A beautiful work of art.

Rating: 9/10 (18 February 2020)

Sam Mendes' war drama is set during World War I and very personal to him, as it tells a story his grandfather used to tell him when he was still young. Dedicated to Mendes' hero, this drama cuts deep when we join two young soldiers on a mission to deliver a message that could possibly save thousands of fellow combatants.
Filmed and edited as if it was one long take, the camera never leaves our main protagonists, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay), out of its sight.The use of the single shot was brilliant as it brings the viewer along in the trenches and further adds to the realism to the film. This gives the viewer a feel as if they are almost part of the mission, walking through the trenches and ducking under the fire of bullets alongside Blake and Schofield. I was surprised to hear that this was gimmicky effect from some critics, I felt Mendes nailed it brilliantly with the help of some fantastic cinematography. The set pieces were so realistic and detailed, a lesser director would've focused more on them but for this ride the camera never stops moving and it's a benefit to the film.
Roger Deakins' cinematography is once again breathtakingly superior to anything else you've seen this year, and for sure will be the one thing people unanimously praise. Sound editing/mixing, visual effects and production design are all outstanding. These are the things, people will remember. It is Thomas Newman's score that elevates every moment happening in front of you, intensifying the emotions brought by our main characters. And although MacKay and Chapman do a pretty phenomenal job at capturing the true essence of their characters going through a literal hell, it's the side characters with little-to-no screen time who steal their spotlight. Andrew Scott, Mark Strong, Richard Madden and Benedict Cumberbatch are checkpoints along the way, but man, do they impress with the few lines they're given.
There is no sigh of relief, no respite from the fear of uncertainty. They survive to move forward to face more uncertainty. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire way through, never giving you a chance to catch your breath.
1917 is without a doubt a technical masterpiece, that will inspire many filmmakers. It for sure is one of the better films 2019 has brought to the big screen, yet a bit more focus on the script could've made this the cinematic masterpiece of the decade. Nonetheless, I recommend watching this on the biggest screen possible and enjoy another fine piece of cinema brought to you by Sam Mendes. I am giving 1917 a 9.2/10.