1917 - Movie Review

Rating: 10/10 (12 January 2020)

1917 is an absolute masterpiece in every single way. It is a shot in a very similar style to Birdman (2014), in the fact that the majority of the film is one shot without cutting away. There are a couple of cuts where there needs to be, but this is done extremely well and it allows the audience to feel as if we have actually been on this adventure with the two lead characters.
The cinematography is outstanding and I would be completely shocked if it doesn't win that award at the Oscars. I'm also pretty sure that it will win for having the best score of the year, and it absolutely should do. It was subtle when it needed to be, but loud and bombastic at other times. It really added to the emotion, and I couldn't help but tear up towards the end of the film. Not necessarily because I was sad about what was happening, but because the combination of the musical score and the narrative were so powerful.
An event happens at the end of the first act which changes things significantly. I really didn't like the decision at first, but then I saw what the director, Sam Mendes, was trying to convey and I ran with it. The film actually worked once this decision had been made and I was glad it didn't bring the experience down for me. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the film works better after this event has taken place.
The acting across the board is superb. No one gets much screen time apart from the two leads, but that was fine because I was completely riveted by their journey and I can't wait to see it again.
1917 is an experience unlike any other I have had in quite some time. The film came out in 2019 according to the Academy Awards, and it would definitely get my vote for Best Picture of the year.
SCORE: 100%