What lengths would you go to to spare the lives of 1,600 of your brothers in arms? Especially if one was your own brother?
Oscar-winning director of Skyfall and American Beauty, Sam Mendes created 1917, a brilliant, cinematically stunning film inspired by the experiences of those who served in World War I, including his own grandfather.
1917 tells the heroic story of two young British soldiers at the height of the war: Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay of 11-22-63) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman of Into the Badlands) as they are given a seemingly impossible task to save 1,600 fellow soldiers, one of whom is the brother of Blake.
In a race against time and grave danger, they must cross enemy territory “to deliver a message that could potentially save those fellow soldiers. In this immersive cinematic experience, Mendes thrusts the audience into the immediate peril and vast scale of World War I, witnessing the conflict in an urgent and propulsive way.”
1917 also stars actors Mark Strong (The Imitation Game) as the compassionate Captain Smith; Andrew Scott of Amazon’s series Fleabag as Lieutenant Leslie, war-weary commander of the Yorks; Richard Madden of Netflix’s Bodyguard, as Lieutenant Blake, the elder brother of Blake who’s marching toward the Hindenburg Line; and Daniel Mays of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story who portrays Sargant Sanders, the man who chooses Blake for the mission to save his brother. Additionally, Adrian Scarborough (The Madness of King George) stars as Major Hepburn, a senior officer.
Easily recognizable in the film as well are actors Colin Firth of The King’s Speech as General Erinmore who ultimately sends the pair on their mission, and Benedict Cumberbatch who portrays Dr. Strange in the Avengers series, as Colonel MacKenzie who is wrongfully convinced they have the upper hand against the Germans.
I had the privilege of previewing this film weeks before it became available in theaters and was immediately captivated by this story. As a viewer, you are instantly invested in the quest of Schofield and Blake to defy all odds in an attempt to spare the lives of 1,600 soldiers walking into battle, unaware it’s a trap.
They believe they are surprising the Germans when in reality, the two men have reliable intelligence that the Germans are actually ready and waiting for the attack, prepared to decimate the 1,600. Given the times and lack of technology, the only way to relay this vital message was to send these two brave men across enemy lines, through deadly traps, weather, water, and combat, to deliver the potentially life-saving information.
My children are teen and young adult ages and were enthralled by the quality of the film both in the stunning cinematography and the depth of the story. They appreciated the historic value and importance of this particular mission.
In addition to this intense story, we get an up close look at life inside the trenches and on the frontline. The soldiers endured incredible conditions, little to no shelter from the elements, surviving in filthy surroundings rife with everything from trench foot to rats, all in efforts to protect their country.
1917 was awarded two 2020 Golden Globe Awards for Best Drama Motion Picture and Best Director Sam Mendes!
1917 is in wide release in theaters everywhere January 10th. Check your local theater for times. You don’t want to miss this poignant, important, and visually impressive film.
