1917

Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay,

Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong,

Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden

"Time is the Enemy"

As far as war movies go, this Sam Mendes film has to be one of the simplest I've watched, so far. Yet it doesn't take away the fact that war is still an armed conflict between nations, innocent soldiers just following orders had to bear arms and heroically fight for their countries.  

As the title suggests, it focuses on the first World War in France where British troops are preparing to go on an offensive attack against the Germans. General Erinmore (Colin Firth) receives news that the Nazis (Germans) are planning to ambush the British contingent. Yet there is no way, General Erinmore can warn them as their communication equipment are down from a night of endless fighting. He then orders two soldiers, Lance Cpl Blake and Lance Cpl Schofield to race against time, cross enemy territories, to convey this message to save an entire troop from being slaughtered. Among them, Blake's own older brother.

It is a daunting task and an impossible mission yet they have no choice but to follow General Erinmore's very urgent orders. Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield set off in broad daylight, making their way through the now abandoned enemy trenches, through no man's land, rotting with dead bodies, dead horses with rats feasting on the corpses. Yet after a tragic incident, Lance Cpl Schofield (George MacKay) is now alone to carry out the message. Does he make it on time? Is he able to shield his fellow 1,600 comrades from the trap?  I won't reveal any more spoilers, better watch till the end.

The main cast is composed of two young actors whose inspiring performances will certainly boost their career. George MacKay layered his character with depth by his ashen faced, stoic demeanor. It also has cameo roles from well known British actors who gave some star quality to the movie.

This war drama is filled with intense sequences, as we follow the two soldiers journey into the unknown. Great aerial shots of monochromatic emptiness, of destruction and lost lives. You can almost smell the decaying flesh. Ewww. Some of the scenes were shot with a single frame, not the entire movie because that would be impossible. But these one shot sequences are visually attractive and added much appeal of this otherwise rather simple yet complex tale. A story of a relentless soldier whose tenacious fervor, never say die attitude lent a needed air of gravitas, saving "1917" from becoming just another war movie.

We tend to condemn wars but we also tend to forget soldiers fought valiantly, even losing their lives so we, the present and future generation would enjoy the freedom, we often take for granted. Kudos to Sam Mendes for giving us an emotionally well crafted and passionate chronicle which was narrated to him by his grandfather who fought in the first World War.

The Emperor in August

Eiga Sai 2016
Japanese Film Festival

Cinema 2, Shang Cineplex

August 1945 was a very important month in Japan's war history. After the leaders of the Allied nations met in Potsdam to negotiate for the end of the second World War, they issued a declaration. This statement known as the Potsdam Declaration basically sealed the deal for Japan. They were given an ultimatum to unconditionally surrender and withdraw their troops from nations which they occupied during the entirety of WWII.  

This film shows the perspective from Japan's side as the authorities from the Emperor himself to the members of his Cabinet weigh in on their proper response to the Potsdam Declaration.

Shown through short yet comprehensive scenes of various scenarios from the Cabinet meetings, to the audience with the Emperor as well as the growing coup brewing among the young officers (who wanted to fight till the very end and not surrender at all), this film offers a good behind.the.scenes narration of that important time in history.

All those endless footage of the numerous Cabinet meetings were necessary to portray the dilemma which Japan found itself in after the issuance of the Potsdam Declaration yet I figure a closer view of the impending coup d'etat being orchestrated by the young commissioned officers would have given the film a good balance to sustain the momentum. 

Even though the title mentions the Emperor, I believe this film did not do enough to delve into a deeper introspection of his character. He is portrayed as being compassionate and pensive about the future of his citizens after the war. How Japan would rebuild its nation after the devastation. These are all valid sentiments, naturally. 

Yet this is in stark contrast to the numerous atrocities which the Japanese army committed during the war which was waged in the Emperor's name.  I understand that the Japanese basically worship him and regard him as "God" so perhaps the writers didn't want to tarnish his 'image'?

An interesting piece of narration but there were some missing elements which could have given the film a solid edge in its portrayal of a definitive event in a nation's war history.

AMERICAN SNIPER

Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller

"One Bullet can tell the Story"

Clint Eastwood gives us the story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in US military history. Even though it is basically a biography about his exploits in the four tours of duty he served in Iraq, the film itself didn't give out such a vibe. It still felt like any normal film about the effects of war on a person who is trained to kill enemies and justifies it as serving his country.

Bradley Cooper is in full character form, even growing a bushy beard to resemble the late Chris Kyle. It is just unfortunate that he is best known for his role in the "Hangover" franchise. So his reputation as a serious character actor is a bit tainted even though he has been consistent in putting out credible performances. The fact that he has been nominated thrice for various roles should silence the critics.  

As Chris Kyle, he succeeds in bringing forth the sniper's strong sense of patriotism and his private battles to the screen. A deeply complex character that has witnessed the horrors of war yet once he is home from his tour cannot adapt to 'normal' life. Surely, it can be traced to PTSD yet somehow I got the impression that Chris Kyle was over zealous and took his sniper duty to heart and he felt more comfortable in a war zone than living, normally.

As expected in most war movies, women usually take a back seat. Sienna Miller as Taya Kyle is in a thankless role as a nagging wife who does not understand or chooses to deny that her husband has PTSD. But based on interviews with the widow of Chris Kyle, she strikes me as loving wife who was totally devoted to her husband and their family. Surely she had flaws so I wonder if she approved of Sienna Miller's portrayal of her.

Going back to the film, technically it is well directed. The tour of duty scenes are authentic and it does convey the horrors of  war. More specifically that the role of a sniper is relevant and quite important and it is a case of 'killing the enemy than being killed'.

But I can't say the same for the scenes depicting his life back home, they were quite amateurish. Plus using a doll to pretend it is a real baby is simply unforgivable, something you don't expect from a Clint Eastwood movie! Yes it is quite obvious, goodness!