By: Grace Conley

“So Many White Dudes Who All Look The Same.” 

I really wanted to hate this movie, I am not a lover of war movies or period pieces usually, and World War 1 is the least interesting war in my opinion. But dang nabit if I didn’t enjoy myself watching 1917. This movie is like the hero’s journeys’ wet dream. It is such a simple story, and it’s told simply but technically perfectly. This film would be perfect to teach the three-act story structure because it hits those beats perfectly.

The pacing, clear intentions and intense obstacles makes this a damn entertaining movie. But it also doesn’t feel like an original movie. It’s formulaic, it’s been done before and it will be done again, and each time will be good and entertaining but not memorable. The word that keeps coming back to me about this movie is simple. And in no means was this movie simple to shoot, simple to make or perform, but its story is far too simple.

Simple can be good! This is good simple, but simple isn’t favorite material. I think the first half of this movie is too dialogue-heavy. I like the second half so much though. There is so much visual storytelling it’s incredibly thrilling.

The cinematography is gorgeous! The film looks like one shot. The camera becomes its own character and adds to the story.

The most impressive thing to me is the lighting because even with so much movement, everything is lit beautifully.

There are some fun cameos, and wild thrills and good performances. I really enjoyed this movie but I don’t connect with it emotionally. I think 1917 will win Best Picture. (It did not, unfortunately)

VERDICT

8.7 out of 10