“1917” — 31⁄2 stars — Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong; R (violence, some disturbing images, and language); in general release; running time: 119 minutes
“1917” is grand in its scope and haunting in its visuals, but its simplicity is what makes Sam Mendes’ film such a resonant portrait of its subject.
Set in France during World War I, “1917” follows a pair of British soldiers on a treacherous mission along the Western Front. British intelligence has learned that a supposed withdrawal by German forces is actually a ruse, and needs to warn a battalion of 1,600 men before their attack plunges them into a fatal trap.
Since communications are down, Gen. Erinmore (Colin Firth) recruits two men to deliver the lifesaving message on foot. Lance Cpls. Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) have until the next day at dawn to cross No Man’s Land and make their way through the French countryside to the 2nd Battalion’s position.
To men like Lt. Leslie (Andrew Scott), the mission sounds foolhardy, as up until this point, even sticking their heads up out of the trenches was inviting German gunfire. But if Blake and Chapman need any help trusting this new intelligence, the incentive comes when Blake learns that his brother is one of the soldiers in danger.
A simple concept becomes even more streamlined in execution, as Mendes follows the soldiers’ journey in what is portrayed as a single, unbroken shot. From the moment we meet them, roused from a brief rest behind the trenches to meet with Gen. Erinmore, the camera follows the pair step by step as they get their orders, crawl through the mud and grime of No Man’s Land, and make their way deep into occupied territory in search of the 2nd Battalion.
For some, the concept may amount to a gimmick, aping the kind of technique that made 2014 Academy Award best picture winner “Birdman” so visually unique. But here, the concept has a more distinct purpose: to put the audience in the journey alongside the soldiers, without escape or respite. There is no cutaway to headquarters, or distant POV from hidden Germans. Like the protagonists, you are locked into the moment and obligated to see the mission through.
Of course, it helps that the one-shot concept is paired with some spectacular cinematography from Roger Deakins. Over the course of 119 minutes, we travel from the muddy dregs of the trenches through the post-apocalyptic hellscape of No Man’s Land, and out into a cold and lonely countryside, where the remains of buildings and settlements provide haunting imagery, such as during a vivid night passage through a burning village.
Despite the linear plot, “1917” bolsters its inherent tension with enough twists and turns to keep things engaging — along the way, the soldiers meet a Capt. Smith (Mark Strong), who warns them that the commanding officer they are to contact may decide to attack anyway.
“Some men just want the fight,” he warns.
Chapman and MacKay offer strong and relatable performances, and “Sherlock” fans will enjoy a memorable supporting turn from Scott. The subject matter is also welcome, as “1917” joins Peter Jackson’s recent documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old” and even 2017’s “Wonder Woman” to explore a period of historic warfare that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as World War II or Vietnam.
As war films go, “1917” draws its R rating from periodic bursts of profanity and some haunting imagery on the battlefield, but its content is a far cry from the bloody mayhem of efforts like “Saving Private Ryan.”
Altogether, “1917” is a moody and visually striking attempt to immerse the audience in a moment, and in that, it clearly succeeds.
Rating explained: “1917” draws a soft R rating for periodic profanity, PG-13 level violence, and some battlefield gore, mostly in the form of dead and decaying corpses.