“1917”

I went out in the middle of a snow storm and just watched one the best movies of 2019, if not the best dramatic film. I made out my best of list a couple weeks ago and this film hadn’t come out yet, but I probably would have had it #1 or 2. It’s terrific. Sam Mendes shot this movie in what appears as 1 long tracking shot, not unlike Birdman a few years ago and it’s very effective here which adds to the dramatic effect. The film is also very tense in spots. The duo sent out on a harrowing mission are constantly in danger and one scene after another will have you reaching for something to clench or bite on a fingernail. There is one scene in particular in a trench tunnel that I had a difficult time watching. There are a lot of similarities to Saving Private Ryan, but I think I liked this one a bit better. For starters, the first 20 minutes didn’t make me screaming to hurl like Ryan did. This movie is R and although it’s not gory or full of language & sex, the themes and dramatic moments are pretty intense. I took my 13 year old and he handled it ok, but anybody under 13, I’d use a little caution. See this on the big screen.

Rating (****)