Today We Live

Today We Live is a captivating 1933 film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film keenly weaves a complex tapestry of love, friendship, rivalry, uncertainty, and courage in the backdrop of the tumultuous World War I era. It features an ensemble cast including the celebrated Hollywood actors of the time, Joan Crawford, Gary Cooper, and Robert Young.

Joan Crawford, known for her definitive performances, takes on the character of Diana 'Ann' Boyce-Smith, a young aristocratic Englishwoman full of energy and vigor. Diana is thrown into an terrible predicament where she finds love in the most unlikely of circumstances – during a time of grave peril and upheaval. Crawford, with her extraordinary beauty and talent, paints a charismatic picture of Diana, which leaves the viewers empathizing with her predicaments and cheering for her.

Opposite Crawford, there's Gary Cooper playing the role of Lieutenant Richard 'Bogey' Bogard, an American architect enrolled in the Royal Flying Corps of British Army. Cooper, with his macho style and charm, perfectly captures the essence of a war hero who is brave, earnest, but also sensitive and emotional. His romantic endeavors and camaraderie with his fellow soldiers provide the movie with an emotional depth that leaves no viewer untouched.

Our third protagonist, Robert Young takes on the character of Lieutenant Ronnie Boyce-Smith, Diana's brother, giving a balanced performance of brotherly affection, military rigor, and behavioral complexities. His role is no less captivating, as it adds a different dimension to the movie's already vibrant characters.

The film is set amidst the grim realities of the First World War and effectively captures the fear, uncertainty, and passion that ruled the era. The story unfolds grandly against this military backdrop, depicting how the cruel hand of war impacts the lives of the three protagonists in unforeseeable ways.

The plot tiptoes around a heart-rending love triangle that originates in the desperate air of wartime. It marks the intertwining stories of Diana, who falls hopelessly in love with Bogey, and also Ronnie, who weaves in and out of this complicated relationship with unexpected twists and turns. This romantic turmoil throws a striking contrast against the bleak backdrops of war scenes, which makes for an emotionally resonant and cinematically vibrant tale.

Directed by Howard Hawks and Richard Rosson, the film brilliantly combines elements of drama, romance, and action. The narrative is brisk, exciting, and filled with romantic charm that enthralls the audience from start to end. The directors have masterfully balanced the personal narratives of our protagonists with the larger theme of war, crafting a compelling cinematic experience that captures the spirit of the era.

The screenplay, adapted from a short story by William Faulkner, is carefully articulated and truly spectacular, providing a strong foundation for the film. The dialogues are crisp and meaningful, giving the audience a vivid idea of the emotions, dilemma, and tension experienced by each character.

What significantly stands out about Today We Live is the unique cinematographer war sequences filmed with great precision and authenticity. It offers an absorbing spectacle of the air combats and sea battles of World War I, each crank of the machine guns and every whirr of the aircraft engines adding to the overarching realism.

The costume and production design faithfully recreate the era of 1916-18, immersing the audience in the grimy trenches, the elegant charms of aristocratic English mansions, and the classically dressed characters therein.

The music by Alfred Newman, although not as heavily used as in some later films, adds another touch of authenticity and period detail. The score enhances the emotion, tension, and drama of key scenes, making them even more powerful and memorable.

In summary, Today We Live is a compelling historical drama that showcases the emotional whirlwind of war and the intricate relationships it nurtures. Its splendid performances, engaging screenplay, and immersive settings make it stand tall as a classic film from the golden age of Hollywood. The film prompts the audience to ponder love, war, sacrifice, and survival, making it much more than a regular cinema experience and leaving a lasting impact on viewers. This movie is sure to be a hit with all fans of classic Hollywood cinema, war-time dramas, and powerful performances.