Historical films, particularly war films, have long been a playground for directors seeking to create true masterpieces. 1917, one of the most acclaimed films of the last decade, has landed on Netflix as of today, June 1.
Directed by the esteemed Sam Mendes, known for critically acclaimed works like American Beauty and Skyfall, 1917 plunges viewers into the harrowing journey of two British soldiers. These soldiers, portrayed by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, are tasked with a life-or-death mission: crossing through No Man’s Land to deliver an urgent message that could save 1,600 men from walking into a deadly trap.
A Cast Worth Watching
The film boasts a star-studded cast led by Lance Corporal Schofield is portrayed by George MacKay in the film 1917. He embarks on a mission to break through German lines and carry a vital message to save ‘sixteen hundred men.’
Besides MacKay and Chapman, the cast includes prominent British actors like Colin Firth plays General Erinmore in 1917.
, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andrew Scott.
A Critical and Box Office Success
The reception for 1917 was overwhelmingly positive. Rotten Tomatoes awarded it a Certified Fresh rating of 88%, and audiences gave it similar praise. At the box office, the film garnered an impressive $389.1 million globally, supplemented by $52 million from DVD and Blu-Ray sales. Considering its substantial budget estimated at $90-$100 million, these numbers mark a significant success for Mendes and Universal Pictures.
Award Recognition
The acclaim didn’t stop there. 1917 was up for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Though it narrowly missed out on Best Picture to Parasite, it still won three Oscars: Best Achievement in Cinematography (for which Roger Deakins‘ work was pivotal), Best Visual Effects, and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing.
An Unforgettable Cinematic Experience
Sam Mendes’s directorial vision, coupled with Roger Deakins’s outstanding cinematography, resulted in a unique narrative experience. The film was crafted to appear as one continuous shot, immersing viewers directly into the chaos and tension of WWI. A standout scene is its intricate nine-minute opening sequence that sets the tone for the entire film.
Mendes described his creative approach in Men’s Health: The film operates more like a thriller…
If you haven’t seen it yet or wish to revisit this cinematic marvel, now is the perfect time as 1917 lands on Netflix today.
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