1917
6 of the world’s best bars are now in Singapore, with 3 among the top 20
February 21, 2020
Friends Reunion Confirmed at HBO Max: ‘It’s Happening’
February 22, 2020
A war against time
War movies are a dime a dozen and I’ve never truly found one that held my attention for even as long as 10 minutes. Either the withering battles are too long-drawn-out, the bomb blasts too loud or there’s not enough ‘acting’ on-screen. Instead, it’s nothing but two hours or so of men screaming orders with badly written monologues where the lead protagonists are supposed to empower their comrades. No, war movies are definitely not my cup of tea.
So when the trailer for 1917 came up, it felt the same as every other war movie before its time. Yet, choosing not to be prejudiced, I sat down and willed myself to give it a chance – and I must say, I’m so glad that I did.
Director Sam Mendes and his team give ‘realism’ a whole new meaning with this historical masterpiece. The British film takes two young corporal soldiers on a journey through the war-torn countryside to deliver a message of calling off an attack, which would only serve as a trap to their own forces. And so begins the race against the clock, the Germans and the unpredictable roadblocks encountered along the way.
Technically speaking, 1917 is no doubt a cinematic triumph and the same can be said on-screen with much praise due to the young George MacKay. As the lead in what is likely one of the most challenging films of any actor’s career, he carries 1917 with strength and a certain kind of sweetness.
His performance is simply astounding – physically and emotionally, as he manages to have our own hearts thumping in fear and gripping the arms of our seats in anticipation while he travels in the dark, unsure if his next step might very well be his last.
Add in a few of Hollywood’s favourites, from the likes of Andrew Scott and Benedict Cumberbatch to Colin Firth and Richard Madden, and we can applaud Mendes on rounding out a powerhouse ensemble cast.
When you look at the film’s visual brilliance, all thanks go to cinematographer Roger Deakins, who collaborates with Mendes to deliver a remarkably realistic production, from its sets right down to the lighting and flow of the story through each scene.
Achieved through a series of long takes stitched together with visual effects, it give the appearance of a continuous journey that viewers are unconsciously travelling with alongside the young soldier – and left holding their breath, praying that Lance Corporal Schofield makes it in time to deliver his message.
There were a handful of war films that came out in late 2019 and early 2020 that told a specific story of life on the outskirts or battlefields of their respective wars. But while powerful in their way, nothing holds a candle to the brute force of imagery that 1917 pulls off.
So kudos to the brilliant Mendes and Deakins – and the cast of 1917 – for finally giving war movies a touchstone to live up to!
