Inspired by a story told to director by his grandfather, Sam Mendes returns to the battlefield for the first time since Jarhead.
George MacKay - Schofield
Dean-Charles Chapman - Blake
Summary
At the height of WWI (6 April to be precise), two soldiers are sent deep in enemy territory by their General to deliver a direct order to Colonel Mackenzie to abandon an attack which will save the lives of 1,600 men (including Blake's brother).
It's a trap
While not the masterpiece critics would have us believe, it's impossible not to admire an ambitious and hugely impressive piece of film-making.
Although a blatant cut and some cheeky digital edits denies boast of 'one continuous shot', Roger Deakins' cinematography is undeniably gorgeous.
Performances from leads are good, music suits every situation, but script can be a bit wishy-washy.
Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Richard Madden are A-list cameos.
First act has Blake and Schofield literally wade through mud, only to be greeted by flies buzzing above horse carcasses and giant rats scampering over human corpses.
Be under no illusion, hellscape drips with despair.
And rightly so.
The most poignant sequence comes when a German aircraft is shot down and crashes almost on top of protagonists. Blake decides to show compassion, but off-screen, while Schofield fetches water from nearby rusty pump, Blake is stabbed by pilot and subsequently dies in friend's arms.
Harsh stuff.
What's most disappointing is that after a very strong first half, remainder pans out in predictable fashion.
Schofield manages to locate Mackenzie and although assault has already begun, is soon called off.
Just before credits roll, the following is displayed:
For Lance Corporal Alfred H. Mendes
1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps
Who told us the stories
George MacKay - Schofield
Dean-Charles Chapman - Blake
Summary
At the height of WWI (6 April to be precise), two soldiers are sent deep in enemy territory by their General to deliver a direct order to Colonel Mackenzie to abandon an attack which will save the lives of 1,600 men (including Blake's brother).
It's a trap
While not the masterpiece critics would have us believe, it's impossible not to admire an ambitious and hugely impressive piece of film-making.
Although a blatant cut and some cheeky digital edits denies boast of 'one continuous shot', Roger Deakins' cinematography is undeniably gorgeous.
Performances from leads are good, music suits every situation, but script can be a bit wishy-washy.
Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Richard Madden are A-list cameos.
First act has Blake and Schofield literally wade through mud, only to be greeted by flies buzzing above horse carcasses and giant rats scampering over human corpses.
Be under no illusion, hellscape drips with despair.
And rightly so.
The most poignant sequence comes when a German aircraft is shot down and crashes almost on top of protagonists. Blake decides to show compassion, but off-screen, while Schofield fetches water from nearby rusty pump, Blake is stabbed by pilot and subsequently dies in friend's arms.
Harsh stuff.
What's most disappointing is that after a very strong first half, remainder pans out in predictable fashion.
Schofield manages to locate Mackenzie and although assault has already begun, is soon called off.
Just before credits roll, the following is displayed:
For Lance Corporal Alfred H. Mendes
1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps
Who told us the stories
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