I needed a moment to recover after seeing 1917 in IMAX. It’s hard to know how to even begin discussing this film, especially considering the remarkable technical aspects that are impossible to ignore, despite usually overlooking such details. The cinematography by Roger Deakins is truly something special. While films have attempted to create the illusion of a "one shot" take before—like Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Birdman or Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope—this film takes it to another level. Even shows like Mr. Robot and The Haunting of Hill House have experimented with this technique, cleverly concealing cuts with transitions. Sam Mendes, Roger Deakins, and editor Lee Smith collaborated to create what is likely the most immersive war movie ever made. The story itself isn’t complex, but the technical achievement elevates it significantly; even viewers unfamiliar with filmmaking will notice something different. This is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible—watching it at home simply won't do it justice. Throughout the entire runtime, I felt completely immersed alongside Schofield and Blake, as if I were another soldier on their critical mission. 1917 surpasses other "one shot" films, with Birdman coming in a close second. While Birdman relies heavily on dialogue and acting, 1917 delivers intense sequences filled with gunfire, explosions, and relentless running, wading through mud and navigating fields littered with corpses—not to mention the unsettling presence of rats. Roger Deakins’ cinematography is almost indescribable; it's more than just a film – it’s an experience. It forms the very foundation of 1917 and is the primary reason audiences are flocking to theaters. However, Lee Smith’s editing deserves equal recognition. Despite the illusion of a continuous take, cuts exist, and his skill ensured they remain virtually undetectable. He managed to make them disappear, even when characters pass in front of the camera or the view pans across walls or objects, or while traversing dark areas. Mendes and Thomas Newman also deserve praise; Mendes flawlessly brought his vision to life, coordinating his actors with precision, and Newman’s score is exceptional—it would have been wonderful if it had been released in a different year as Hildur Guðnadóttir is likely to win the Oscar for Best Original Score. Comparisons to Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk are inevitable due to their shared goal of creating an immersive war experience. While Nolan’s film received widespread acclaim, one common criticism was its lack of character development—something 1917 addresses more effectively, allowing viewers to connect with the protagonists. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman deliver compelling performances, portraying characters who undergo subtle but meaningful arcs. Initially, Blake is driven by emotion while Schofield appears rational; however, as the film progresses, we learn about their individual motivations, leading to a deeply emotional experience. Their dialogue, seemingly casual conversations at times, ultimately proves significant. The acting is largely physical, and both actors deliver outstanding work. I would place 1917 on par with Dunkirk in my affections, though recency might influence that slightly. Both films suffer from the same limitation: their impact diminishes when viewed outside of a theater. You miss out on the immersive quality everyone raves about, failing to grasp what made audiences so impressed. So please, don’t miss 1917 on the big screen! Director Sam Mendes, director of photography Roger Deakins, and editor Lee Smith are essential contributors to one of the greatest WWI films ever created. The film's seamless editing creates a breathtaking technical achievement, amplified by Deakins’ stunning visuals, Newman’s emotionally resonant score, Mendes’ masterful direction, and Smith’s nearly invisible cuts. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman give memorable physical performances, but it is the astonishing filmmaking that truly commands attention. Every element—production design, costume design, sound—is flawless. It's an incredibly immersive experience meant to be enjoyed on the largest screen available, and it easily earns a place among my Top 10 movies of 2019. Rating: A

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