The Wipers Times

The Wipers Times is a 2013 British biographical war-comedy drama film directed by Andy De Emmony and written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. This ensemble cast, led by Ben Chaplin, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and Patrick FitzSymons, creates a thought-provoking portrayal of the human spirit in an unimaginable situation.

Set in the backdrop of World War I, the film revolves around the real-life experiences of Captain Fred Roberts, played brilliantly by Ben Chaplin. While in the trenches of Ypres, Belgium, they come across a printing press in the ruins of a shelled-out building. The discovery inspires the idea of creating their newspaper - 'The Wipers Times,' named by phonetically pronouncing 'Ypres,' which results in 'Wipers'.

Roberts teams up with Lieutenant Jack Pearson (played by Julian Rhind-Tutt) to formulate and publish this intriguing project. The film showcases sparkling wit as the soldiers use gallows humor to cope with the soul-crushing reality of war, producing a satirical newspaper that covers spoof ads, jokes, and even absurd poems which are stark contrasts to the unfolding horror on the battlefield.

Patrick FitzSymons plays the role of General Mitford, a senior military officer who struggles to grasp the newspaper's importance. He represents the upper echelons of the British army, who, stuck in traditional war narratives, fail to understand the soldiers' attempts to use humor as a coping strategy.

The film brilliantly balances the comedy and drama elements, with its clever dialogues that often lead to laugh-out-loud moments, juxtaposed with the quietly poignant scenes that remind us of the grim realities and hardships these soldiers face and the stark contrast between the life in trenches and senior army officials' relative comfort. The movie perfectly captures the gallows humor that soldiers often adopt to cope with traumatic situations.

The film gives an accurate and unvarnished look into the lives of soldiers floundering in profound fatalism yet clinging tightly to their spirits. It focuses more on the humanity inherent in these extraneous circumstances rather than the inhumanity of the war.

The cast delivers exceptional performances, with Ben Chaplin standing out in his depiction of a man trying to infuse light-hearted moments into such a dire situation. Julian Rhind-Tutt plays his supporting role with precision, portraying a man who deals with the reality of the battlefield with humor and conviction. Patrick FitzSymons's portrayal of General Mitford, a man so ingrained in military bureaucracy and tradition to the point of being absurdly clueless, is convincing and provides necessary conflict to the plot.

The screenplay by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, who have a history of professional satire, gives the drama a sharp comedic edge. This makes 'The Wipers Times' a satirical commentary on war and the human spirit that survives it.

In showcasing the creation of "The Wipers Times" and its impact on the soldiers, the film effectively captures the need for laughter in darkness. Director Andy De Emmony smartly avoids turning the film into a somber tale of war. His unflinching depiction of the war-torn landscape is contrasted by the soldiers' resilience and their unwavering resolve to sustain their spirit through humor.

The Wipers Times is a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and the untarnished human spirit that endures amidst unimaginable circumstances. It is a war film that chooses to focus not on the atrocities and horrors of war but rather on the determination of men to find laughter and camaraderie in desperation and hopelessness. This film is a fitting tribute to the men who fought in World War I and the improvised newspaper they used as an outlet to express humor, satire, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

The Wipers Times offers an intellectual, emotionally resonant, and humorously satirical take on World War I. It refrains from indulging in the horrors of war, opting instead to focus on the possible aspects of humanity that persist even in adverse circumstances. While it delivers poignant moments of bravery and perseverance, it also succeeds in inducing laughter, offering audiences a meaningful tale of the human spirit's veracity, making it a must-watch.