Sam Mendes' Movie 1917 Is Finally Out In UK Cinemas From Today

After what seems like an absolute eternity, the much-anticipated war film 1917 is finally out in UK cinemas. Remind yourself of the trailer here:

Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is already being hailed as the best war movie since Steven Spielberg's acclaimed Saving Private Ryan (1998), and has scooped Best Film award at The Golden Globes.

Set in northern France during WWI, 1917 tells the story of two young British soldiers, named Schofield (played by George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman).

According to the synopsis, they're required to undertake 'a seemingly impossible mission to deliver a message which will warn of an ambush during one of the skirmishes soon after the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich'.

It continues: "The two recruits race against time, crossing enemy territory to deliver the warning and keep a British battalion of 1,600 men, which includes Blake's own brother, from walking into a deadly trap.

"The pair must give their all to accomplish their mission by surviving the war to end all wars."

To illustrate the horror and scale of the First World War, as well as to add suspense and urgency to the two young men's journey, the pair decided to tackle it as if it were one long scene.

The Oscar-tipped epic movie was made to appear as a continuous shot, from the beginning of the film until the end, 119 minutes later.

Mendes, who has directed two James Bond films as well as acclaimed movies such as American Beauty, teamed up with visionary cinematographer Roger Deakin to make the film.

Reviews for the film have already come back as overwhelmingly positive.

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw wrote: "This phantasmagoric first world war nightmare from the British director is ambitious and unshakable storytelling. Sam Mendes's 1917 is an amazingly audacious film; as exciting as a heist movie, disturbing as a sci-fi nightmare."

The movie already has a 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as 8.6 out of 10 on IMDB.

Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly said: "Legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins (No Country for Old Men, Fargo, Blade Runner 2049) effectively drops the viewer in the centre of the story and compels them to stay there, fully immersed in every muddy step, hunger pang, and rifle click."

Sam Mendes' 1917 is out in cinemas in the UK from today.

Featured Image Credit: Universal Pictures

Topics: TV and Film

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

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