A Fascinating And Gripping Look At One Of Britain's Greatest Heroes!

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2018)

It was definitely Britain's DARKEST HOUR but it was most certainly Winston Churchill's finest hour. He led the country at a dangerous and most uncertain time against the monster that was Hitler. He encountered opposition and political backstabbing at almost every turn from the likes of Neville Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax, but most of all he refused to give in and resolved to fight on to the bitter end. This rousing story is brilliantly brought to modern life by director Joe Wright with DARKEST HOUR! Wright's film is a tore du force of character acting (since this film is carried by the cast) and offers an informative and inspiring look at the great man and his struggle to lead Britain through the war.
I must admit, before this film I knew very little about this titan of a man. I knew him as the Prime Minister who led us through the war. I knew him for his gruff voice, cigars, whiskey and infamous speeches, but after this film I realised he was so much more than that. I realised he was an incredible patriot who cared deeply about this country and it's people but I also saw that he was really the only one (in government) with enough guts to stand up to Hitler. With DARKEST HOUR, director Joe Wright and script writer Anthony McCarten have brilliantly portrayed Churchill and all his characteristics. They have brought REAL drama to his political campaign and also, even though we know the ending (we won!) they have still managed to create that sense of doom and gloom and uncertainty that surrounded the period. Wright has really delivered with this film, showcasing Churchill in all his glory and explaining the character of the man himself. However, as I said this film is carried by the cast and it's the cast that really make the film the masterpiece that it is. Let's begin with the man himself...
I can wholeheartedly say that Oldman has really earned his Bafta. As well as being virtually unrecognisable under his Mrs. Doubtfire-ish face, Oldman acts out SO many emotions of the great man. At first, he's grumpy and a little rude, but then, as we get to see deeper into the character, he becomes very emotional and tender and totally inspiring. He is also a titan in politics; while everyone is pushing for surrender he continues the hard fight for victory with little cooperation from his fellow MPs and sees Hitler for what he really is/was. Oldman plays a hard man too, but a man who needed to be tough in such an uncertain world. All of these emotions are brilliantly and authentically portrayed by Oldman. He dazzles in this role, totally different to what he's used to (with LEON or THE FIFTH ELEMENT) as the old battle-axe that was Winston S. Churchill. Oldman says so much with his facial expressions that portray such emotion and sometimes pain. The only thing that didn't fit was the voice. Oldman didn't get the voice (but then again not many can) but he still gave it his best go. However, the most important thing was that he captured all of Churchill's mannerisms and characteristics. He is a VERY powerful actor and this was definitely Oldman's "finest hour".
The rest of the cast is totally stellar as well, with the likes of Kristin Scott Thomas, Lilly James and Ben Mendeleshon. All of them perform to the uttermost of their ability and bring depth and conviction to their roles. This outstanding cast carries the film and you really enjoy watching ALL of them.
This film really delivered with it's brilliant cast and engaging pace and showed so many sides of the great man that we rarely saw. Who thinks Gary Oldman well and truly deserved the Bafta? EVERYONE!