In France, three years into the First World War 2 English corporals, Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are given a mission to deliver a message to an isolated regiment. A planned attack needs to be called off as the 1,600 troops would be walking into a German trap and would suffer horrendous casualties.
Despite such a simple set up, this is a stunning piece of film making. Shot as if in one take by director Sam Mendes and the greatest of all cinematographers, Roger Deakins, it is a truly immersive experience. Making their way across country, the men experience a number of thrilling encounters with the enemy, all of which had me totally gripped.
I have seen some criticism about not engaging with the characters. I did not find that at all. Blake and Schofield are nicely fleshed out in a few simple scenes, and MacKay in particular is superb as the more world weary of the pair. The cast is also peppered with a number of big names who only appear briefly, such as Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch. The best of these is the wonderful Andrew Scott as a cynical lieutenant.
A technical tour de force with a story to match for almost the entire running time. There is one scene involving a young French woman that felt out of place and unnecessary but that is the only one.
A big Oscar contender that will probably have to settle for some technical awards but a film that will have resonance in years to come.
Rating: 9 out of 10