1917

What to make of the award laden Sam Mendes First World War story 1917?

It’s an interesting film and there is a lot to like about it, but for me not a great one and certainly not the best thing I’ve seen in the last 12 months, but stillba really enjoyable boys own type of adventure.

Set in the First World War we follow the story of Lance Corporal’s Blake and Schofield as they are presented with a challenge of delivering a crucial message to the front line and stop 1600 men including Blakes brother, falling into a trap.

What ensues is a brilliantly made action film, as the boys rush across no man’s land and through enemy territory to deliver the message. The film is full of sweeping action set pieces, brilliantly shot and using some fantastic and seemingly long single tracking shots pulling you right into the devastation of a war torn landscape. These action shots are punctuated with some thoughtful and heart felt vignettes that bring home personal stories that humanises the often massive scale of war.

While this works as an adventure film, my criticism of it and the thing that stops it been a really great film is oddly it lacked a real emotional core. I never quite cared enough about the main characters and it did at times feel a little bit like a video game, with our central characters having a level to complete before a little heartfelt interlude to bring some humanity to the running and jumping.

That is a minor gripe though as it is a really well made adventure and in that there is a lot to enjoy, but I suppose I’m not sure it is anymore than that.