Director (and co-writer) Sam Mendes has created a most memorable film based on a story shared by his grandfather who served in WW I and the manner in which he accomplishes his desire to re-open the history of WW I is one of the most creative and successful cinematic achievements to date.
World War I April 6, 1917 Two British soldiers Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofeld (George MacKay) are ordered by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) to cross no man's land to deliver a message to a the 2nd Devons regiment to defer their planned attack - the attack is a trap set by the enemy. On their way Blake, whose brother is with the Devons, saves his friend's life during a tripwire explosion, and is later killed by the enemy, leaving Schofeld with the responsibility of delivering the urgent message as well as informing Blake's brother of his death. Schofeld encounters many obstacles in his path through fields, deserted farms, a village, a river and a little town, until he reaches the Devons. Literally at the lost minute, he delivers his message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the mission is accomplished. Schofeld finds Blake's older brother (Richard Madden) and informs him of the tragic news and the story ends.
Not only is the film brilliantly written (Sam Mendes with Krysty Wilson-Cairns), but the casting choices to place major actors such as Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Richard Madden and Andrew Scott is minor but pivotal roles adds to the impact of the experience. Much of the film's success is due to the brilliant cinematography by Roger Deakins and the impressive musical score by Thomas Newman - and the many associates who aided these two men in their crafts. Brilliant - on every level!
World War I April 6, 1917 Two British soldiers Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofeld (George MacKay) are ordered by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) to cross no man's land to deliver a message to a the 2nd Devons regiment to defer their planned attack - the attack is a trap set by the enemy. On their way Blake, whose brother is with the Devons, saves his friend's life during a tripwire explosion, and is later killed by the enemy, leaving Schofeld with the responsibility of delivering the urgent message as well as informing Blake's brother of his death. Schofeld encounters many obstacles in his path through fields, deserted farms, a village, a river and a little town, until he reaches the Devons. Literally at the lost minute, he delivers his message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch) and the mission is accomplished. Schofeld finds Blake's older brother (Richard Madden) and informs him of the tragic news and the story ends.
Not only is the film brilliantly written (Sam Mendes with Krysty Wilson-Cairns), but the casting choices to place major actors such as Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, Richard Madden and Andrew Scott is minor but pivotal roles adds to the impact of the experience. Much of the film's success is due to the brilliant cinematography by Roger Deakins and the impressive musical score by Thomas Newman - and the many associates who aided these two men in their crafts. Brilliant - on every level!