Hey fam!!! If you want to join our weekly watch party on twitch here's the link: www.twitch.tv/stikkerg. Next movie will likely be Nobody on Sunday night PST!
Though I sometimes jump on your twitch to say hello, I'm often too busy to watch during your movie nights so I wanted to say thank you for uploading these on here after.
Just came to hit that like button, haven't seen this film yet so dont wanna be spoiled lol but nearly done setting up my home 4k setup once done i'll be back to watch reaction!
To us Americans, WWI feels like a small prequel to WWII. To the Brits, it was a devastating loss of almost a whole generation of young men. It will always be seared into their consciousness.
Serbia lost around 30% of it's entire population by some accounts. Not to mentiom that 400k soldiers and civilians retreated through the Albanian mountains. More than half either froze or starved to death. Around 60% of all men from Serbia laid down their lives in WW1.
Saving Private Ryan was intense because of the violence and brutality of the fight scenes (among other reasons). In this movie, it's the exact opposite. The quiet parts were the most intense.
Weird, isn't it? A lot of the film was just walking, really - but boy, the actors, the sound dept., the cinematography, the director...I couldn't take my eyes off it.
I remember watching in the cinema and going Wait? What? and then spending the rest of the film thinking that it was one of the best bait and switches in cinema history.
His running into those guys at the end actually wasn't intentional (notice how the camera keeps pulling back at the same speed and almost loses him, plus the first guy he hits thinks he's ruined the shot and just keeps lying there), but was kept in because it helped the whole thing feel that little bit more real.
Yeah, those accidents really did help sell the scene. The chance of him making it through ALL those troops and not hitting a single one is less than 1%. After he runs into twice, he still gets back up and keeps running. It sells the complete desperation of his character to keep moving forward, no matter what.
It’s great because if that mistake didn’t happen, they never would have thought of that little detail, but they are good enough to spot it and decide to keep it in. Making the movie great. The opening of The Godfather when Don picks up the cat and pets it, that was improvised by Marlon Brando.
Something no one is mentioning is one of the main reasons they left stuff like that in is they only had enough pyrotechnics for one more take. They were instructed that if they messed something up to just keep going and roll with it.
When I watched this, I made sure I wasn't messing around on TH-cam or had any other distractions going on. When I woke up the next morning, I realized I could tell someone every scene from start to finish because of the way it was shot. This is an absolute masterpiece....
I was lucky to see it in an almost empty theater, so that added to the 'lonely' vibe. It was at an Alamo Drafthouse so I also got to order some bourbon, neat.
Roger Deakins is the greatest living Cinematographer. Skyfall, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, Prisoners, 1917, True Grit, The Shawshank Redemption, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Courage Under Fire, No Country for Old Men, Fargo (Nearly all Coen Bros films he has worked on). The man is an artist.
The most affecting moment to me in this film is Richard Madden's acting when George Mackay's character asks if he can write home to the mother. The sudden realisation in his face that their mother will be absolutely devastated. Subtly wonderful piece of acting. And to think that so many mothers and fathers in real life were left bereaved by this horrendous, pointless conflict. Fantastic film.
I love how this movie makes you really think that Schofield is going to be the one to die, with how much he's stumbling into trouble. It was an utter shock to realize that Schofield was the one to see the mission through! And with it being filmed to look like one (well, two) uninterrupted shots, I felt like I was right there, and I barely breathed the whole time. Such a great film!
I left the cinema after this movie absolutely stunned. My pal and I stood outside, gobsmacked. And after having done a battlefield tour of the Somme made it more tragic and meaningful. I respect your emotions, and feel for you both x
"Write to my mum for me" that was what got me, too ~ as the mum of two sons and knowing how many boys far from home called out for their moms and we couldn't be there to comfort them ... wrecks me. We've got to find a better way.
I've purposefully not watched it. Dunno, My Great Grandfather, with his brother, was in the trenches and decorated. Only one of the brothers returned. Somehow I've denied watching it. Fairplay to you watching it....
Schofield's run is now a part of cinema history. The outdoor set in Wiltshire, England was massive and the whole thing was shot in two months after a great deal of rehearsal. Thomas Newman's score is breathtaking. The outdoor cinematography was naturally lit or by fire and flares. A huge amount of CGI was required but mostly for things on the ground like shells, bullets and dead animals that couldn't be done in camera. The rats were CGI .The dead bodies were practical props and signs had to be put up warning walkers that they weren't real dead bodies. It's a technical masterpiece.
Good point. Some movies are fine watching them either in the theater or at home. But this...this needs to be seen on the big screen. Nothing else will do it justice.
This has become my favourite war movie of all time, such a stacked category but from the tension to the characters to the cinematography to the soundtrack I feel it was an almost perfect movie
"Fun" fact. #3 During the movie, before the cherrie trees sequence it is mentioned that Schofield fought during the Somme Offensive. Such battle lasted over 4 months where 1 million lives were lost, combined between both waring parties. This indicates that Schofield is indeed a seasoned soldier.
@@turnip5359 True but since Schoffield was talking about his previous experiences I wanted to add a bit of history. Not being a private may not be such an obvious sign for some people.
The set was perfect. I mean you are THERE. In 1917. You feel the stress and the worry. And the story was simple but compelling, well acted, great accompanying music. I agree, a fantastic movie!
I am 73 and my dad was a sergeant in WW1 i guess that fact dad was in his 50s when i was born means i know few who had a father in WW1 but many more had a grandad .
Thanks for watching this; it's one of my favorite movies ever made (especially seeing how Hollywood's been on the decline in good cinema) The First World War tends to get overshadowed by the Second World War, but most people never take the time to realize just how horrible the first one was. This was a war where people honestly didn't know how to fight it because they were used to the ancient battle tactic of "the larger army wins" while weapons were being made that made larger armies obsolete; artillery siege guns, machine gun turrets, tanks, planes, flame throwers, poison gas. These were being unleashed for the first time, and we had no idea how to fight against that. And what's worse is children fought in this. British Private Sydney Lewis joined the war at age 12, and fought at the Somme (one of the biggest battles in the war) at 13. Momcilo Gavric, a Serbian soldier, fought the war at the age of 8. Look up the Attack of the Dead Men. Despite the title, it's not a movie, it's a historic event. The Germans gassed the hell out of the Russians protecting Osowiec. Thinking it was safe to take the place, they sent 7,000 men in. But 100 Russians got back up, as if reviving from the dead. They had no defense against the gas, so they were coughing up blood and bits of lung. Worse, the moisture from their lungs mixing with the chemical components of the gas formed an almost acidic complex on them, causing flesh to fall off. They were dying horrific and agonizing deaths, but they were still forcing themselves up to engage the enemy. The sight of 100 "dead men" stumbling and shuffling, some even crawling toward them scared the Germans so badly that they ran without firing a shot, despite having the numerical advantage.
