Tag Archives: War

Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, War

JOURNEY’S END (2018): Good…

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Journey's End (2017), Sam Claflin
Journey’s End (2017), Sam Claflin

Directed by Saul Dibb, at the core of the story of Journey’s End is the unfortunate disintegration of a young officers mental state.

Set in 1918 in Aisne, France; officer Stanhope (Sam Claflin) leads a group of British officers into a dugout where they must await their fate.

Also starring Paul Bettany, Tom Sturridge and Asa Butterfield, I was drawn to this movie as a Claflin fan, a fan who wanted to see him in a new type of role… a less romantic one. I have to say that Claflin’s portrayal of Stanthorpe’s struggles may just be my favourite of his performances yet. I appreciates the fact that his character isn’t fully likeable, yet one can’t help but forgive him.

Another reason I like this film is the truth that, unlike what I’m used to in most war films I’ve seen, I appreciate the way Journey’s End showed me an officers mental troubles whilst still at war, as opposed to once he’d returned home. Equally, I was taken by the attitude of Stanthorpe’s superior(s). Particularly how desensitised and seemingly numb they’d become to the unspoken truth of what was coming. In this way, among others, Journey’s End is a film that left me with plenty to think about. Especially pertaining to how I realise that I may not have truly grasped the meaning of what it is to  ‘soldier on’ until after watching this film.

In my heart and mind, The Hurt Locker (2008) is still my favourite of the war films I’ve seen. However, Journey’s End is definitely one I’ll remember for reasons including the performances and perspective(s) I didn’t quite expect.

It’s good. So watch it if you’re so intrigued.

Happy Film loving

G

Biography, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

THE IMITATION GAME (2014): Alan Turing, Benedict Cumberbatch… 2 British Greats

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The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch
The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch

Oscar nominated for his moving portrayal of real life computer scientist, mathematician, logician and cryptanalyst, Alan Turing; Benedict Cumberbatch is an Actor whose work I must pay much closer attention to from now on.

His version of Turing, an important man in the history of Britain, especially during the Second World War and how it came to end when it did is brilliant.

Directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game is a thrilling biographical drama that grabs you from the very beginning. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud in several parts, thanks to Graham Moore’s Oscar winning screenplay.

The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley
The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley

You’re also bound to chance upon feelings of gratitude for the times in which you live – whatever your background. Reason being, when you think about how things actually transpired for Turing in the very end, it’s worse than a great shame. Particularly considering the importance of the work he did in serving his country.

One of my favourite moments is the opening dialogue of Tyldum’s film. Reason being,  it happens to be exactly what I want to say to people I watch movies with – as the voice of the movie. It’s basically what every film commands from audiences that sit down to watch.

The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch
The Imitation Game (2014), Benedict Cumberbatch

If you haven’t already watched The Imitation Game and you want said opening dialogue to remain a surprise, stop reading now.

‘Are you paying attention? Good. If you’re not listening carefully, you will miss things. Important things. I will not pause, I will not repeat myself and you will not interrupt me.

You think that because you are sitting where you are and I am sitting where I am that you are in control of what is about to happen. You are mistaken. I am in control, because I know things that you don’t know. What I will need from you now is a commitment. 

You will listen closely and you will not judge me until I have finished. If you cannot commit to this, then please leave the room. But if you choose to stay. remember you chose to be here. What happens from this moment forward is not my responsibility. It’s yours. Pay attention.’

Happy The Imitation Game 🙂

G