So good I had to write my first imdb review on it

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2020)

I've never left a review on imdb for a movie. I generally read most reviews for movies i'm about to watch or shows im currently watching. This movie changed that. I feel as though other people need to know just how unique and excellent this film is.
I will admit off the bat that war films are most likely my favorite genre, and that I was very excited for this film before I saw it. It fulfilled my hype. I'm writing this for those that had no knowledge of the film, and dont care for war movies. See it and decide.
One cut is what makes this film so crazy unique and anti-generic war movie (gunfights, men dying gloriously x100, this film has none of that) Corporal schofield does not leave the screen the whole movie. You come along for this journey of his. You want him to succeed and stay safe, but there are so many times you are holding your breath for him. When he stops to rest on scene it's almost as if the viewer is looking in the background to be sure he's safe. One scene for example is when the two soldiers are watching the dogfight in the sky just for a Fokker biplane to fly right into the scene, putting an absolute death scare into the viewers. There are so many thriller elements in the film its incredible when you dont expect there to be any.
My biggest gripe was how schofield finds the battalion he's ordered to save. (no spoilers) it felt rushed and very random, just kind of stumbles on them, but doesnt change really anything about the movie as there is still much more footage of him attempting to reach his goal once he's at it.
The sets are probably the selling point of the film. Won't find a more immersive world war 1 film if you tried. From the trenches to no-man's land to the shelled out cities it all makes you believe it was filmed with an imax camera in the year 1917.
Overall, one can have zero knowledge on the first world war, can hate the status quo hollywood war film and still love this movie. The movie could have been based on two german soldiers, two french soldiers, it wouldn't have mattered. It was about beating the odds and keeping you on the edge of your seat as you waited to see if the main character could make it a few more steps closer to their goal unharmed. There was truly so much suspense and action that I found myself hoping the movie wouldnt end. Cannot wait to see again...