1917 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two British guys go on a really long walk to tell some other British guys to not charge into a field; one of them dies, and the other one is just trying to take a nap.

🍿 1917: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Mission is Assigned

In April 1917, during World War I, two young British Lance Corporals, Will Schofield and Tom Blake, are summoned by General Erinmore. They are tasked with a critical mission: deliver a message to Colonel Mackenzie of the Second Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. The message orders them to call off an imminent attack. The General explains that aerial reconnaissance has revealed the Germans have retreated to the Hindenburg Line, a heavily fortified position. The upcoming British assault is a trap, and 1,600 men, including Blake’s brother, are in immediate danger. With communication lines down, Schofield and Blake must cross enemy territory to deliver the vital message before dawn.

Crossing No Man’s Land

Schofield and Blake venture into the desolate and treacherous No Man’s Land. They navigate the labyrinthine trenches, facing constant threats from hidden dangers. Schofield injures his hand on barbed wire, a grim reminder of the brutal environment. They discover underground German bunkers, encountering a booby trap triggered by a rat. The explosion nearly kills them, forcing them to flee the collapsing tunnels and continue their perilous journey, acutely aware of the constant presence of death.

Tragedy and Perseverance

The two soldiers find temporary respite at an abandoned farmhouse. A German plane crashes nearby, and against Schofield’s initial hesitation, Blake insists they help the injured pilot. This act of compassion turns tragic when the pilot, in a moment of desperation, fatally stabs Blake. Devastated, Schofield kills the pilot and vows to complete the mission in Blake’s honor. He carries Blake’s rings and dog tags, promising to inform his family of his bravery. A passing British unit gives Schofield a ride closer to his destination, but the journey remains fraught with peril.

Reaching the Devonshires

Schofield braves the sniper-infested ruins of Écoust-Saint-Mein and finds shelter with a French woman and an orphaned infant. He shares his meager rations, a moment of humanity amidst the surrounding devastation. Realizing time is running out, he continues his mission, narrowly escaping German soldiers. He reaches the British trenches to find the attack is already underway. Schofield must now race against time, navigating the chaotic battlefield to find Colonel Mackenzie and deliver the life-saving order.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay): A weary British soldier tasked with delivering a critical message, carrying the emotional weight of past trauma and the present mission.
• Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman): A young, determined soldier driven by a personal stake in the mission’s success, prioritizing his brother’s life above all else.
• General Erinmore (Colin Firth): The high-ranking general who assigns the perilous mission, bearing the responsibility for the lives of thousands under his command.
• Lieutenant Leslie (Andrew Scott): A cynical lieutenant in the trenches, embodying the weariness and skepticism prevalent among soldiers on the front lines.
• Captain Smith (Mark Strong): A pragmatic captain who provides crucial assistance to Schofield, representing the fleeting moments of camaraderie in the brutal landscape of war.
• Lieutenant Joseph Blake (Richard Madden): Blake’s brother and officer in command, unknowingly facing imminent danger and representing the innocent lives at stake.
• Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch): A commanding officer who must make a difficult decision, highlighting the conflict between duty and compassion in wartime leadership.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• General Erinmore: “Down to Gehenna, or up to the Throne, He travels the fastest who travels alone.” – General Erinmore says this to Blake and Schofield before they depart on their mission, highlighting the solitary and perilous nature of their task.
• Lieutenant Leslie: “There’s only one way this war ends: last man standing.” – Lieutenant Leslie’s cynical comment reflects the brutal and seemingly endless nature of World War I.
• Schofield: “I just want to go home.” – Schofield expresses his deep longing for peace and escape from the horrors of war, highlighting the emotional toll it takes on soldiers.
• Colonel Mackenzie: “It’s a very big risk those two lads are taking.” – Colonel Mackenzie recognizes the immense danger and sacrifice involved in the mission undertaken by Blake and Schofield, underscoring the gravity of their task.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $95,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $159,227,644
• Worldwide Gross: $446,064,352

