A gripping war epic currently streaming on Netflix has earned its reputation as one of the finest productions in the genre. First released in 2019, the film 1917 was co-written and directed by Sam Mendes, the acclaimed filmmaker behind American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead, and the James Bond instalments Skyfall and Spectre.
Plot and Historical Inspiration
Set during the First World War, the film follows two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake, who are handed what appears to be an impossible mission. Against the clock, the pair must venture deep into enemy territory to deliver a vital message that could spare the lives of 1,600 fellow soldiers — among them Blake's own brother, reports the Mirror. While the principal and supporting characters are largely fictional, the narrative draws from genuine historical events, specifically Operation Alberich, a German strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line between February and March 1917.
Awards and Cinematography
The film secured three Academy Awards from its 12 nominations, including a second Oscar for renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins. Considerable discussion has surrounded the filmmaking techniques employed, particularly the apparent use of the 'one shot' method throughout much of the production — though there are a handful of notable exceptions.
Audience Reactions
Since its premiere, audiences have hailed the film as a pinnacle of its genre, drawing comparisons to other celebrated cinematic masterpieces. One viewer shared online: "This film is a phenomenon, and possibly one of the best (if not the best) films I have ever seen. People had said to me before I had watched it's the next Saving Private Ryan and I was worried it wasn't going to live up to the hype, but I needn't have been concerned at all. There aren't many films that have you gripped two minutes into the first scene, but this film had my undivided attention from beginning to end."
Another enthusiast shared: "1917 is one of the greatest war movies of all time. The premise of the movie is amazing, the movie is visually mind blowing, it takes a different approach then any other war movie, and don't even get me started on the cinema photography of this masterpiece. Totally worth watching if you're a fan of war movies." Similarly, one viewer remarked: "This epic war drama is a masterclass in filmmaking, showcasing incredible attention to detail and a remarkable level of craftsmanship."
Rediscovery on Netflix
Following its addition to Netflix, a fresh wave of film enthusiasts have been rediscovering the title repeatedly. One such viewer commented: "1917 is one of those films that leaves you in complete stunned silence as you watch it. Mendes never allows his audience to rest."
1917 is streaming on Netflix.
