Not as impactful as it could have been

Rating: 7/10 (20 January 2020)

As a director Sam Mendes has created some amazing final products rich with character development on a variety of budgets - notably for this reviewer "American Beauty" (Estimated $15MM Budget) and "The Road To Perdition" (Budget $80MM) - films I both rated as 9/10.
1917 (Budget $100MM) is not his best work, though it ranks as quite an achievement, nonetheless. Based on a story from Mendes' own grandfather, 1917 moves at a compelling pace and includes some surprises along the way. As an audience member, I was moved to sympathize with the protagonist, but not to really "love" him - because we just did not know enough about his own story, or those of the other main characters engaged. It's a shame, because the drama and the stakes of the resolution could not be higher - yet the table was not fully set for true "transformation". Instead, though, yes, we root for the hero, we don't truly find ourselves moved to identify fully with him or those 1600 lives at stake and more.
I enjoyed the film, but was not deeply impacted by it. It's truly a missed opportunity on the 100th anniversary of WWI and the millions of stories still waiting to be told. To those who suffered during this horrific global conflict, I give all due respect. It is incumbent on us as storytellers to exploit our own skills to the fullest when given a $100 MM opportunity.
My review: 7/10 stars.