If you’re looking for a war film to watch, look no further than this 2019 release that’s gained a huge reputation in the genre. It takes a lot for a modern war film to beat the old classics, but this film has been hailed a masterpiece by viewers and critics alike.
Six years after it was shown at the cinema, you can watch the film – 1917 – on Netflix. One person wrote on the website Rotten Tomatoes: “A masterpiece. This goes into my top 15.”
Another penned: “Very beautifully shot movie, one of the prettiest movies ever and the only movie I’ve seen where one-take isn’t used as a gimmick.”
1917 is best known for its visuals. Set during World War 1, the story follows two young British soldiers on a harrowing mission across enemy territory.
Tasked with delivering a crucial message that could save hundreds of lives, they must race against time through treacherous landscapes and unexpected dangers.
Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is known for its immersive, one-shot style that places viewers right in the heart of the action.
Mendes was inspired by stories told to him by his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who served in the war.
Cinematographer Roger Deakins won an Academy Award for his work on the film.
While the story is fictional it is grounded in the historical realities of the war, capturing the brutality, isolation, and humanity of soldiers on the front lines during a pivotal moment in 1917.
Another person who watched the film wrote on Letterboxd: “Visually stunning, technically impressive, great acting. Does not stray from showing the true horrors of war, which stands out to me as one of its best features. Loved it.”