Finding humanity...

Rating: 9/10 (12 March 2020)

"1917" is in essence not about war but finding what is human.
Its the simple moving moments of gently rendered humanity, that define this film. It is an anti war film but not one that's overtly lecturing. Instead like "Come and See" it shows you what war does to ordinary people and lets you reach your own conclusions.
In most other respects this is an uncomplicated film, with a simple story reminiscent of "Gallipoli" from the 1980's but painted in more subdued and reverential hues, akin to the the more recent offering, "Dunkirk".
Perhaps my only criticism, is its a little too generous to the historically callous and often incompetent senior British officer class, who squandered lives needlessly on a daily basis.
That said, this remains a masterful work, that joins other great anti war films cast in a similar vein.
9/10 from me.