1917 is edge of your seat brilliant.

Rating: 9/10 (15 January 2020)

Sam Mendes has created a masterpiece.
The cinematography of 1917 grabs you and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Portraying the film in a single shot, a technique I loved in Alejandro G. IÃ±Ã¡rritu's Birdman (2014), was a difficult task to say the least. Sam Mendes has outdone all my expectations. We follow every footstep and we experience every moment of Lance Corporal Schofield and Blake's journey to deliver a message to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment halting their attack on the Germans. The shear amount of thought that has gone into making sure the the film flows into 1 shot without reusing the same set and ensuring what is round each corner is unique, is superb and unlike anything you can compare.
Many war films fall into the trap of feeling like they have to pack the film with fighting scenes. 1917 hasn't. I loved the quiet scenes and the character monologues which show the other side of what soldiers experienced whilst at War. The scene following Schofield and Blake's close escape from the German trenches where Blake calmingly, and cheerfully tells Schofield a funny story just minutes after their near death, shows perfectly how there was no time to dwell. During these times keeping your mind off knowing you are at War being the biggest battle. During this scene Blake makes reference to the Cherry Blossoms that have been chopped down by the Germans, saying they remind him of home and times with his mother. A some what strange happy site for Blake allowing him to reminisce for better days. As Schofield drifts aimlessly down the rapids, exhausted and on the brink of drowning. The falling of the Blossom reminds him of the reasons he embarked on this journey, and memories with his lost friend now knowing that he is watching over. A real turning point in Schofields mind that he can successfully deliver the orders of General Erinmore.
The reaction of Schofield to the melody of Wayfaring stranger is cold but perfect. Silence in this scene allows us to listen closely to the lyrics of the song and the deep emotion they hold. Schofield who has fought his own battle to deliver the message to stop the attack and those young men preparing to cross the front line are all in fact poor wayfaring strangers, travelling through this world below.
A wonderful and moving encounter between Schofield and Blake's brother at the end, who his actions ultimately managed to save, tie the film perfectly to a close.
I loved the directing
I loved the acting. For a young, new actor George MacKay is simply Brilliant in the role of Lance Corporal Schofield.
I loved the cinematography
I love the writing
I loved the music
I loved the lighting
I love the makeup
I loved it all.