Soldiers Try to Deliver A Message as '1917' Delivers An Immersive War Experience With One-Take Style

The end of 2019 offered many WWII themed films, like Jojo Rabbit, A Hidden Life, and The Song of Names. What we have with 1917 , though, is a major change of pace: a war movie set in WWI that uses meticulous planning and precise execution to bring to the big screen an experience unlike any war movie that’s ever been made.

1917 follows two soldiers tasked with delivering an important message to call off a misguided plan for a large scale attack. Their perilous journey is a race against time and obstacles as the mission through German-held territory to save 1,600 soldiers proves to be nearly impossible.

What’s been accomplished with 1917 is incredible. The amount of coordination it takes to stitch together an extended one-take style sequence is, to say the least, extremely complex. Add in unpredictable outdoor conditions and fluent transitions between settings, and it’s easy to imagine how the execution of this production is just as daunting as the film’s premise.

Additionally, set design adds an unexpectedly immersive component to the film. Many scenes do incredible work with camera angles, environment, and lighting to escort this film’s distressed heroes through stunning settings.

The movie isn’t without its flaws as the one-take style puts on display the pacing challenges that comes with documenting a consecutive timeline. But strong performances and impeccable direction hold this production together well. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as far as I’m concerned,1917 is nothing short of extraordinary.

MoviesThomas Stoneham-JudgeJanuary 17, 20201917, movie review, WWIComment