1917

1917 is a visceral and immersive epic war movie from visionary director Sam Mendes, that was released in 2019. The casting deserves applause, spotlighting fresh faces like Dean-Charles Chapman, most famously known for his role in Game of Thrones, and George MacKay, who has impressed with movies like Captain Fantastic. Veteran actor Daniel Mays also takes part in this stirring drama, among other with notable acting timber.

The premise of 1917 focuses on World War I, unearthing the horrors and realism of a war-ravaged Europe, set in, as the title suggests, the year 1917. The storytelling choice is particularly unique as it unfolds through the experiences of two young British soldiers stationed on the perilous Western Front, their characters played by Chapman and MacKay. They are tasked with a mission that seems almost impossible - traversing across enemy lines to deliver a critical message whose success could potentially save thousands of comrades, including one of the soldier’s brothers.

However, 1917 isn't just a straightforward war movie. Instead, Mendes transforms it into a gripping survival tale, a breathless narrative full of suspense and nail-biting instances where the protagonist’s journey and the ticking time bomb of the mission merge seamlessly. Absolute masters of their craft, the director and the crew craft a movie that captures the cruelty but also the humanity inherent within the theatre of war.

An essential element of this film's success is the spectacular cinematography by Roger Deakins. The genius of Deakins provides the film with its unbroken "one-shot" appearance, constructing a single, continuous narrative that does not shift from its protagonists. The technique is far from a gimmick and is crucial to the film’s mighty impact. Each scene bleeds into the next, creating a relentless sphere of pressure and suspense that mirrors the fraught and high-stakes situation the young soldiers are grappling with. This distinctive style throws the audience headlong into the action and sustains a profound sense of immediacy, truth, and heart-stopping tension throughout.

Another aspect that sets 1917 apart in the war film genre is the intense focus on intimate moments amidst large-scale warfare. Its storytelling is painstakingly personal, in lieu of vast battlefield scenes, focusing on the genuineness of human interaction, the significant bond between soldiers, and the harrowing reality of warfare from a soldier’s perspective. MacKay and Chapman deliver stunning performances, their chemistry and interactions adding depth and emotional gravity to their roles.

The technicality of 1917 is nothing short of outstanding. The sweeping long takes, meticulously choreographed sequences, and evocative score work together to create an overwhelming, immersive experience. The distressing visuals of the war-torn landscapes, the intricacies of the trench systems, the barren no man’s land - all are recreated with stark authenticity.

Echoing through the lens of history, the film delivers a powerful emotional punch, heightened by Thomas Newman's haunting score. The music, often ominous and eerie, becomes the heartbeat of the film, underscoring the tension and horrific atmosphere of warfare, while also an emotional underpinning to quieter moments.

1917 is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, delivering a heart-wrenching tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Great War. It serves as a relentless and unyielding portrayal of the harsh realities of war, a lens into the human capacity for endurance, friendship and bravery under the direst of circumstances. It possesses an unprecedented level of immersive realism that isn't often seen in war dramas, combined with a deeply personal and emotional narrative that surely leaves an unforgettable impression.

In essence, 1917 is a technically ambitious and emotionally resonant film that ranks amongst the best war films of the modern era. It's a powerful homage to the courage and sacrifices of the unsung heroes of World War I, beautifully captured through Mendes' lens and the outstanding performances of its ensemble cast.