Fun fact: I studied design for film and tv at university and a girl on my course had her work experience on this film, she helped build some of the models for the lighting tests etc. Also, I served in afghan in 2010 and what we went through is absolutely nothing in comparison to the hero’s of the world wars. Being an ex soldier this film hits hard as hell. Schofield went through hell, literally. The burning city symbolises hell, and the river is him passing over to heaven, he gets out and can complete his mission. An incredibly heart warming film. Iv seen it 6 times and it gets me every time.
I just wanted to give a huge shout out to the both of you: Nikki, for recognizing the immense emotional importance of that scene when Schofield is in the back of that truck staring out at where he left the body of his friend and trying to even begin to process the grief while everyone around him is just carrying on; and Steven for giving more than one shoutout to the score for this film. Thomas Newman is an incredible talent and I adore his music. He seems to have a knack for minimalism paired with great timing. Love, love, LOVE this guy’s music, and if you’re looking for more and would care to react to this film, “Road to Perdition” is an awesome (if very heavy) cinematic experience. And, as always, I have a forever hope tucked deep away that you both might one day (though I would very much understand why you’d never want to!) react to the incredible HBO series Band of Brothers :)
This movie makes me bawl my eyes out. Even just watching the little clips in this reaction got me teary-eyed. The running scene is like the ultimate catharsis. As soon as he starts running the tears come pouring down.
I have to say your channel has become one of my absolute favorites as are your reactions. Another great viewing with you both. Incredible film and so much actual history put within it. The battlefields of WWI were a horrific experience, and if you look more into it, you can understand why. The bit about the craters being flooded and deadly was REAL. There are many stories of people falling into the craters, not being able to climb out (some due to the muddy environment, others to steepness of the sides, etc ) and drowning, because no one really knew how deep they were. This is a simple story, played out in less than a day - deliver a message - but it takes you on such a journey WITH the two guys, and later just the one, it's no wonder MANY people who watch it have the same reaction as you two. Shocked. Heartbroken. Exhausted. And we only get but a glimpse into the war. Great film and has already become a favorite of mine. I'm glad you chose this one.
17:02 I know I was stunned too when this scene happened. You already got to see it in the trailers... but the full scene and the buildup leading to this scene was absolutely mind-blowing. It was such an awesome experience to see it in a theater.
My great grandfather (Highland Light Infantry) was shot, buried by an artillery shell burst (and had to be dug out) and then gassed before he got a discharge from the front line. He had three brothers and one lost a leg, one lost an arm and one was killed 3 weeks before the war ended attacking a railway station at Le Cateau. Recently I saw a photograph of my great grandfather and he looked exactly like me. The fact that it could have been me in the photo really struck me.
If you both liked George Mackay's acting (he was Schofield), Marrowbone shows just how skilled he actually is, it's unreal he is super talented. It's a horror/drama from 2017.
Just finished this before seeing your reaction and my body still hasn't relaxed. Exhausting is an understatement. Seamless editing was totally perfect. It made you feel like you were right beside them. Besides the soldiers, imagine how many more generations Schofield saved by helping the girl and the baby.
I loved this movie... I Watched it 2 times in the theaters and it was so IMMERSIVE... The one shot thing, with the incredible soundtrack contrasting with silence is amazing I think it was the last movie i've watched in cinema due to corona😔
I agree this movie was gorgeous. It was so clean looking. Like the angles and everything just was so sharp. Way underrated as a movie in my opinion. Glad you guys did this movie and stoked you guys enjoyed it.
So i'll answer your question about the guy who told the stories. Sam Mendes is the director of this film and the guy who told the stories was Alfred H Mendes. Alfred was Sam's grandfather and a WWI vet in the British Army.
I know Bong Joon-ho directed parasite very good, but for me Sam Mendes deserved the oscar for best director. This movie was just beautiful in such an awful circumstances.
I disagree. Sam Mendes did a wonderful job but the beauty comes from the cinematographer Roger Deakins. He also did Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Skyfall, No Country for Old Men, Doubt, A Beautiful Mind, O Brother Where are Thou, The Big Lebowski, and about another 10 or so movies you have most likely heard of. Roger Deakins is a master at building beautiful shots.
Amazing movie. My great grandfather was a soldier for the Germans in WW1. He got an Iron Cross for capturing a shit ton of Italian soldiers by himself. He caught them off guard. They kinda had enough of the war and gave up willingly & for that they gave him an Iron Cross for bravery for marching them all back to his lines. He was sent home early as a war hero. It’s been a family joke ever since. He said it was a horrible war and he became a lifelong pacifist after that, refused to work with Nazi Germany when they called him to service again. My other Great grand father was a partisan resistance leader who fought Nazi Germany in guerrilla warfare. Unfortunately the Nazis didn’t take too kindly to this and found his wife. They interrogated her on her husband’s whereabouts but she didn’t give it up. They executed her while my grandmother hid underneath the floorboards of the house with her siblings. She never got over that, and it scarred her for the rest of her life. Sadly, it wasn’t the last war she went through. She barely escaped Bosnia during the civil war there in 92-95. Came to America as a refugee. Eventually became an American citizen. She loved the rest of her life in peace. War is hell. I’m a pacifist because of all the shit my family went through surviving so many wars. Fuck war. Diplomacy is the best option.
Fun fact, when he bumped into the one lad when he ran across the battlefield. That was a complete accident and not planned. Also in answer to your question at the end, the stories are inspired by the stories that director Sam Mended’ relative told about his experiences in the First World War.