💥 1917 Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by 1917. The way it was filmed made me feel like I was right there with Schofield and Blake. I felt every explosion, every moment of fear and desperation. The scene where Schofield is running through the trenches, dodging explosions, was incredibly intense. I also found myself tearing up at the end. It’s a truly unforgettable movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war movies”
  • “Those interested in World War I history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate innovative filmmaking techniques”
  • “Audiences looking for intense, immersive experiences”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense war violence”
  • “Graphic images of death and injury”
  • “Disturbing and upsetting scenes”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Mendes crafts a visceral and immersive experience, plunging viewers directly into the chaos and brutality of World War I. The technical achievement of the ‘one-shot’ cinematography is undeniable, though at times it overshadows the narrative’s emotional depth. A powerful, if somewhat detached, war story.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “1917 is a stunning technical feat, but it’s more than just a visual spectacle. The film captures the sheer terror and futility of war, grounding its epic scope in the intimate journey of two soldiers. MacKay delivers a compelling performance, anchoring the film’s emotional core.
• The Guardian: “Sam Mendes delivers a technically brilliant and emotionally engaging war film. The ‘one-shot’ technique creates an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere, placing the audience directly in the trenches. While the plot is simple, the film’s visual power and strong performances make it a memorable experience.

Audience Reactions

The continuous shot technique was absolutely mind-blowing and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.: Viewers consistently praised the innovative cinematography, creating a sense of immersion and realism.

The raw emotion and the realistic portrayal of war’s horrors really hit me hard.: Many viewers were deeply moved by the film’s depiction of the brutality and futility of war.

Overall Consensus: 1917 is widely regarded as a technically stunning and emotionally powerful war film, praised for its immersive cinematography and realistic portrayal of World War I.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 2020
2. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 2020
3. Academy Award (Best Sound Mixing)- 2020
4. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 2020
5. Golden Globe (Best Director)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Sam Mendes was inspired by a story his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, told him about his experiences as a World War I messenger.”
• “The film was designed to appear as one continuous shot, with hidden cuts and transitions creating the illusion of real-time storytelling. The longest single continuous shot was 8 and a half minutes.”
• “Roger Deakins’ cinematography and the production design team meticulously recreated the landscapes and trenches of World War I, filming on locations like Salisbury Plain in England.”
• “Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay underwent extensive physical training to prepare for the demanding and realistic portrayal of soldiers in combat.”

🖥️ How to Watch 1917?

1917 is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. It can also be found on Apple TV and other digital movie retailers. Check your local listings for television airings as well. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 1917, you might like these similar films:

• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Both films depict the brutal realities of war and a mission against time, emphasizing the impact on individual soldiers.
• Dunkirk (2017): Another immersive war film focusing on a specific event during World War II, showcasing the harrowing experiences of soldiers in a desperate situation.
• All Quiet on the Western Front (1930): A classic World War I film offering a grim and realistic portrayal of trench warfare and the disillusionment of young soldiers.
• The Revenant (2015): Features stunning cinematography and a survival story in harsh conditions, similar to 1917’s immersive and visceral experience.
• Apocalypse Now (1979): A journey into the heart of darkness, exploring the psychological impact of war, echoing 1917’s somber tone.

🛒 1917 Related Products

• 1917 (4K UHD Blu-ray): Experience 1917 in stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution. The perfect way to appreciate Roger Deakins’ Oscar-winning cinematography at home.
• 1917: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the haunting score by Thomas Newman. A beautifully crafted soundtrack that captures the film’s tension, emotion, and atmosphere.
• World War I Trench Warfare Board Game: Strategically navigate the brutal trench warfare of World War I in this historical board game. Experience the tactical challenges faced by commanders.
• WWI British Infantry Figure: Highy detailed 1/6 scale collectible figure of a British infantryman from World War 1, meticulously crafted with authentic gear and uniform.

🎧 Soundtrack

1917 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger” – performed by Jos Slovick
• “1917” – performed by Thomas Newman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You missed this in 1917

Hey, did you know there was a subtle detail in 1917 about the number of bullets loaded into the rifle? This video explains it perfectly, and it’s actually pretty clever. Check it out!

1917: Did you notice this rifle detail?

Continuing on the topic of the rifle, this video provides another interesting perspective on the same detail. It’s always cool to see how different people interpret movie scenes!

Amazing Before & After VFX Breakdown: “1917”

If you’re curious about how they pulled off the ‘one-shot’ effect in 1917, this video is a must-watch. It’s fascinating to see the before and after comparisons and learn about the techniques they used.

How to make a movie look like one long shot

Ever wondered how they made 1917 look like it was filmed in one continuous take? This video breaks down the clever techniques they used, and it’s actually really informative. Give it a watch!

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