"Time is the enemy" in 1917. This epic war film directed by Sam Mendes, and Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Set during World War I, two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake, receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save sixteen hundred of their fellow comrades, including Blake's own brother.
In June 2018, it was announced that Amblin Partners and New Republic Pictures have acquired the World War I script written by Mendes and Wilson-Cairns, with Mendes directing. The story is based on Mendes' grandfather's experience detailed in WWI: "The Autobiography of Alfred H. Mendes 1897-1991. In September, Tom Holland was reported to be in talks to star. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Holland turned down the opportunity. In October, George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman entered negotiations to star in the film. By early April 2019, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in June. Filming took place throughout Surrey and Teesdale, England, and Govan, Scotland, as well as Shepperton Studios. Prior to filming, concerns were raised by conservationists who felt the production could disturb potentially undiscovered remains in Salisbury Plain, requesting a survey be conducted before any construction for sets began on the land. Over fifty-two hundred feet of trenches, just under one mile, were dug for the film. The production staff had to install signs warning walkers in the area not be alarmed by the bodies strewn around the site as they were prosthetic. As many as five hundred background extras were required for some shots. Filming was accomplished with long takes and elaborately choreographed moving camera shots to give the effect of one continuous take.
The film stars MacKay, Chapman, Strong, Scott, Madden, Duburcq, Firth, and Cumberbatch. The cast gave terrific performances, especially with MacKay and Chapman giving performances that epitomised the courageous heroics of men during war.
A thrilling leap forward for Mendes, 1917 is an ambitious technical showcase powered by a layered story and outstanding performances from the cast, led by MacKay and Chapman. Mendes has delivered all the spectacle of a big-screen tentpole, ratcheting up both the tension and heroism through his intricate and occasionally overwhelming cinematography. The film serves up emotionally satisfying spectacle, delivered by a filmmaker in full command of his craft and brought to life by a gifted ensemble cast that honours the fact-based story. By the end of the film, what stands out the most isn’t its inspirational message or everyday heroism. It’s the small indelible, unshakeable images that accumulate like the details in the corner of a mural. This is not only the best WWI film since Paths of Glory (1957), it is very simply one of the greatest war movies ever made. The film was a tour de force of cinematic craft and technique. It was just really beautifully written and stunningly performed and beautifully made.
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