Masterpiece war film ‘better than Saving Private Ryan’ on Amazon Prime | Films | Entertainment

An epic World War 1 film hailed as superior to Saving Private Ryan is streaming now in the UK. 1917 (2019) tells the story of two young British soldiers, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake (played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) as they take on a perilous mission in northern France during the Great War.

Under a hail of enemy fire, the pair race to deliver a life-or-death warning to 1,600-strong remote regiment to prevent them being caught in a German trap. The film, co-written and directed by James Bond director Sam Mendes consists of long-takes stitched together to create a deep sense of immersion.

It features a host of British and Irish stars with Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Adrian Scarborough, and Benedict Cumberbatch appearing in supporting roles.

A reviewer on Tom’s Guide said it’s “pretty much my favorite war movie ever made” ranking it even above classics of the genre like Steven Spielberg‘s acclaimed WW2 epic Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypse Now and All Quiet on the Western Front.

Fans have taken to IMDb to lavish it with praise, with one writing: “The plot is among the simplest I’ve seen in a war film and the movie is really about action and the men’s struggle to sneak across the battlefield and alert their troops….simple.

“Yet it was made so thoughtfully and realistically that it really worked well. A brilliantly made film…among the best I’ve seen about war. But it’s also very graphic and unpleasant….so be forewarned.”

Another wrote: “1917 is a poem. Is the most deep, impressive and realistic way of seeing what kinds of things happened in WWI.

“This movie made me leave the movies with tears in my eyes as if I have had a time travel experience to the World War I, and then waking up and realizing how wonderful are the times we are living in. 1917 is a must see movie for everyone.”

A third gave it a perfect score, saying the WW1 thriller is “simply a modern day masterpiece”.

“I was blown away by every single frame of the film and to think they have managed to create the illusion of the whole movie being 1 single shot is absolutely phenomenal which is why every award given is completely well deserved!,” they added.

The film has a 15 certificate and contains strong injury detail and language – so viewer discretion is advised.

1917 was added to Amazon Prime Video this week. It’s also available to buy or rent on Apple TV, Sky Store, and YouTube.