I love how this movie comes full circle. It started with Schofield sleeping against a tree and it ends with him getting some much-needed rest leaning against a tree.
I’m so glad I saw this in theaters on the big screen. Richard Deakins is the GOAT and watch the ‘making of’ videos on this one. Just amazing how they pulled this off.
The technical work that went into this movie to make it seem like just one long take is freaking incredible! To finish one day in one pose just to pick up the scene later from exactly where you left off!
If you want another beautifully shoot war movie I suggest "Cold Mountain" by Anthony Minghella. Great cast as well. The director also did "The Talented Mister Ripley" which also has a great cast if you haven't see them. I suggest these please :)
The running scene in this film is beyond amazing! Not only was made so well but it truly portrays the scale of how many men were sent over the top at one time and never returned and completed their objective. 90% of that attack wave would been KIA! (killed in action)
I served in the Marines. In boot camp, we have something at the end called the Crucible. Part of that included a course at night, crawling under barbed wire through sand, dragging ammo cans, with a soundtrack of screams and gunfire being played. They (the drill instructors) would fire off flares, and anytime they did we had to stop moving, or we would "die". I never saw combat, but I think that part of my training was the closest I ever got to that mindset. This movie reminded me of that in a way that no other recent movie has. Great movie, great reaction, and I am glad you guys enjoyed it!
The scene where the protagonist jumps into the river was shot in my town Stockton Teesside in the United Kingdom. Emotional reaction and this movie is up there with Saving Private Ryan.
This was the last movie I saw before lockdowns and quarantine started and I'm glad it was because it's phenomenal. It instantly became one of my top 5 favorites of all time and i've rewatched it several times
11:35 They really went all out with the night scene too. They built a scale model of the town first and rigged small lights that could aim down on the miniature to simulate the flares flying up at night. The entire setting had to be complete darkness with minimal lights from specific sources. They needed to know how long and where and how high the light had to be in the air so they could place the camera, follow the action, and figure out the shadows of the set. The burning building is literally one of the only light sources too. So them being able to bring it all up on cinema is not just masterful writing... but also the awesome skills that the film crew brought to the table with this movie.
I saw this film at an imax cinema which has a screen which seems like its the size of a 1 storey building. So watching this on that screen with surround sound was incredible and moving. Fun fact: they shot that last running sequence quite a lot of times but the one take they keep just happens to be the one where he gets knocked over, and wasn't in the script and didn't happen on any of the other takes, but he keeps in character and keeps running which makes it so much better.
Wonderful reaction. Glad you mentioned the music several times, I believe it to be one of the greatest scores of Thomas Newman's career. I will never forget the first time I saw this in cinemas. I pretty much never cry watching films. By the end of this film my eyes were literally filled with tears. I was speechless... it took me a good while just to utter to my friends that this was one of the greatest films I had ever seen. I went back to the cinema several times to see this, and every time... despite knowing exactly what was coming, those final 5 minutes just broke me. This film is a straight masterpiece in every sense of the word. Of course major props has to be given to Sir Roger Deakins who was the cinematographer on this film. The film is based on the stories Sam Mendes's grandfather told him.
To answer Nikki's question, the person who told the stories was Alfred Mendes. He was Sam Mendes grandfather and served in the King's Royal Rifle Brigade in the Great War, stationed in Flanders saw action in 1915 2nd Ypres, 1916 Somme, 1917 Arras and 1917 Passchendale. Received Military Medal for actions in 1917 Passchendale, but was also wounded through gas inhalation and sent home to recuperate. Alfred wrote his memoirs in the 1970s and passed away in 1991.
an extremely powerful film and beautifully made...Roger deakins cinematography was a master class...especially the night scene in that demolished town with those German flares flying overhead and lighting up that set was unbelievable looking in the cinema on the big screen with Thomas newman's fantastic music that track on the soundtrack is called the night window. when blake was stabbed...its schofields reaction to not speaking to anyone in that truck even though the other soldiers were talking about something funny...its that guys acting to his friend dying and we all know it...the way he's not saying a thing and remembering what just happened was a fantastic scene..very sad.
At PASCHENDALE the intense bombardment helped win the Hill...but then it rained for weeks...the mud filled bomb craters sacked in men and horses and equipment like a horror movie. If you strayed off a duck board you were a gonna!!!!! The mud killed thousands..the German counterattack and the ground was lost....FOR WHAT??? WHOLE families in Britain were lost...surnames disappeared from history. Many big houses became parks when estates had no owners anymore. Meat grinder of bad command...4 years of death meated out by machinery that had never been tried in war before. Leading to tanks and blitzkrieg..lightning war...to avoid stablemates like in ww1.
Fun fact. The rifle the main character uses is a Lee Enfield that was issued to British soldiers. It only holds 10 bullets and through the whole film, he only fires 10 bullets the entire time and no more! Never reloads. Maybe he only had 10 bullets to use.
Omg I love this movie. It’s one of the most visually impressive ways of filmmaking I’ve ever seen with only one cutscene while the entire story is told in first person. I love it. It’s almost like a video game.
@@GreatOldOne9866 I highly recommend both films you will not be disappointed. Children of men was directed by Alfonso Cuarón and Birdman by Alejandro González Iñárritu and Emmanuel Lubezki worked as cinematographer on both and he is a master at his craft.
Nikki & Steven Director of 1917, Sam Mendes' paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes tell stories of WWI inspired Sam to film this movie in honor to Alfred. Alfred was a writer who has written poetry and fiction.
My grandad was 15 years of age and lay for 3 days trapped under a german tank, he came back damaged from gas and night terrors. The lad got drunk just before the 2 nd world war and joined up again as a cook. Brave brave men, and boys.
Sam Mendes is an incredible director for cinematography and music. If you liked 1917 then you should watch Jarhead, also directed by Mendes. That film is incredible and the cinematography and use of colour blocks in segments of the film is amazing. It's also not your typical war film, in the same way that 1917 isn't either.
if you don't mind reading subtitles, you might want to watch 2014's German movie "Victoria" which is actually done in a complete 2 hour 30 minute shot, which they got on the third take. It's a drama-crime-thriller-romance film. Won the equivalent of many German Academy Awards. It lasts from around 4:30 am in darkness to around 7 am in morning light.
