Audiences across the UK were left completely captivated on Sunday night as the critically acclaimed war film, 1917, made its powerful television debut on BBC Two.
A Cinematic Triumph
Directed by the renowned Sam Mendes and released in cinemas in 2019, the film was a major cinematic event, scooping immense praise and multiple awards. For its leading man, George MacKay, it marked a significant breakthrough into his first major studio leading role, having previously acted as a child.
He was joined by a stellar British cast including Richard Madden, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film presents a fictional story, but it is deeply grounded in the brutal historical realities faced by soldiers on the front lines during a pivotal moment in the First World War.
Viewers React to the 'Gut-Wrenching' Drama
The official synopsis sets the scene: on April 6th, 1917, an infantry battalion is assembling for an attack. Two soldiers are given a seemingly impossible mission: to race against time and deliver a message that could prevent 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly enemy trap.
Following its BBC broadcast, viewers took to platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd to share their powerful reactions. One fan described it as a "nonstop edge of your seat tour of war", calling it "gut-wrenching and beautiful" and declaring it "cinema!".
Another praised its unflinching portrayal, writing: "Does not stray from showing the true horrors of war, which stands out to me as one of its best features." The film's unique visual style, designed to appear as one continuous shot, was frequently highlighted, with many calling it "visually stunning" and "cinema magic." A recurring sentiment was that the film was a "hauntingly beautiful gift."
A Personal and Award-Winning Project
The film's emotional core is drawn from director Sam Mendes's own family history. He was inspired by stories told to him by his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who served as a messenger during the Great War.
This personal connection translated into a cinematic masterpiece that resonated with both critics and award panels. At the 92nd Academy Awards, the film received an impressive ten nominations, including for Best Picture and Best Director. It went on to win three Oscars, for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects, cementing its status as a technical and artistic triumph.
The film aired on BBC Two at 10.40pm on Sunday, 9 November, offering a primetime audience a profound and moving look into the past.
