1917

Director: Sam Mendes

119, R

Screenwriter: Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns

Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch.

 

Everybody who follows movies has heard that 1917 is a technical masterpiece. It goes beyond Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (shot in long takes with minimal editing) by filming outdoors, with a large cast and plenty of action. But not everyone knows that the high-stakes World War I-era movie is based on stories told to director Sam Mendes by his grandfather. Expecting to hear ‘cleaned-up’ tales of heroism, Mendes learned unbelievably shocking and quite graphic tales of utter futility and chaos. His realistic account of two young British soldiers (George McKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) sent on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines both celebrates their bravery, while reminding us of the brutality of war. Winner of 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (Roger Deakins).

“It’s largely about the risk of death, but Mendes has made a film that feels wholly alive.” Stephanie Zacharek, Time.