"Perseverance"

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2020)

With a permanent dramatic and visual journey, Sam Mendes infects us with his absolute and total determination, to fulfill his mission despite the many and dangerous adversities of the journey.
Let's quickly remember the director, a little over 20 years ago he surprised us with "American Beauty", "Revolutionary Road" and then he showed his skills in action cinema with 2 movies of 007, "Skyfall" and "Spectre" to name a few.
Based on his grandfather's memories -about his experiences in the WWI- for the first time Mendes co-writes a story, where he warns us about the need to go through great difficulties in order to reach our destinations and goals -and then yes- feel satisfied for having been partners in the common struggle and having achieved good for our friends and brothers.
With an impressive rhythm, the film gradually acquires a galloping and obsessive journey against time, going through situations of tension, despair, helplessness and pain: life itself.
As if that were not enough, the determination of the British director is such that he unites 3 entities into one, that is, he turns the camera, the music and the main character into the eyes of the viewer; besides at this moment the 'tempo' of the film is already an "in crescendo" so the tension reaches the limit and it is necessary to give the last effort, in order to reach the top that we have all set ourselves.
Apart from his forceful theme on perseverance, the author, with the intention of giving more drama and veracity to his story, establishes technical fulfillment commitments -as it is, the effect of making the film appear to be a single take-, (for this purpose, it was necessary for the cast to train for 6 months) These commitments are elements that in the end make the film rounder and give it greater coherence.
The film is a true personal achievement, made with great vision and a passion for cinema.
Captivating original music by Thomas Newman Shocking photograph of Roger Deakins Masterful performances by Dean Charles Chapman and George Mackay
Also performing: Daniel Mays, Colin Firth, Pip Carter, Benedict Cumberbatch