It's a bold statement, but here's the truth: 1917 is not just a movie; it's an immersive journey that will leave you breathless, heart pounding, and questioning the very essence of humanity. In a world where war has become a backdrop for countless stories, this cinematic masterpiece dares to stand out from the crowd, gripping your soul from the opening scene and refusing to let go until the credits roll.
Brace yourself for a visceral experience like no other, as 1917 takes you on a harrowing odyssey through the trenches of World War I.
Prepare to be captivated, moved, and forever changed by a tale that transcends time and resonates with the deepest corners of your being.
Welcome to the story that will haunt your dreams and awaken your spirit.
Welcome to 1917.
Synopsis
In the heart of World War I, amidst the chaos and destruction, two young British soldiers, William Schofield and Tom Blake, are given a mission of utmost importance. With the lives of 1,600 men hanging in the balance, including Blake's own brother, they must deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie to call off a deadly attack.
Facing treacherous obstacles and constant danger, Schofield and Blake embark on a perilous journey across enemy lines. As they navigate the treacherous landscapes of no man's land and abandoned German trenches, they encounter a series of life-threatening situations.
From narrowly escaping an explosive trap triggered by a rat to saving a burned pilot from a downed plane, their courage and determination are put to the ultimate test.
Tragedy strikes when Blake is fatally wounded, leaving Schofield to carry on alone. With the weight of his fallen comrade's sacrifice on his shoulders, Schofield pushes forward, facing a sniper's bullets and evading capture by German soldiers.
Along the way, he encounters a French woman and her infant, offering a glimpse of humanity amidst the horrors of war.
Time becomes his greatest enemy as Schofield races against the clock to reach Colonel Mackenzie and prevent the impending massacre. With the battlefield erupting in chaos and the British troops charging forward, Schofield must go "over the top" and sprint through the open battlefield, risking his life to deliver the message that could save countless lives.
In a heart-wrenching finale, Schofield confronts Colonel Mackenzie, who reluctantly heeds the message and calls off the attack. He finds solace in delivering the news of Blake's heroism to his grieving brother, Joseph, and gains permission to write to their mother, ensuring that Tom's sacrifice will never be forgotten.
As Schofield sits under a tree, exhausted and reflecting on his own family, he is reminded of the message on the back of a photograph: "Come back to us". The weight of the war and the lives lost weigh heavily on his shoulders, but his unwavering determination and bravery have made a difference in the face of unimaginable adversity.
"1917" is a gripping and emotionally charged tale of sacrifice, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. It takes you on a harrowing journey through the trenches of World War I, reminding us of the true cost of war and the power of hope in the darkest of times.
Chapters
- The Premise
- The Main Characters
- Setting and Plot
- Realism and Historical Accuracy
- Themes of Innocence and Destruction
- Cinematography and Technical Accomplishments
- Key Moments and Plot Twists
- Themes of Sacrifice and Heroism
- Overall Message and Takeaway
- Paying Homage to World War I
- Memorable Moments and Performances
- Capturing the Brutality of War
The Premise
The premise of the 1917 is centered around a race against time and the challenges faced by two soldiers, Lance Corporal Blake and Lance Corporal Schofield. These soldiers are assigned a crucial mission during World War I to deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking into a deadly trap.
The movie follows their journey through the horrors of war as they traverse nine long miles of hostile enemy terrain in the French countryside.
The film is known for its technical accomplishment of appearing to be filmed in one continuous shot and provides a visceral depiction of the horrors of combat during World War I.
It received critical acclaim and was a box office success.
The Main Characters
The main characters in the 1917 are Lance Corporal Blake and Lance Corporal Schofield, played by Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay, respectively. These two soldiers are assigned the mission to deliver a crucial message to an isolated regiment during World War I.
If the message is not received in time, the regiment will walk into a trap and be massacred.
The movie follows their harrowing journey as they face danger and obstacles along the way.
The cast also includes Daniel Mays as Sergeant Sanders, Colin Firth as General Erinmore, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Colonel Mackenzie.
Setting and Plot
The 1917 is set during World War I in and around the "no man's land" in northern France, which separates British and German troops. The film's plot revolves around the two soldiers, Blake and Schofield, who are tasked with delivering a message to stop a battalion's morning attack on the Western Front.
Their mission is a race against time, and they must traverse hostile enemy terrain to reach their destination and save lives.
The movie depicts the challenges and horrors faced by soldiers during the conflict.
Realism and Historical Accuracy
While the characters and specific events in the movie are fictitious, they are inspired by real people and events from World War I. The filmmakers aimed for accuracy in the filming and drew inspiration from the history of the time period.
The movie strives to provide a visceral depiction of the horrors of combat during World War I, similar to other war movies like "Saving Private Ryan" and "Platoon".
It captures the impact of war on the youth and innocence of those involved, highlighting the destruction caused by modern artillery barrages, machine gun fire, and wholesale slaughter.
Themes of Innocence and Destruction
The movie "1917" focuses on the theme of innocence and how war destroys it. World War I introduced the horrors of modern warfare to a generation that never truly recovered. The film aims to capture the impact of war on the youth and innocence of those involved.
It portrays the brutal reality of combat and the loss of innocence experienced by the young soldiers.
The movie highlights the destruction caused by war and the toll it takes on individuals and society.
Cinematography and Technical Accomplishments
The cinematography in the 1917 enhances the storytelling in several ways. The film was shot to look like one continuous take, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The use of cuts was cleverly edited to make it appear as if the movie is shot in a single take, making the journey of the characters seamless and convincing.
