A critically acclaimed war film widely regarded as one of the finest of the 21st century is currently available to stream free on BBC iPlayer, but only for a limited time. The Oscar and BAFTA-winning production follows two young British soldiers as they traverse enemy territory to deliver a message that could save over a thousand men from walking into a deadly trap.
What is 1917 About?
Set during the First World War, the story unfolds in 1917. Allied commanders discover that their forces are being lured into a German ambush on the Western Front. With field telephone lines cut, the only way to warn the battalion is to send a message directly. Two soldiers, Lance Corporals Will Schofield and Tom Blake, portrayed by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman respectively, are tasked with this perilous journey. Under orders from General Erinmore, played by Colin Firth, they must cross no man's land and enemy-held territory to reach the 1,600-strong battalion, which includes Blake's brother, played by Richard Madden.
Was 1917 Shot in a Single Take?
One of the film's most celebrated features is its innovative cinematography. Director of photography Roger Deakins employed clever techniques to create the illusion of a single continuous shot throughout the two-hour runtime. Smooth transitions are cleverly hidden within explosions, moving troops, and objects that momentarily block the camera's view. The longest uninterrupted sequence is the opening scene, which lasts eight and a half minutes.
Is 1917 Based on a True Story?
While the narrative is fictional, it draws inspiration from the wartime experiences of director Sam Mendes' grandfather. Mendes recounted to Radio 1: "There was one particular story he told us about carrying a message across no man's land alone at dusk. I couldn't let go of that one image. I thought: What if we develop that into a single journey of more epic proportions?"
Critical and Audience Reception
The film has garnered widespread acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 88% approval rating from over 400 reviews, with the critical consensus stating: "Hard-hitting, immersive, and an impressive technical achievement, 1917 captures the trench warfare of World War I with raw, startling immediacy." It won Best Film, Best Director, and Outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs, along with Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects.
Rolling Stone hailed it as "one of the best war films of all time," while the Observer compared it to a genre classic: "Every war is hell, no matter when it was fought, but 1917, which is about a war far removed from contemporary reality, turns out to be the best war picture since Saving Private Ryan." Film critic Candice McMillan noted its broad appeal: "Sam Mendes' quiet WWI epic 1917 is a cinematic masterpiece, a near perfect war film that appeals to even those of us who don't particularly enjoy war movies."
However, not all reviews are positive. Some critics have dismissed the film as gimmicky, with flat characters and a one-dimensional storyline. Nonetheless, many viewers consider it a masterpiece. One Rotten Tomatoes audience reviewer simply called it "A masterpiece of cinema."
1917 is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer for 14 days from the date of publication.
