Churchill...from despised politician to great leader. Faced off with the Tiger!!!

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2018)

Spoiler Alert:
Britain does NOT negotiate a Weak Peace with then-powerful Nazi Germany. The Allies later demand only an Unconditional Surrender from Nazi Germany. Churchill's plan to fight on is implemented. Allies win. Churchill's May speeches are amongst some of the best speeches ever given.
*****
But...early in the war... in one month...May 1940, Joe Wright's film shows how Churchill was ...almost...pressured by others in the British government into settling with Hitler.
If you know anything about 1940's Hitler, Britain likely would have become a hamstrung vassal of Nazi Germany rather than a free but isolated state. But then, as now, some politicians live in isolation bubbles of their own making.
Two women show you Churchill through their reactions/words...The young secretary to Churchill shows you perhaps the common person's view of him... Clementine, a strong queenlike woman, Churchill's wife, who sometimes worked to temper Churchill's outbursts, gently prepares him for the expected leadership. Hints of the Clementine revealed in their daughter Lady Mary Soames' bio of Clementine come through.
Movie is a good intro into why Churchill was a great man. Suitable for junior high and above students.
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Extra note...When this film came out, many (including director Joe Wright) scornfully spoke against US President Donald Trump and any favorable comparison of him with Churchill. But it's way too early to compare ANY active world leader with Churchill.
First, 1930s Churchill was considered "a voice in the wilderness" and a
"warmonger" for some years before...he gained traction as his prophecies of Hitler as dangerous...came true. Churchill made his decisions (most WW 2 decisions were good) but then then his time in office...came to an end. His record is done. Finished.
Thus, People may wish to forego comparisons with any living, active world leader. The hot tempers of current politics--the active name calling need to cool...rational judgment needs to be used-- to sort through any current leader's deeds...and then the long view of history might give you a better perspective of that leader.
Remember also, Churchill was once despised and called "a warmonger". His early tirades against the Nazi buildup made him look like a "rabble-rouser".
Churchill's life and works are done. finished. Yes, there are some dubious spots on his record, but overall he succeeded in the most important task he had...of rallying Britain to defeat the Nazis.
It's way too early to compare Churchil to President Trump (or indeed any other active leaders). Let time pass. Let long history discard the silliness of name calling and let historians sort through the long consequences of Pres. Trump's or indeed-- any other leader's decisions.