One of the most acclaimed war films of recent years, featuring innovative continuous shots and earning 10 Oscar nominations, arrives on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by Sam Mendes, 1917 stars George MacKay, Richard Madden, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Plot Overview
Set during World War I, the film follows two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield (MacKay) and Lance Cpl. Blake (Madden). They undertake a urgent mission across enemy lines to deliver a message preventing 1,600 troops from falling into a deadly ambush. Blake’s brother is among those at risk, heightening the stakes in this race against time.
Technical Innovation and Production
With a budget of $90-100 million, 1917 employs long takes to simulate two seamless continuous shots, immersing viewers in the chaos of war. This ambitious technique delivers stunning visuals and a gripping experience, contributing to its global box office success exceeding $446 million.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
1917 holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences. Wenlei Ma describes it as “an immersive, visceral and meticulously crafted film that has the emotional stakes to match.” Sara Michelle Fetters notes she “couldn’t take [her] eyes off the screen.”
Adam Graham calls it “a tense, unnerving ride that accomplishes its goal of translating the first-person experience of war better than any war movies that have come before it.” Cath Clarke labels it “tremendously moving,” while Max Weiss praises the “swift and heart-pounding” action.
Viewers echo this enthusiasm. One fan proclaims it a “cinematic masterpiece,” and another states it has “absolutely no downsides.” Comments highlight it as “one of the best war movies of all time,” leaving audiences “breathless.”
Awards and Honors
The film secured 163 award nominations and won 72, including three Oscars for best cinematography, sound mixing, and visual effects. It claimed seven BAFTAs, such as best film and best direction, two Golden Globes, and the Outstanding Directing award for Mendes at the Directors Guild of America Awards.
Director’s Inspiration
Mendes drew from his grandfather’s frontline stories as a Western Front messenger. “I made the movie in a way that wants the audience to feel like it happened yesterday,” he states. “It’s a contemporary film… that enriches people’s understanding of what these men went through.”
Reflecting on the challenging shoot, Mendes admits the seamless style proved “stressful,” with daily doubts about the unconventional approach. Yet, successful long takes brought exhilaration, making it worthwhile.
Mendes boasts a distinguished career, from his Oscar-winning debut American Beauty to directing James Bond entries Skyfall and Spectre, and producing the 2025 Hamnet adaptation.
1917 streams now on Amazon Prime Video, ready for viewers to experience its groundbreaking storytelling.
