1917
Overview
1917 is a 2019 war film directed by Sam Mendes, based in part on the experiences of his grandfather, who served as a messenger in World War I. The film is famous for its cinematography, which is designed to look like one continuous shot. The film appears to be filmed in a single, unbroken take, though it is actually composed of several long takes cleverly stitched together. The film is set on April 6, 1917, during the First World War. Two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman), are given a seemingly impossible mission. They must cross enemy territory to deliver a message to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, who are about to walk into a trap set by the retreating German army. If the message does not arrive in time, 1,600 men will die, including Blake's brother. The film follows Schofield and Blake in real time as they navigate the horrors of the battlefield. They crawl through a tunnel that collapses, killing Blake. They run across a field as shells explode around them. They hide in a farmhouse, then are shot at by a German pilot whose plane they helped. Blake is stabbed by the pilot and dies. Schofield continues alone. He runs through a burning village at night, the flames illuminating the ruins. He jumps into a river, floats over a waterfall, and is swept downstream. He finds the battalion, just as they are about to attack. He runs across the open field as the soldiers go over the top, dodging bullets. He finds the colonel, delivers the message, and the attack is called off. He finds Blake's brother and tells him that Blake died a hero. The film ends with Schofield sitting under a tree, looking at a photograph of his family. 1917 was a critical and commercial success, earning over $384 million worldwide. It was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning three for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound Mixing. The film is a technical marvel and a deeply emotional tribute to the soldiers of World War I.
