1917

_**A horrific tour through hell on earth during WW1**_ After the curious German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich, two British soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) are sent several miles into enemy territory to call off a doomed offensive. Released in 2019, "1917" was inspired by stories told to director Sam Mendes by his paternal grandfather about his combat experiences. The film is known for the impressive effect of two continuous takes, which was accomplished thru long takes and cinematic wizardry. The plot has similarities to “Saving Private Ryan,” albeit taking place in a period 27 years earlier. Of course with World War 1 you automatically think of films like “Paths of Glory,” “All Quiet on the Western Front” (1979) and “War Horse.” This is as good or better. It’s like a tour through the trenches and surrounding areas with all the shocking challenges thereof, like rotting corpses, rats, booby traps, aerial combat, sudden death and crumbling villages, mixed with brief moments of goodwill, irony, awe and even beauty. The film runs 1 hour, 59 minutes, and was shot in England & Scotland. GRADE: A-