Row G Seat 10 "1917" MA15+

   Sam Mendes very person project "1917"was an engaging 1hr 59 (much the better for not being stretched another unnecessary 30-40 mins). The cinematography took you into the trenches and the graphic details of lives lost and the desolation of battle were starkly shown.

   Having fired 303s the single gunshots (loud) and inaccurate results gave what seemed to be a realism to the man to man fighting in areas the Germans had pulled back from. The premise of running a message to a General who was about to send 1600 soldiers and your brother into a trap (all in the trailers) gave the story the needed tension.

   The film was a series of vignettes exploring: the futility of the war; it's impact on individuals the trauma of battle and death; soldiers and officers interactions; different attitudes to 'medals'; and the whole notion of 'digging in' t defend yardage in the fields of France.

   The violence, bodies and setting are confronting but the story is an important one around the 100 years since the end of the conflict... I was drawn  into the drama of it bu the details. Having been a School Army cadet you're aware of the old uniforms; spats and bags and how much their personal packs would weigh... It's hard to say "I liked it" rather I was completely in the story and valued the time I spent watching it!! I don't really give films a score... it was good! The visuals and sound were stunning!