1917 is a bit overhyped in my opinion as in terms of character and plot it really isn’t anything new or revolutionary compared to other war films. However, it’s execution in terms of tension and point of view does make it stand out.

Set during the First World War, soldiers Blake and Schofield are sent on a dangerous mission that requires them to pass through enemy territory to prevent 1,600 of their comrades from marching into a deadly trap set up by the Germans.

The Characters and Plot

I think the overall intention of 1917 is to show what it was like to witness and engage in combat during World War 1, historical accuracy and believability not being big priorities. I think in this respect 1917 is mostly successful.

The film’s not original. The plot is a journey narrative, tracking two characters’ struggle to reach a point and achieve a goal. Like any characters on a journey, Schofield and Blake bond as they learn about each other and look out for one’s back. Blake has a brother among the 1600 in the upcoming attack, adding a personal sake to the mission. While they’re not really memorable characters, they’re good empathetic surrogates for the audience in the film’s environment. You feel their anxiety as they navigate through miles of tripwires and hidden snipers.

The pacing is quite magnificent. Taking place over a day or so and clocking at two hours 1917 feels a lot shorter than it is. As we follow Blake and Schofield from the countryside, through the trenches and into no man’s land, we learn everything we need to know about the characters, the setting, the time period and the mission. When the story takes flight and the two begin their journey, the pacing just gets better as the balance of conflict, tension and revelations tugs you through.

The Execution

The one thing everyone’s talking about in regards to 1917 is the fact that it looks like one continuous shot. While technically that’s not impressive because if you’ve worked in media production you can probably spot where there’s a cut, story wise it works fantastically to the film’s advantage.

This is where 1917 stands out compared to other war films. Since we see everything from the perspective of these two soldiers, the hostile environment feels more real. They’re times when 1917 feels like a horror film as sudden gunfire and explosions are presented as jump scares hence making you sit, tense with anticipation at the next attack.

While there are some battle scenes, the film mostly shows the aftermath of war rather than war itself. Throughout their travels, Schofield and Blake encounter abandoned vehicles, decaying buildings and corpses (all at different stages of decomposition).

One of the great war films? I don’t think so. The plot and characters are just too standard and don’t say anything new about World War 1 or the act of war. Its execution however, putting the audience in the shoes of a soldier travelling through a war zone, is incredible and for that, I recommend it.

I give 1917 a good 7 out of 10.