The acclaimed British war drama 1917 is now available to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime, drawing repeated viewings from fans who call it a 'masterpiece'. The film, released in cinemas in 2019, has become a firm favourite among war genre enthusiasts.
Inspired by True Family Accounts
Directed by Sam Mendes, the film draws on stories from his grandfather, Alfred, a British soldier in the First World War. Set in 1917, it follows the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich. Two British soldiers are tasked with delivering a message to halt an offensive strike.
One fan on Rotten Tomatoes said: "Another one of my favourite war movies. I've watched around 5 times and will continue to rewatch."
Oscar-Winning Technical Achievement
The film received 10 Oscar nominations, winning Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects. Its technical style, designed to appear as two uninterrupted takes, has been widely praised. One review states: "Technically perfect and with surprisingly well-done dramatic development. So fluid the way the drama layers are portrayed here. 1917 is peak cinema."
Another viewer commented: "The way it's shot makes every moment feel immediate, pulling you into the journey from start to finish. This was great!"
Star-Studded Cast and Lasting Appeal
The cast includes George MacKay, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Richard Madden. One reviewer highlighted: "Beautiful and haunting cinematography. The film appears to be taken in one shot, as if you're with the main character throughout the film. Incredible performances from the main characters William Schofield - played by George MacKay and Tom Blake - played by Dean-Charles Chapman. Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch made very timely appearances."
On Rotten Tomatoes, 1917 holds an 88% rating, and audiences continue to revisit it years after release. Viewers report being left 'haunted' by the experience, making it a compelling choice for war film fans browsing streaming services.
