A 'haunting' war film has been climbing the Netflix charts since its drop and viewers now know why it was showered with accolades at its initial release.
1917, helmed by Sam Mendes, tells the harrowing story of troops in the thick of World War I, drawing on the director's own grandad's time as a soldier. The movie unfolds against the backdrop of the German pullback to the Hindenburg Line during the infamous Operation Alberich, following two soldiers on a desperate mission to stop a doomed offensive.
Cinema buffs have flocked to Rotten Tomatoes to post their glowing critiques, both when it hit cinemas back in 2019 and now that it's up for grabs on streaming platforms. A reviewer penned: "1917 is one of those films that leaves you in complete stunned silence as you watch it.
"Mendes never allows his audience to rest; instead, he takes them on the journey with his two heroes using camera angles we haven't seen since The Children Of Men. Subculture Entertainment."
It's not just film aficionados singing its praises – the industry's bigwigs have also tipped their hats to the wartime epic. 1917 snagged 10 nods at the 92nd Academy Awards, bagging three Oscars for its cinematography, sound mixing, and visual effects, reports the Mirror US.
It didn't stop there, scooping up two Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture - Drama and Best Director.
One review said: "MASTERPIECE! Not a single moment is wasted with incredible direction and vision from Sam Mendes and Rodger Deakins, paired with a godlike score from Thomas Newman, making this an unforgettable, emotional, and powerful journey that deserves multiple revisits beyond the first viewing."
With 'Skyfall' and 'Spectre' director Sam Mendes at the helm, and boasting an ensemble cast studded with stars, it's no shocker that the flick has garnered heaps of praise. Starring George Mackay, with the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, and Andrew Scott elevating the tale, audiences are swept away by their 'emotional' turns.
Another fan said: "We were glued to the screen; George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman were great castings for the leads. I also really enjoyed Andrew Scott's performance, though he doesn't get much screen time, his character has a nihilistic charm. Overall I'd give this film 5 stars. I find myself coming back to re-watch this film a few times a year; it really is a powerful film and was a pleasure to watch."
What sets the lauded movie apart is its distinctive continuous shot technique. Both the cinematographer and editor agreed on using lengthy takes that make the movie appear as one or two unbroken shots.
One fan said: "The well-paced, continuous shot captures the horrors of war in a very immersive way."
One viewer didn't quite share the enthusiasm for the relentless tracking shots, confessing: "My expectation was high from the acclaimed director and period piece. I left the big screen disappointed. The long scenes became a distraction rather than adding to the storytelling. The whole movie felt like one long gimmick."
The film's cinematography, however, has been widely praised for capturing the sheer beauty of northern France's landscape, focusing on the Western Front where much of 1917 was filmed. It is these breathtaking visuals that have many hailing the film as a "cinematic masterpiece."
Admiration was palpable in another review, with the individual asserting: "If I were to ever recommend a film to anyone, it would most certainly be this every time."
Further acclaim included remarks on the film's emotional impact and production quality, calling it a "This film is gut wrenchingly sad, and equally horrifying, though the story is pulled together beautifully. It is a splendidly poetic, cinematic masterpiece, and words simply cannot describe how brilliant it is."
Available to stream on Netflix now.
