, is also at stake. so the two soldiers must embark in a very dangerous mission through enemy fronts.
Before I continue, there are two facts that I must mention about 1917; the first one is that Mendes himself based the story on the experiences of his paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who fought in the Belgian Front during two years.
The second fact is, and this is the one of the many that makes 1917 so outstanding, that the story is a whole «one continuous shot». What does this mean? Well, needless to say, that the movie looks like the camera is always recording, no cuts, no second takes. Nothing.
The only movie I have seen using this technique, so far, was a really realistic Colombian film, in all its crudeness.
One of the most mind-blowing films I have ever seen.
However, 1917 was filmed between April and June 2019, at the United Kingdom; so editor Lee Smith and one of my favourite cinematographers, Roger Deakins, put their greatest abilities in action to make 1917 feel like one single shot. And that is what makes the feeling of the movie so real, even in the slightest detail; not forgetting the relentlessly accurate portrayal of World War I, of course. Because of this, from the very beginning, you feel that every single event of 1917 really happened, like a documentary with the essence of a feature film.
Brought by the almost flawless directing of Sam Mendes. In fact, when I saw 1917 in the cinema, I immediately understood why is taking every single major association award for Best Director. Honestly, I have never seen a movie transmitting this sensation with such a terrible theme as war, it makes it more intense, epic and impactful to the audience; furthermore, I believe that 1917 was better directed than Joker. Now!! I still believe Joker is a great movie, and Todd Phillips did a really good job; but in terms of directing, 1917 gets to the audience quicker, and in probably the smartest way possible.
Of course, we have this delightful cast, that I will get to that later.
Nowadays, the best war (and anti-war) movies are required to be as accurate and human in terms of the political background as possible, and saying that we have a bunch of examples will be an understatement. However I will mention a few, Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Black Hawk Down and Grave of the Fireflies. And definitely 1917 is no exception. Once more, the amazing job done by Sam Mendes, and the performances of George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman is what makes the setting all more convincing, as well as tragic, thanks to the script written by Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns.
Overall, the story of 1917 cannot be any better. In my personal opinion, one of the best movies, not just of 2019, or from Sam Mendes, but also one of the best movies I have ever seen.
Now. regarding the cast, aside from MacKay and Chapman, we have very renowned actors like Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, and of course, Benedict Cumberbatch, who, despite appearing so little, leave an amazing impression on the whole movie, including Strong, who, personally, I am used to see him as a villain (Case in point… Green Lantern)
«Please, don’t hate me for mentioning that trash. You too Ryan.»
KICK-ASS… There you go!!!
And I can assure you that the CUMBERBUTCHS (Myself included), will enjoy his appearance in this movie. To the point of being one of his best performances. (In fact, when I think about Cumberbatch and 1917, the performance of Judi Dench from Shakespeare in Love comes to my mind).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, 1917 is definitely one of the best movies of 2019 for more reasons that people might think. It is an unique experience, and it is evident that everyone, both the cast and crew, put all its love and dedication, heart and soul, not just to make an outstanding masterpiece, but also to pay tribute to those brave men that fought in the worst conflict of human history until Second World War.
I heard many people claiming 2019 as a really terrible year for cinema. I beg to differ. At least we got two wonderful jewels.
Joker… and 1917.
(And of course… Avengers: Endgame)
Now. before I finish, I want to make a final warning about the movie… Pseudo-spoiler to say the least. FROM this point, you can keep reading, it’s up to you my friends.
And that is… the ending.
THE ENDING IS A DOWNER ONE, BUT NOT FOR THE REASONS THAT YOU MIGHT THINK. LIVES ARE SAVED, BUT THERE ARE NO WINNERS. AND THERE ARE, AT LEAST, THREE REASONS OF WHY THE FINAL ACT FEELS LIKE A TRAGEDY.
THAT IS WHAT I FELT. AND I INVITE YOU, MY FRIENDS, TO FIND OUT ALL THESE THREE REASONS.
THE REST… ENJOY 1917. ONE MOVIE THAT WILL DEFINITELY KEEP TAKING MORE ACCOLADES HOME.
THANKS. Y GRACIAS.
Jainituos Presents 