Movie review: 10 Oscar nominations for 1917

A night at the movies celebrating #OSKarBuzz with Ster Kinekor afforded us the chance to watch 1917 and what a star-studded night it was… But let’s chat about the movie…

Based on the account of director Sam Mendes’ grandfather, 1917 is the story of two young British soldiers during World War I who are given a mission to deliver a message. Sounds simple, right?

The Germans have retreated to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich in 1917, but what appears to be a retreat is merely a tactic to lure the enemy into a trap, according to the General (Colin Firth).

Aerial photo reconnaissance has shown that a British division is about to move into certain death, a complete massacre. As a kind parting gift before their “retreat”, the Germans cut off all field telephone communication and the only way to warn the British division of the attack is for lance corporals/ messengers Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) to get news to them to call off their attack. Blake’s brother is part of the division, and his panic and determination is evident as soon as they’re sent on their way.

The two soldiers hurry on with only a short time to stop this slaughter of 1600 British soldiers. They journey across the abandoned German lines and through (supposedly) vacated German territory, only to stumble into the German trenches, which are built better than their own. Faced with the possibility that the Germans might be stronger and could win this war, the men power on. Blake and Schofield come across dead bodies, rats, friends, foes, and then more and more dead bodies – hurdle after hurdle leaves you thinking “what on earth next?”

It is a gripping tale of two soldiers and their determination to save the lives of their fellow countrymen but do they make it? You’ll have to wait and see.

1917 has received 10 nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards (Oscar) and I’m certain this movie is sure to walk away with some, if not most of the accolades – although the Joker is a strong adversary. I’m in awe of they way this movie was shot – you’re right in there with them. But even if you’re not a history/war buff, the raw story told here is inspiring. Faced with death all around them, these soldiers, dare I say, soldier on.

Here’s the trailer:

*I know, I’ve never (hardly) done movie reviews and although gadget-gal.com is a tech and gadget blog, it is also my blog, and I thought it might be nice to take you, the reader, along with me.