They Shall Not Grow Old Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

They took old footage, made it colorful, and now it’s like, dude, war, but in HD.

🍿 They Shall Not Grow Old: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Recruitment and Initial Enthusiasm

The documentary begins with original black and white footage, depicting the initial recruitment process at the start of World War I. Many young men, some underage, eagerly volunteer, driven by a sense of duty and the promise of adventure. This section highlights the prevailing pro-war sentiment and the naivety surrounding the conflict’s true nature.

Transformation on the Western Front

As the troops arrive in France, the film undergoes a striking transformation. The footage transitions to fully restored and colorized scenes, offering a vivid and immersive depiction of life in the trenches. This technological feat brings the soldiers to life, revealing the harsh realities of their daily existence, from mundane tasks to the constant threat of danger.

Experiences in the Trenches

Through audio commentary from war veterans, the film explores the specific slice of WW1 action from the trenches. The veterans recount their experiences, describing the physical and emotional toll of trench warfare. The film highlights the camaraderie among soldiers, the challenges of hygiene and sanitation, and the ever-present fear of enemy attacks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomas Adlam (Thomas Adlam): A World War I veteran who provides a firsthand account of his experiences in the Bedfordshire Regiment through voiceover.
• William Argent (William Argent): A World War I veteran who offers his personal recollections of serving in the Royal Naval Air Service through archival audio.
• John Ashby (John Ashby): A World War I veteran contributing his memories of fighting in the Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment).
• Walter Aust (Walter Aust): A World War I veteran sharing his story from his time in the East Yorkshire Regiment.
• Donald Bain (Donald Bain): A World War I veteran recounting his experiences as a member of the Seaforth Highlanders.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Soldier: “We all went over with the same idea, to give the Germans a good hiding.” – Reflects the initial patriotic enthusiasm and naivety of the young recruits at the start of the war.
• Soldier: “You were so near to them, you weren’t shooting at them as Germans, you were shooting at them as men.” – Highlights the dehumanizing aspect of war and the close proximity of the enemy in trench warfare.
• Soldier: “When the war was not very active, it was really rather fun to be in the front line. It was a sort of outdoor camp holiday with a slight spice of danger to make it interesting.” – Illustrates the soldiers’ attempt to find some normalcy and even enjoyment amidst the horrors of war, a coping mechanism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $17,956,913
• Worldwide Gross: $21,656,913

💥 They Shall Not Grow Old Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by “They Shall Not Grow Old.” Watching these grainy, old films transform into vibrant, colorized scenes felt like stepping into a time machine. Hearing the soldiers’ stories directly, with their own voices, made the whole experience so much more real and impactful. There’s a scene where they’re just chatting and joking, and it hit me how young they were; It’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. It’s a film that stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Those interested in World War I”
  • “Viewers who appreciate technological innovation in film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of war violence”
  • “Disturbing images of dead bodies”
  • “Mature themes related to war and its impact”
  • “May not be suitable for younger viewers without guidance”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Jackson’s film stands out due to its meticulous restoration and colorization, offering a poignant and immersive experience. The use of original soldier testimonies creates a powerful connection to the past, making it a must-watch for history buffs.
• JoBlo.com: “This documentary transcends typical war films through its stunning visuals and heartfelt narrative. The restoration breathes life into the soldiers’ stories, offering a fresh perspective on World War I and honoring the sacrifices made.
• IMDB: “Reviewers cite the painstaking technical restoration of original war footage as being both masterful and evocative, successfully bringing the stories of British soldiers to life. By focusing on individual accounts, Jackson gives a uniquely intimate look at a conflict often discussed in broad strokes.

Audience Reactions

The colorization and restoration made the war feel incredibly real and human.: Viewers praised the film’s ability to bring World War I to life through stunning visuals and personal stories.

Film presents unique and intimate view of WWI.: Appreciated the lack of narration and the focus on soldiers actual experiences.

Overall Consensus: An innovative and moving documentary that offers a fresh perspective on World War I through restored footage and personal accounts.

Awards

1. BAFTA Award (Best Documentary)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Peter Jackson used forensic lip readers to determine what the soldiers were saying in the original footage, allowing actors to dub accurate dialogue with appropriate regional accents.”
• “The film utilizes state-of-the-art technology to restore, colorize, and add sound to original World War I footage, much of which had been unseen for decades in the Imperial War Museum archives.”
• “To create authentic sound effects, the New Zealand Army was enlisted to record the sounds of artillery and other weaponry.”

🖥️ How to Watch They Shall Not Grow Old?

They Shall Not Grow Old is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on services like Apple TV and Prime Video. Check local listings for potential broadcast options on channels like BBC, which originally commissioned the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed They Shall Not Grow Old, you might like these similar films:

• Apocalypse: World War I (2014): This French documentary series also uses restored footage and offers a comprehensive look at World War I.
• The Best Years of Our Lives (1946): Explores the difficulties faced by soldiers returning home after World War II, a theme touched upon in ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’.
• All Quiet on the Western Front (1930): A classic anti-war film that provides a fictional but realistic portrayal of the horrors of trench warfare from the German perspective.
• 1917 (2019): A modern war film that immerses the viewer in the intense and harrowing experience of World War I trench warfare with innovative cinematography.

🛒 They Shall Not Grow Old Related Products

• World War I: The Definitive Visual History: A comprehensive visual guide to World War I, featuring historical photographs, maps, and expert analysis. Relive the key events and understand the strategic context.
• Airfix 1:72 WWI British Infantry Figures: A highly detailed model kit of British infantry figures from World War I. Perfect for diorama enthusiasts and collectors.
• Call of Duty: Vanguard: Immerse yourself in the battles of World War II with this thrilling first-person shooter. Experience intense combat and gripping storytelling.
• WWI Trench Warfare Board Game: Strategic board game simulates the challenges of trench warfare. Manage resources, plan assaults, and outsmart your opponent.

🎧 Soundtrack

They Shall Not Grow Old features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “If You Want to Find” – performed by Traditional Trench Song
• “Mademoiselle from Armentières” – performed by Plan 9 and Hamish McKeich

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WW1 brought to life in colour

Ever wondered how Peter Jackson brought World War I to life in color for ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’? This Sky News report gives you a fascinating peek into the process and the powerful stories behind it. It’s amazing to see how far film technology has come!

Interviewing Peter Jackson on ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ || “Those voices told me the story”

Want to hear straight from Peter Jackson about what inspired him to make ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’? This interview dives deep into his creative process and the voices that guided him. It’s really interesting to hear his personal connection to the project!

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