@@BOO66IOU Pacific was still good but you didn't really get to know the characters like you did with band of brothers and made them not stand out as much.
This is one of the best war movies I’ve ever seen. We saw it in a theater right before the pandemic hit. I was so glad we saw it in the theater. It was powerful. Made me think of my grandpa. He fought in WWI and was poisoned by mustard gas. He survived it but his voice was never the same. He was in the cavalry. When WWII came around he told my dad to go into the navy. Thankfully the war ended before my dad had to go fight. It was done so well. Loved the scenes where the flare was going off and the shadows and light lit up the sky. Great reaction. I cried too.
This film was already filled with a lot of tension, and the music helped elevate it all. Shame the score only won a few the awards it was nominated for
When I first saw this in the theater I WAS BLOWN AWAY! Plus, I didn’t know Benedict Cumberbatch was in it , so when he come up I was like “what he’s in this?”
Just watched this movie last weekend. Very intense. I feel for Nikki sometimes. She is such an empathy that I know when she is going to cry and it makes me feel for her. At least she watches with you, Steve. My wife refuses to watch any of the shows and movies I watch because of the violence.
If you want to see the real thing ...watch They Shall Not Grow Old. WW1 footage given to Peter Jackson (Lord Of The Rings) to bring back to life in 4K reality. They had lip readers study the footage and had actors saying their words. Glad you recognized "Rob Stark" I've watched you guys from the first GOT ractions.
and if you also like reading subtitles there's a film called Russian Ark from the 2000s, which is set The Winter Palace in St Petersberg and follows a disembodied voice following a 18th or 19th century Frenchman through the palace as it replays about scenes from the 300 years of the Russian Empire/Soviet Union from 1700s to 2000s, done in one 90 to 120 minute take.
Hey fam!!! If you want to join our weekly watch party on twitch here's the link: www.twitch.tv/stikkerg. Next movie will likely be Nobody on Sunday night PST!
Please you guys have to watch the HBO mini-series *Band of Brothers* is a masterpiece with real historic events
Though I sometimes jump on your twitch to say hello, I'm often too busy to watch during your movie nights so I wanted to say thank you for uploading these on here after.
Just came to hit that like button, haven't seen this film yet so dont wanna be spoiled lol but nearly done setting up my home 4k setup once done i'll be back to watch reaction!
Fantastic film! So glad you guys reacted to it!!
You guys should watch Miracle at St. Anna or Hacksaw Ridge
To us Americans, WWI feels like a small prequel to WWII. To the Brits, it was a devastating loss of almost a whole generation of young men. It will always be seared into their consciousness.
You are absolutely correct. My Grandfather lost his 3 brothers in this war, so yes to us British people it is a big deal.
I live in northern France, imagine the impact it had on us through the generations
To (* ALL Europe) , it was a devastating loss of almost a whole generation of young men
@@FloCch59 my grandfather on my Belgium side was growing up in Ypres at the time, I was told that it was not pretty.
Serbia lost around 30% of it's entire population by some accounts. Not to mentiom that 400k soldiers and civilians retreated through the Albanian mountains. More than half either froze or starved to death. Around 60% of all men from Serbia laid down their lives in WW1.
Robb Stark and Tommen Baratheon are brothers in this movie. If only we could have actually seen them together.
Damn, Tommen looked so different
Cliche
I think it would've been fantastic, now I'm sad it didn't happen
They never caught that?? DAMN. I loved that reveal at the end
@@NikkiStevenReact I didn't even realize it was Tommen til my second watch of this movie. Thats how immersive the movie is
Nikki seeing the cut from the wire: That is going to be infected!
Me: Just give it a minute.
Yep. :)
Literally what my reaction was!
Yup.
😂😂
Honestly after the end of the movie I guarantee you Schofield had to get his hand amputated. However, turns out his left hand buys his ticket home
Saving Private Ryan was intense because of the violence and brutality of the fight scenes (among other reasons).
In this movie, it's the exact opposite. The quiet parts were the most intense.
Exactly and it’s amazing
Weird, isn't it? A lot of the film was just walking, really - but boy, the actors, the sound dept., the cinematography, the director...I couldn't take my eyes off it.
@juan miguel Good. Now you know the horrors of war.
I get wut u mean cuz u get paranoid in the quiet moment, everything is unpredictable during the war
Threw me for a loop when we realized Blake wasn't the main character of the movie.
I remember watching in the cinema and going Wait? What? and then spending the rest of the film thinking that it was one of the best bait and switches in cinema history.
Imagine if this was a actual game?
His running into those guys at the end actually wasn't intentional (notice how the camera keeps pulling back at the same speed and almost loses him, plus the first guy he hits thinks he's ruined the shot and just keeps lying there), but was kept in because it helped the whole thing feel that little bit more real.
Yep. The little mistakes or improvised shots can make a very good movie, great.
Yeah, those accidents really did help sell the scene. The chance of him making it through ALL those troops and not hitting a single one is less than 1%.
After he runs into twice, he still gets back up and keeps running. It sells the complete desperation of his character to keep moving forward, no matter what.
It’s great because if that mistake didn’t happen, they never would have thought of that little detail, but they are good enough to spot it and decide to keep it in. Making the movie great. The opening of The Godfather when Don picks up the cat and pets it, that was improvised by Marlon Brando.
Something no one is mentioning is one of the main reasons they left stuff like that in is they only had enough pyrotechnics for one more take. They were instructed that if they messed something up to just keep going and roll with it.
One of the most powerful cinema experiences I’ve had
It was amazing
When I watched this, I made sure I wasn't messing around on TH-cam or had any other distractions going on. When I woke up the next morning, I realized I could tell someone every scene from start to finish because of the way it was shot. This is an absolute masterpiece....
I was lucky to see it in an almost empty theater, so that added to the 'lonely' vibe. It was at an Alamo Drafthouse so I also got to order some bourbon, neat.
same man
@@GregBourne same, there was one other person besides me in the theatre. That was really great
Roger Deakins is the greatest living Cinematographer. Skyfall, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, Prisoners, 1917, True Grit, The Shawshank Redemption, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Courage Under Fire, No Country for Old Men, Fargo (Nearly all Coen Bros films he has worked on). The man is an artist.