The cinematography used innovative techniques to enhance the storytelling, such as persistent character movement, terrain changes, and action sequences.
The movie's cinematography adheres more to the form of a thriller than a conventional war movie, adding to the tension and suspense.
The film was produced in native IMAX, allowing for stunning visual effects.
Key Moments and Plot Twists
In the movie "1917," there are several key moments and plot twists that contribute to the overall story. The mission given to Blake and Schofield sets the stage for the entire plot. The unique single-shot approach adds to the immersive and intense experience of the movie.
The scene in no-man's-land showcases the dangers and horrors of war.
The encounter with a German soldier named Baumer creates a tense moment.
The stomach scene creates a gruesome and visceral moment.
The fate of Blake brings closure to Schofield's relationship with him.
These key moments and plot twists contribute to the overall narrative and create a gripping war film experience.
Themes of Sacrifice and Heroism
The 1917 explores the themes of sacrifice and heroism in war. It showcases the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during World War I. The film highlights the individual acts of bravery and sacrifice made by soldiers, even though most are forgotten in the grand scheme of things.
It also emphasizes the value of sacrifice, honor, and commitment.
The movie portrays the youth and innocence that war destroys, as well as the impact of war on individuals and society.
It conveys the message that valor in battle confers meaning on all the sacrifices made by soldiers and their loved ones.
Overall Message and Takeaway
The overall message or takeaway from the 1917 is open to interpretation and varies among different reviewers. However, some common themes and messages can be found. The movie provides a visceral depiction of the horrors of combat during World War I and highlights the senseless violence and destruction that war brings.
It explores the loss of innocence in war and the impact it has on individuals and society.
The movie's technical accomplishments, such as the single-shot approach, enhance the storytelling and create an immersive experience for the viewer.
The importance of teamwork and camaraderie is also emphasized.
Overall, "1917" is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores the devastating impact of war on individuals and society.
Paying Homage to World War I
The movie "1917" pays homage to the soldiers who fought in World War I in several ways. It is set during the First World War and depicts the harsh realities of the conflict. The film's plot is inspired by fragments of stories from director Sam Mendes' grandfather, who served as a messenger for the British on the Western Front.
The movie's two main characters, Blake and Schofield, highlight the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during the war.
The film also references the 1930 film "All Quiet on the Western Front," which is considered a definitive anti-war film.
The movie's technical complexity is a nod to the skill and dedication of the filmmakers and the soldiers who fought in the war.
Memorable Moments and Performances
1917 is a World War I epic that features many notable performances and standout scenes. The "one-take" style of the movie creates a sense of immersion and urgency for the viewer. The bridge scene, where Lance Corporal Schofield takes on a sniper and runs through the ruins of Écoust, is one of the most gripping moments.
The final run, where Schofield races across a battlefield to deliver an order, is a climactic and intense scene.
The performances of George MacKay as Schofield and Dean-Charles Chapman as Blake are widely praised.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins adds to the visual impact of the movie.
Capturing the Brutality of War
The movie "1917" captures the brutality and devastation of war by portraying the youth and innocence that is so readily destroyed. The film is made to look like one continuous shot, immersing the viewer in the trenches and battlefields of World War I.
It depicts the horrors of combat, including modern artillery barrages, machine gun fire, and wholesale slaughter.
The movie does not shy away from challenging topics, including its portrayal of death in war and the trauma experienced by surviving soldiers.
It delivers a profound anti-war message and highlights the impact of war on individuals and society.
The film's cinematography and technical accomplishments enhance the storytelling and create a powerful war movie experience.
Discussion topics
Concluding thoughts
So there I was, sitting in the theater, completely engrossed in the world of 1917. The movie had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and now that it's over, I can't help but feel a whirlwind of emotions. It's like my mind is a jumble of thoughts, trying to make sense of everything I just witnessed.
The story of 1917 is unlike anything I've ever seen before. It takes us on a journey through the trenches of World War I, following two young soldiers on a mission to deliver a message that could save thousands of lives. The way the film is shot, with its long, continuous takes, makes you feel like you're right there with them, experiencing every moment of fear, desperation, and determination.
But what struck me the most about 1917 was its portrayal of the human spirit. In the midst of the chaos and destruction of war, we see acts of bravery, compassion, and sacrifice. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still goodness in the world. It made me question what I would do in their shoes, faced with such unimaginable circumstances. Would I have the courage to keep going, to keep fighting for what I believe in?
And that's the beauty of this film. It doesn't just entertain us; it challenges us. It forces us to confront our own humanity and question the choices we make in our own lives. It's a wake-up call, reminding us that we have the power to make a difference, no matter how small.
As the credits rolled and the lights came back on, I couldn't help but sit there, lost in thought. 1917 had left an indelible mark on me, and I knew that it would stay with me long after I left the theater. It's a film that demands to be seen, to be experienced, and to be pondered over.
So, dear reader, if you haven't already, I implore you to watch 1917. Let it take you on a journey that will leave you questioning, reflecting, and perhaps even inspired. Because sometimes, it's the movies that leave us confused and exploding with thoughts that have the most profound impact on our lives.
1917 - Official Trailer
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Links and references
1917 explained / Understanding the ending and story - DR1 2020
1917 / Alternative ending - DR1 2020
Unseen Horrors Unfold: A Gritty Tale of Courage and Sacrifice - DR1 2020
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