1917 is a monumental leap in filmmaking.

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2020)

Though 1917's story may not be new and its backdrop of war unoriginal, it outshines all of its contemporaries with blindingly phenomenal moviemaking. Not even the pitch-perfect cast can eclipse this monumental feat of direction and cinematography. 1917 manages to immerse the audience into its narrative, forcing viewers to genuinely identify with the characters across its entire runtime.
While we have seen long-tracking (no cut) shots (be them true or edited) wonderfully accomplished in previous films (Children of Men, Birdman, Paths to Glory, etc.), the level of superior craft on display in 1917 will not soon be matched, let alone eclipsed. This film has earned its right to win all the awards for best cinematography and direction.
The acting is perfect. There are no "breakout" performances by the superb cast, but that is intentional. The focus rests entirely on the immediacy of WW1 trench warfare, -literally- not allowing you to look away. See this film.