Roger Deakins... take. a. bow...
thats just like... your opinion, man!
you missed The Big Lebowski
@@thomasherzog2172
'(Nearly all Coen Bros films he has worked on)'
I mentioned the Coen Bros films.
I can't name them all, I was going for recent.
Emmanuel Lubezki might be my personal favorite, but you right
Scofield running in the battlefield is one of the most epic and powerful scenes I've seen.
The most affecting moment to me in this film is Richard Madden's acting when George Mackay's character asks if he can write home to the mother. The sudden realisation in his face that their mother will be absolutely devastated. Subtly wonderful piece of acting. And to think that so many mothers and fathers in real life were left bereaved by this horrendous, pointless conflict. Fantastic film.
Also that was his first take
I adore this movie. Managed to watch it in the cinema with my father, and the final action scene was absolutely astonishing on the big screen
Same :)
Me too! Last film we watched in the theaters before the pandemic. What a hell of a film.
I bawled my eyes out. My top 5 ever.
I love how this movie makes you really think that Schofield is going to be the one to die, with how much he's stumbling into trouble. It was an utter shock to realize that Schofield was the one to see the mission through! And with it being filmed to look like one (well, two) uninterrupted shots, I felt like I was right there, and I barely breathed the whole time. Such a great film!
Between the music and the one-shot approach and everything, the tension and the drama were cranked up to 12 on this one. Epic.
Nikki: "OMG look at those chubby legs!"
Me: "Hey I'm trying to exercise....Oh the baby, nevermind"
Director Sam Mendes crafted a masterpiece with this film. So glad I saw it in theaters
Same
Seeing this in imax was a visual treat
Me too!
It was the last film I saw before the Pandemic.
I believe the director dedicated this film to his grandfather who fought in WWI and provided the story upon which this was based.
I left the cinema after this movie absolutely stunned. My pal and I stood outside, gobsmacked. And after having done a battlefield tour of the Somme made it more tragic and meaningful. I respect your emotions, and feel for you both x
"Write to my mum for me" that was what got me, too ~ as the mum of two sons and knowing how many boys far from home called out for their moms and we couldn't be there to comfort them ... wrecks me. We've got to find a better way.
❤️❤️❤️
If you think 1917 by itself is emotionally exhausting, I watched it as a double-feature with They Shall Not Grow Old!
Ooof x10000
I've purposefully not watched it. Dunno, My Great Grandfather, with his brother, was in the trenches and decorated. Only one of the brothers returned. Somehow I've denied watching it. Fairplay to you watching it....
@@leonchevalier It's worth the watch. It hurts, but it's important for us to see a glimpse of what these heroes sacrificed for us.
For me, in war movies, some of the hardest things to watch are when the soldier themself realizes they are dying. Christ what a thing to watch.
Schofield's run is now a part of cinema history. The outdoor set in Wiltshire, England was massive and the whole thing was shot in two months after a great deal of rehearsal. Thomas Newman's score is breathtaking. The outdoor cinematography was naturally lit or by fire and flares. A huge amount of CGI was required but mostly for things on the ground like shells, bullets and dead animals that couldn't be done in camera. The rats were CGI .The dead bodies were practical props and signs had to be put up warning walkers that they weren't real dead bodies. It's a technical masterpiece.
I can only imagine if nikki watch the movie war horse she will never stop crying
That's one of my favorites too
War horse
THAT is an amazing movie
Oh no she would absolutely lose it, don't even do that to her lol
This was SUCH a feast on the BIG screen. . .in a movie theater. Back in the days when we all went to movies. . .in theaters. Great reaction!
Good point. Some movies are fine watching them either in the theater or at home. But this...this needs to be seen on the big screen. Nothing else will do it justice.
Roger Deakins is a GENIUS, the cinematography in this movie was spectacular. A well deserved Oscar.
Hacksaw Ridge would be an option for the next weekend. Is a true story too.
If you want another war film that's suspenseful like this check out Dunkirk if you haven't yet.
Yes please!!
Fury is pretty good too
Hated Dunkirk.
Dunkirk is masterpiece.
Christopher Nolan
@@Tee_B sucks for you
This has become my favourite war movie of all time, such a stacked category but from the tension to the characters to the cinematography to the soundtrack I feel it was an almost perfect movie
Check 'Go and see'
@@ИраИванова-л4к Amazing movie!
This was one of the last movies I saw in IMAX before the pandemic, crazy how time flies
This was literally the last movie I saw in theater. Really glad this was the last movie.
Shit, me my cousin and step bro saw this too. It was our last movie as well before the pandemic. 😷
@@johnnyskinwalker4095 Me too, I’m glad this was the last film I saw before Co-Vid.
"Fun" fact. #3
During the movie, before the cherrie trees sequence it is mentioned that Schofield fought during the Somme Offensive. Such battle lasted over 4 months where 1 million lives were lost, combined between both waring parties.
This indicates that Schofield is indeed a seasoned soldier.
Him not being a private kinda tells you that
@@turnip5359 True but since Schoffield was talking about his previous experiences I wanted to add a bit of history.
Not being a private may not be such an obvious sign for some people.
The set was perfect. I mean you are THERE. In 1917. You feel the stress and the worry. And the story was simple but compelling, well acted, great accompanying music. I agree, a fantastic movie!
that reverse tracking shot, when he runs through the artillery barrage, was simply AMAZING!!!!!
I am 73 and my dad was a sergeant in WW1 i guess that fact dad was in his 50s when i was born means i know few who had a father in WW1 but many more had a grandad .
Thanks for watching this; it's one of my favorite movies ever made (especially seeing how Hollywood's been on the decline in good cinema) The First World War tends to get overshadowed by the Second World War, but most people never take the time to realize just how horrible the first one was. This was a war where people honestly didn't know how to fight it because they were used to the ancient battle tactic of "the larger army wins" while weapons were being made that made larger armies obsolete; artillery siege guns, machine gun turrets, tanks, planes, flame throwers, poison gas. These were being unleashed for the first time, and we had no idea how to fight against that. And what's worse is children fought in this. British Private Sydney Lewis joined the war at age 12, and fought at the Somme (one of the biggest battles in the war) at 13. Momcilo Gavric, a Serbian soldier, fought the war at the age of 8.
