The award-winning film features an all-star cast (Image: Universal Pictures)
Audiences simply cannot stop returning to this war film, now regarded as a modern classic, with viewers admitting to ‘rewatching’ the ‘masterpiece’ time and again — and it’s available to stream right now.
Released in 2019, this British war film has taken on a life of its own amongst genre enthusiasts, who have firmly placed it amongst the all-time greats.
Titled 1917, what appears to captivate audiences most is its unflinchingly realistic portrayal of war, rooted in the real-life experiences of the director’s own family.
Sam Mendes’s grandfather, Alfred, recounted several stories of his service as a British soldier during World War One, and it’s those very accounts that helped shape the film into what it ultimately became.
Set in that year, 1917 unfolds against the backdrop of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich. The story follows two British soldiers on a vital mission to deliver a critical message to halt an offensive attack before it’s too late.
The epic war film was released in 2019 (Image: Universal Pictures)
One fan wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “Another one of my favourite war movies. I’ve watched around 5 times and will continue to rewatch.”
The film has garnered widespread acclaim for its extraordinary special effects, sound design and more, earning itself 10 Oscar nominations upon release. It ultimately claimed the awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects — achievements that fans cherish as they proudly label it a ‘masterpiece’.
One review says: “Technically perfect and with surprisingly well-done dramatic development. So fluid the way the drama layers are portrayed here. 1917 is peak cinema.”
Another noted: “The way it’s shot makes every moment feel immediate, pulling you into the journey from start to finish. This was great!”.
The film went on to win several Academy Awards (Image: Netflix)
Yet the acclaim extends beyond the film’s visual storytelling, with its ensemble cast earning widespread recognition for their efforts in bringing this poignant narrative to the screen. The line-up features George MacKay, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch and Richard Madden.
Highlighting this aspect, one reviewer said: “Beautiful and haunting cinematography. The film appears to be taken in one shot, as if you’re with the main character throughout the film.
“Incredible performances from the main characters William Schofield – played by George MacKay and Tom Blake – played by Dean-Charles Chapman. Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch made very timely appearances.”
A defining feature of the production, which helps explain why audiences report being captivated from “start to finish”, lies in its deliberate construction to resemble two unbroken takes. This approach creates a deeply “immersive” viewing experience, with the seamless partnership between editor and cinematographer proving instrumental in securing those prestigious Academy Awards.
On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive score of 88%, and it’s evident that viewers continue to revisit it years after its release. If you’re drawn to war stories, this makes an ideal starting point when browsing streaming services, though it arrives with a cautionary note, as audiences report being “haunted”.
The epic British war film 1917 is currently available to stream on both Netflix and Amazon Prime.
