1917

I’ve seen this a few times, and it never fails to impress me. I think the idea of a war movie narrowing the plot down to something as simple as delivering a message, but make that action so important is such a great way to do a “one-shot” war movie. It makes the horrors of war feel even more impactful since it’s only 2 people with no backup. The cuts are hidden so well that you can’t tell where they are. Whether it’s the underground bunker, or the ruined town on fire, all the setpieces here are so grimly beautiful. I could go on about the final run through no man’s land for day. That scene is one of the greatest sequences of the 21st century. Whether it’s the screaming of the charging soldiers, the music, or the sheer desperation in the main character’s face, it’s an absolutely incredible end to this masterpiece.