Look up the Attack of the Dead Men. Despite the title, it's not a movie, it's a historic event. The Germans gassed the hell out of the Russians protecting Osowiec. Thinking it was safe to take the place, they sent 7,000 men in. But 100 Russians got back up, as if reviving from the dead. They had no defense against the gas, so they were coughing up blood and bits of lung. Worse, the moisture from their lungs mixing with the chemical components of the gas formed an almost acidic complex on them, causing flesh to fall off. They were dying horrific and agonizing deaths, but they were still forcing themselves up to engage the enemy. The sight of 100 "dead men" stumbling and shuffling, some even crawling toward them scared the Germans so badly that they ran without firing a shot, despite having the numerical advantage.
Fun fact: I studied design for film and tv at university and a girl on my course had her work experience on this film, she helped build some of the models for the lighting tests etc. Also, I served in afghan in 2010 and what we went through is absolutely nothing in comparison to the hero’s of the world wars. Being an ex soldier this film hits hard as hell. Schofield went through hell, literally. The burning city symbolises hell, and the river is him passing over to heaven, he gets out and can complete his mission. An incredibly heart warming film. Iv seen it 6 times and it gets me every time.
This and Knives Out were my favorite movies of 2019.
Portrait of a lady on fire for me
Jojo Rabbit, This and Knives Out were my faves
Both amazing films.
All of the films mentioned in this thread. Some of the best films of the last 5-10 years.
parasite and 1917 for me
I just wanted to give a huge shout out to the both of you: Nikki, for recognizing the immense emotional importance of that scene when Schofield is in the back of that truck staring out at where he left the body of his friend and trying to even begin to process the grief while everyone around him is just carrying on;
and Steven for giving more than one shoutout to the score for this film. Thomas Newman is an incredible talent and I adore his music. He seems to have a knack for minimalism paired with great timing. Love, love, LOVE this guy’s music, and if you’re looking for more and would care to react to this film, “Road to Perdition” is an awesome (if very heavy) cinematic experience.
And, as always, I have a forever hope tucked deep away that you both might one day (though I would very much understand why you’d never want to!) react to the incredible HBO series Band of Brothers :)
Beautiful comment. And glad to read another commentor appreciating Thomas Newman.
This movie makes me bawl my eyes out. Even just watching the little clips in this reaction got me teary-eyed. The running scene is like the ultimate catharsis. As soon as he starts running the tears come pouring down.
I have to say your channel has become one of my absolute favorites as are your reactions.
Another great viewing with you both. Incredible film and so much actual history put within it. The battlefields of WWI were a horrific experience, and if you look more into it, you can understand why. The bit about the craters being flooded and deadly was REAL. There are many stories of people falling into the craters, not being able to climb out (some due to the muddy environment, others to steepness of the sides, etc ) and drowning, because no one really knew how deep they were.
This is a simple story, played out in less than a day - deliver a message - but it takes you on such a journey WITH the two guys, and later just the one, it's no wonder MANY people who watch it have the same reaction as you two. Shocked. Heartbroken. Exhausted. And we only get but a glimpse into the war.
Great film and has already become a favorite of mine. I'm glad you chose this one.
17:02 I know I was stunned too when this scene happened. You already got to see it in the trailers... but the full scene and the buildup leading to this scene was absolutely mind-blowing. It was such an awesome experience to see it in a theater.
My great grandfather (Highland Light Infantry) was shot, buried by an artillery shell burst (and had to be dug out) and then gassed before he got a discharge from the front line. He had three brothers and one lost a leg, one lost an arm and one was killed 3 weeks before the war ended attacking a railway station at Le Cateau. Recently I saw a photograph of my great grandfather and he looked exactly like me. The fact that it could have been me in the photo really struck me.
If you both liked George Mackay's acting (he was Schofield), Marrowbone shows just how skilled he actually is, it's unreal he is super talented. It's a horror/drama from 2017.
I was really impressed with him in 11/22/63
@@Vaultboy-ke2jj He is unbelievably talented! Just so awesome!
Just finished this before seeing your reaction and my body still hasn't relaxed. Exhausting is an understatement.
Seamless editing was totally perfect. It made you feel like you were right beside them.
Besides the soldiers, imagine how many more generations Schofield saved by helping the girl and the baby.
The fascinating thing about this movie is how it seemingly beautifully shot this is. A true cinematic masterpiece.
I loved this movie... I Watched it 2 times in the theaters and it was so IMMERSIVE... The one shot thing, with the incredible soundtrack contrasting with silence is amazing
I think it was the last movie i've watched in cinema due to corona😔
I agree this movie was gorgeous. It was so clean looking. Like the angles and everything just was so sharp. Way underrated as a movie in my opinion. Glad you guys did this movie and stoked you guys enjoyed it.
So i'll answer your question about the guy who told the stories. Sam Mendes is the director of this film and the guy who told the stories was Alfred H Mendes. Alfred was Sam's grandfather and a WWI vet in the British Army.
One of the most enthralling and tension filled theater experiences I’ve ever hd
Nikki expressing on the outside what we all felt on the inside.
Amazing movie, definitely worth checking out the making of the movie.
I know Bong Joon-ho directed parasite very good, but for me Sam Mendes deserved the oscar for best director. This movie was just beautiful in such an awful circumstances.
So glad I'm not the only one who thought that sam deserved it more than anyone for this movie
@@itzbp9949 yes! He was very original, I really love what he did
@@tiaremiranda9792 unfortunately the Oscar's is woke and sam didnt win which is really ashame
I disagree. Sam Mendes did a wonderful job but the beauty comes from the cinematographer Roger Deakins. He also did Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Skyfall, No Country for Old Men, Doubt, A Beautiful Mind, O Brother Where are Thou, The Big Lebowski, and about another 10 or so movies you have most likely heard of. Roger Deakins is a master at building beautiful shots.
@@itzbp9949 You're really blaming wokeness one Asian man winning an award that's gone solely to white people for nearly a century, lol.
