1917 Review — Don’t let the fact that it’s a war movie put you off — this is a don’t-miss film, outstanding in the genre.

War has long been a favorite subject for filmmakers, and because of that, we’ve seen so much of it on the big screen it’s easy to become a bit jaded. Other subjects that fall into that category for me are Western gunslingers and divorce (yes, that’s a mild shot at Marriage Story). Yes, we know that war is hell, that gunslingers are lawless and that divorce is hard. It’s difficult to get a fresh take on the subjects in a way we’ve never seen before.

But wonder of wonders, director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, The Kite Runner, Skyfall) has managed to use mostly unknown leads to take us on an incredible slog through the trenches of World War I, and keep us in riveted and amazed suspense through the entire journey. It’s truly a remarkable feet.

Mendes based the film on a recount told by his grandfather, of two young British soldiers, one played by George MacKay, whom you’ve probably never seen before, and Dean-Charles Chapman, whom you may or may not remember as Tommen Baratheon in Game of Thrones. They are charged with the seemingly impossible mission of racing through enemy territory to warn thousands of troops (which include a beloved brother) of an impending deadly attack.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Andrew Scott have minor roles, but it’s Chapman who carries the entire weight of the film, and the British army, on his back. Mendes has sent him on a journey so harrowing, compelling, dangerous and stunningly beautiful you have to see it to believe it.

Trust me, you will be awed by the cinematography, the directing, the acting, the storytelling, the editing, the score — every aspect of this film is impressive and moving. It’s definitely one of  2019’s best.

Rated R

1 Hour 50 Minutes

If this 1917 review has inspired you, see it on the biggest screen possible. Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

1917 Review — Don’t let the fact that it’s a war movie put you off — this is a don’t-miss film, outstanding in the genre.

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