A True Cinematic Marvel!

Rating: 8/10 (14 April 2020)

Sam Mendes has accomplished something special with 1917. This is a movie that excels on every level. Let' start with the cinematography led by perennial Oscar candidate Roger Deakins. The movie is designed to play as if it were one continuous shot which is hard to pull off in any big production, much less a warm film with an enormous amount of moving parts. Not only does Deakins pull it off, it is executed flawlessly. Yes, a good eye can catch where the hidden cuts likely were, but that doesn't take anything from what they accomplished here. The camera work put the viewer on the front lines with the two soldiers whom the story follows. You experience every corner, every sound and every inch of the unknown turf with them and the tension is real. All of this is amplified by a great score which further creates a sense of unease. This is the type of movie that can startle you right out of your seat, put your jaw on the floor wondering how they shot that and bring tears to your eyes all in a 15 minute span. 1917 is unapologetic in its grim portrayal of war. It's minimalistic in many ways, but this doesn't mean it is lacking anything. The simplicity of this film is part of its brilliance. This movie should have won best picture. Not to take anything from Parasite, which was a strong film, but 1917 is a technical and visual masterpiece that rivals Dunkirk for its superb theatrical experience.