When Scofield jumped out of the trench and started running, and he kept running into people, that wasn't planned, but Sam Mendes kept it in.
Actually glad Sam kept it in the final cut, make it more realistic
seen this movie in the cinemas when it came out, it is the most cinematically gorgeous film i have ever seen.
Amazing movie. My great grandfather was a soldier for the Germans in WW1. He got an Iron Cross for capturing a shit ton of Italian soldiers by himself. He caught them off guard. They kinda had enough of the war and gave up willingly & for that they gave him an Iron Cross for bravery for marching them all back to his lines. He was sent home early as a war hero. It’s been a family joke ever since. He said it was a horrible war and he became a lifelong pacifist after that, refused to work with Nazi Germany when they called him to service again. My other Great grand father was a partisan resistance leader who fought Nazi Germany in guerrilla warfare. Unfortunately the Nazis didn’t take too kindly to this and found his wife. They interrogated her on her husband’s whereabouts but she didn’t give it up. They executed her while my grandmother hid underneath the floorboards of the house with her siblings. She never got over that, and it scarred her for the rest of her life. Sadly, it wasn’t the last war she went through. She barely escaped Bosnia during the civil war there in 92-95. Came to America as a refugee. Eventually became an American citizen. She loved the rest of her life in peace. War is hell. I’m a pacifist because of all the shit my family went through surviving so many wars. Fuck war. Diplomacy is the best option.
Fun fact, when he bumped into the one lad when he ran across the battlefield. That was a complete accident and not planned. Also in answer to your question at the end, the stories are inspired by the stories that director Sam Mended’ relative told about his experiences in the First World War.
I love how this movie comes full circle. It started with Schofield sleeping against a tree and it ends with him getting some much-needed rest leaning against a tree.
I’m so glad I saw this in theaters on the big screen. Richard Deakins is the GOAT and watch the ‘making of’ videos on this one. Just amazing how they pulled this off.
The technical work that went into this movie to make it seem like just one long take is freaking incredible! To finish one day in one pose just to pick up the scene later from exactly where you left off!
If you want another beautifully shoot war movie I suggest "Cold Mountain" by Anthony Minghella. Great cast as well. The director also did "The Talented Mister Ripley" which also has a great cast if you haven't see them. I suggest these please :)
The running scene in this film is beyond amazing! Not only was made so well but it truly portrays the scale of how many men were sent over the top at one time and never returned and completed their objective. 90% of that attack wave would been KIA! (killed in action)
I loved this movie and the one shot. Still one of the best cinematography I ever seen.
yall are KILLING it with these movie reactions. my fav channel strikes again :)
2 hours of non-stop tension. I felt like I ran a marathon by the end of it, I was so exhausted. But in a good way.
I served in the Marines. In boot camp, we have something at the end called the Crucible. Part of that included a course at night, crawling under barbed wire through sand, dragging ammo cans, with a soundtrack of screams and gunfire being played. They (the drill instructors) would fire off flares, and anytime they did we had to stop moving, or we would "die". I never saw combat, but I think that part of my training was the closest I ever got to that mindset. This movie reminded me of that in a way that no other recent movie has. Great movie, great reaction, and I am glad you guys enjoyed it!
The scene where the protagonist jumps into the river was shot in my town Stockton Teesside in the United Kingdom. Emotional reaction and this movie is up there with Saving Private Ryan.
Wow I'm from Billingham and I didnt know that mate, thanks!
This was the last movie I saw before lockdowns and quarantine started and I'm glad it was because it's phenomenal. It instantly became one of my top 5 favorites of all time and i've rewatched it several times
One of my favorite movies of all time. I feel like everyone needs to watch this movie just for the brilliant cinematography
The Last Movie I saw in Theater before the Pandemic. Ive seen it several times now and it keeps getting better.
I love how in Blake's death scene, they didn't use cgi or makeup to progressively get more pale, the actor, just acted so hard that he did that
This was amazing on the big screen when it first came out. Truly a great film. Real cinematic art.
You guys really are the benchmark for reaction channels.
Nothing comes even close to your genuin and good reactions and content!
11:35 They really went all out with the night scene too.
They built a scale model of the town first and rigged small lights that could aim down on the miniature to simulate the flares flying up at night. The entire setting had to be complete darkness with minimal lights from specific sources. They needed to know how long and where and how high the light had to be in the air so they could place the camera, follow the action, and figure out the shadows of the set. The burning building is literally one of the only light sources too. So them being able to bring it all up on cinema is not just masterful writing... but also the awesome skills that the film crew brought to the table with this movie.
OMG YOU GUYS PICKED THIS ONE! ITS SOOOO GOOD
I saw this film at an imax cinema which has a screen which seems like its the size of a 1 storey building. So watching this on that screen with surround sound was incredible and moving. Fun fact: they shot that last running sequence quite a lot of times but the one take they keep just happens to be the one where he gets knocked over, and wasn't in the script and didn't happen on any of the other takes, but he keeps in character and keeps running which makes it so much better.
Hey Nikki and Steve☺️ Consider reacting to the *behind-the-scenes* clip of that continuous-shot scene starting at 17:00. It's utterly mind-blowing 😱😱😱
Wonderful reaction. Glad you mentioned the music several times, I believe it to be one of the greatest scores of Thomas Newman's career.
I will never forget the first time I saw this in cinemas. I pretty much never cry watching films. By the end of this film my eyes were literally filled with tears. I was speechless... it took me a good while just to utter to my friends that this was one of the greatest films I had ever seen. I went back to the cinema several times to see this, and every time... despite knowing exactly what was coming, those final 5 minutes just broke me. This film is a straight masterpiece in every sense of the word. Of course major props has to be given to Sir Roger Deakins who was the cinematographer on this film. The film is based on the stories Sam Mendes's grandfather told him.
One of the best theatre experiences I’ve had in recent years, may actually top my list
To answer Nikki's question, the person who told the stories was Alfred Mendes. He was Sam Mendes grandfather and served in the King's Royal Rifle Brigade in the Great War, stationed in Flanders saw action in 1915 2nd Ypres, 1916 Somme, 1917 Arras and 1917 Passchendale. Received Military Medal for actions in 1917 Passchendale, but was also wounded through gas inhalation and sent home to recuperate. Alfred wrote his memoirs in the 1970s and passed away in 1991.
