Extraordinary Gary Oldman in brilliant Churchill biopic

Rating: 8/10 (24 February 2019)

We have had the pleasure of enjoying the career of Gary Oldman for nearly four decades, and he has since evolved to become one of the finest actor in film industry. Never onve before had he won an Oscar, but now it was his turn, and it couldn't have come at a better time. The portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill is a performance of a lifetime. I would go as far to say it is one of the best acting performance of the 21th century.
Considering the story and the theme of the movie, it had the potential of just being a flat out boring, slow paced, political drama, but Darkest Hour is none of those. It is entertaining, funny and gives an insight of Churchill like we've never seen before. It's a captivating story behind the only man who dared stand up against Hitler.
On the matter of Hitler, similarities can be found between this movie and the Hitler biopic "Downfall", between Hitler and Churchill in terms of character. Both are great speakers able to convince an entire nation to go to war, both lashes out at army generals not following orders, and both are naiv war leaders believing in the strenghts of their respective army. However, to quote Bane, from "The Dark Knight Rises": "It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan", and this is where the two go go seperate ways. Both movies shows the man behind the actions, giving us a different way of seeing them. But in the end, when watching "Downfall" one is filled with vengeance and anger towards this man capable of such horrific actions, whereas when watching "Darkest Hour" one feels motivated and engaged to fight back.
Additionally, one of the things that gives this movie joy, is the wonderful music by composer Dario Marianelli. Combined with Churchills powerful spechees, the movie grabs a hold on you, keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next move might be.
The best scene of this movie is its last, where Oldman perfectly captures Churchills greatest ever speech. Right after the speech he walks alone in the alley towards the exit, handerchiefs and papers flying all around him, closing the door behind him as the screen turns to black. The perfect ending to a wonderful movie. It truly makes you want to join his army and fight for the Brittish Islands.