Pros:
1.) I love how the film delivers its cinematography because the entire film is done in long shots with no cuts (or no obvious cuts at least). You get to see everything that the main lead is going through from no man’s land to a town’s remains. All that you see is real (with one exception), and it is filmed in real-time. It must not have been easy considering how much they have to plan this, but they have succeeded in this area with flying colors.
2.) The plot is simple: In World War I, two British soldiers have to deliver a message to a battalion (one of the soldiers’ brother is among them) to stop an attack since they are walking into a trap. While that is simple, what these two have to go through is not. This film is intense throughout most of its runtime. You do not know what is around the corner, maybe a German soldier, but what these two have to go through is not pretty. There are bodies everywhere, mud and dirt with a bunch of bullets scattered around, and remains of what used to be buildings in the middle of a war zone. The danger is real, and you are uncertain that these soldiers are going to succeed in their mission, and the film did an excellent job in that area.
3.) As for the two British soldiers, they are easily likable and interesting, though more for one than the other. Lance Corporal Tom Blake wants to complete his mission because his older brother is there fighting in that battalion, so he has an emotional reason for it. Lance Corporal Will Schofield’s willingness to go into this mission is confusing at first (other than he was chosen by Tom), but the more you learn about him, the more you understand why. Both of these soldiers are great, and you hope that their mission succeeds in the end.
Cons:
1.) None. Maybe I can see that the long cuts might annoy some people and the actors’ accents are too thick to completely understand them, but I do not really see any problems with the film.
Overall:
I finally managed to watch this since it is now showing in my area, and I am so glad that I did. This film is so intense and enjoyable to watch all the way through, especially when the two characters begin their journey by entering no man’s land. You want to cheer for these guys for their emotional and warring reasons, and their journey is so good. Other than a couple of minor issues, this film is just perfect for me. If you want an intense World War I film, I cannot say more other than watch this film. It is a great film to end in 2019, and I hope for more great films in 2020.
10/10
benzeyeview 