Excellently executed war journey

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2020)

'1917' is both a WWI film and a masterclass in cinematography. It's not based on one specific true story or battle, but rather the plot is inspired by stories the director's (Mendes) grandfather told him. From the opening scene, it's clear the "real-time" no-cuts concept is going to make the film different, as we meet Corporal Blake (Chapman) and Corporal Schofield (MacKay) and then the camera doesn't leave them for the next 2 hours. They're assigned an urgent mission by a General (Firth), to alert another battalion not to enter what is a German ambush.
While set in France, it's filmed in England. The number of extras used is astounding, as is the accuracy of the trenches, barbed wire, ruins and uniforms. The trenches in particular are impressive to see as they walk through them, as they're not just CGI from a distance. From the moment Blake & Schofield step out into no-man's-land, the tension (and score) are ratcheted right up and there's only a few moments of respite.
They meet a few helpful soldiers and some Germans on their journey - Captain Smith (Strong) and his troop, Colonel Mackenzie (Cumberbatch) and Blake's brother (Madden). Other than that, only Lauri (Duburcq), a frightened French lady, have any screen time. Thankfully, both the leads are great and easy to cheer for. It's an enthralling ride, with lots of subtle - and not-so-subtle - reminders of the horrors of war. It almost leaves you exhausted, as you feel like you've been on the mission with them.