I was emotionally drained after this movie. Very intense.
an extremely powerful film and beautifully made...Roger deakins cinematography was a master class...especially the night scene in that demolished town with those German flares flying overhead and lighting up that set was unbelievable looking in the cinema on the big screen with Thomas newman's fantastic music that track on the soundtrack is called the night window.
when blake was stabbed...its schofields reaction to not speaking to anyone in that truck even though the other soldiers were talking about something funny...its that guys acting to his friend dying and we all know it...the way he's not saying a thing and remembering what just happened was a fantastic scene..very sad.
8:30 this is one of my favorite scenes. It feels like the movie is reminding us that this are just kids. Kids with guns on their hands.
At PASCHENDALE the intense bombardment helped win the Hill...but then it rained for weeks...the mud filled bomb craters sacked in men and horses and equipment like a horror movie.
If you strayed off a duck board you were a gonna!!!!!
The mud killed thousands..the German counterattack and the ground was lost....FOR WHAT???
WHOLE families in Britain were lost...surnames disappeared from history.
Many big houses became parks when estates had no owners anymore.
Meat grinder of bad command...4 years of death meated out by machinery that had never been tried in war before.
Leading to tanks and blitzkrieg..lightning war...to avoid stablemates like in ww1.
Fun fact. The rifle the main character uses is a Lee Enfield that was issued to British soldiers. It only holds 10 bullets and through the whole film, he only fires 10 bullets the entire time and no more! Never reloads. Maybe he only had 10 bullets to use.
Standard load out was 120 rounds
saw this in imax on release night and it was incredible. im glad i got to see a movie like this on the big screen right before everything shut down.
Omg I love this movie. It’s one of the most visually impressive ways of filmmaking I’ve ever seen with only one cutscene while the entire story is told in first person. I love it. It’s almost like a video game.
It defiantly does a fantastic job, I think Children of Men, Birdman and 1917 have some of the most impressive single takes and tracking shots.
@@Butters117 I haven’t seen those, I’ll have to check them out.
@@GreatOldOne9866 I highly recommend both films you will not be disappointed. Children of men was directed by Alfonso Cuarón and Birdman by Alejandro González Iñárritu and Emmanuel Lubezki worked as cinematographer on both and he is a master at his craft.
@@Butters117 thanks bruh 👌
Nikki & Steven
Director of 1917, Sam Mendes' paternal grandfather, Alfred Mendes tell stories of WWI inspired Sam to film this movie in honor to Alfred. Alfred was a writer who has written poetry and fiction.
My grandad was 15 years of age and lay for 3 days trapped under a german tank, he came back damaged from gas and night terrors. The lad got drunk just before the 2 nd world war and joined up again as a cook. Brave brave men, and boys.
Good god. I can’t imagine what you’re grandad went through
Sam Mendes is an incredible director for cinematography and music. If you liked 1917 then you should watch Jarhead, also directed by Mendes. That film is incredible and the cinematography and use of colour blocks in segments of the film is amazing. It's also not your typical war film, in the same way that 1917 isn't either.
Just breaks my heart every time I see her crying 💔🥺
if you don't mind reading subtitles, you might want to watch 2014's German movie "Victoria" which is actually done in a complete 2 hour 30 minute shot, which they got on the third take. It's a drama-crime-thriller-romance film. Won the equivalent of many German Academy Awards. It lasts from around 4:30 am in darkness to around 7 am in morning light.
One of the best war movies I've ever seen.
Roger Deakins the DP is nothing short of the 🐐 of cinematography. Oscar winner for this as well.
Your reactions are soooo good, please watch the Band Of Brothers series, they will be gold with you guys! ❤️👍
Plus it would be a bit more relatable. They are American so watching American troops make sense.
Heck yeah, I highly suggest Band of Brothers too, such a fantastic show.
Didn't rate the Pacific but maybe bc band of brothers was soooo good
@@BOO66IOU Pacific was still good but you didn't really get to know the characters like you did with band of brothers and made them not stand out as much.
@@ImUnl3asheD I think that's a good point actually. The characters stay with u from Bob yet i can't remember too many from Pacific.
This is one of the best war movies I’ve ever seen. We saw it in a theater right before the pandemic hit. I was so glad we saw it in the theater. It was powerful. Made me think of my grandpa. He fought in WWI and was poisoned by mustard gas. He survived it but his voice was never the same. He was in the cavalry. When WWII came around he told my dad to go into the navy. Thankfully the war ended before my dad had to go fight. It was done so well. Loved the scenes where the flare was going off and the shadows and light lit up the sky. Great reaction. I cried too.
This film was already filled with a lot of tension, and the music helped elevate it all. Shame the score only won a few the awards it was nominated for
When I first saw this in the theater I WAS BLOWN AWAY! Plus, I didn’t know Benedict Cumberbatch was in it , so when he come up I was like “what he’s in this?”
Reacting to Parasite and Joker would also be amazing!
Parasite beat 1917 for Best Picture.
The music does a great job of evoking wonder and dread all at the same time.
Have you seen Dunkirk also by Christopher Nolan? It's great too.
Just watched this movie last weekend. Very intense. I feel for Nikki sometimes. She is such an empathy that I know when she is going to cry and it makes me feel for her. At least she watches with you, Steve. My wife refuses to watch any of the shows and movies I watch because of the violence.
If you want to see the real thing ...watch They Shall Not Grow Old. WW1 footage given to Peter Jackson (Lord Of The Rings) to bring back to life in 4K reality. They had lip readers study the footage and had actors saying their words. Glad you recognized "Rob Stark" I've watched you guys from the first GOT ractions.
Definitely. Amazing Film! Goose bumps.
and if you also like reading subtitles there's a film called Russian Ark from the 2000s, which is set The Winter Palace in St Petersberg and follows a disembodied voice following a 18th or 19th century Frenchman through the palace as it replays about scenes from the 300 years of the Russian Empire/Soviet Union from 1700s to 2000s, done in one 90 to 120 minute take.