1917: War Story

Ever  have one of those dreams where you're trying to get somewhere or see someone and roadblocks pop up at every step. Now imagine you're a soldier in World War I trying to deliver a message to the front line. You must  pass through enemy territory, but if you make it the reward is tremendous. You could save 1,600 of your comrades.

This is the bare bones of director Sam Mendes's brilliant film. The plot is simple, yet the movie brings much more to the big screen. It's a condemnation of war that touches on heroism, humanity, and brutality.

Mendes works with a gentle touch despite the subject he's dealing with. Don't expect gratuitous blood and gore, or lofty speeches. His characters show you what they feel and how they suffer. They don't have to tell you.

War movies aren't the Movie Slut's fave genre. Still, if she had a vote for Best Movie of 2019, it would be 1917.