Jan 23rd
1917** (15) 
(Curzon Colchester)                                               

(GB/US 2019)
Dreamworks/Reliance/New Republic/Mogambo/Neal Street. 119m. ws

In WWI two soldiers face a perilous journey across the battlefields to warn their fellow soldiers about a planned offensive that is walking into a trap.
A 100-year old war given a 21st century perspective; capably made with some vivid scenes, and a few judicious uses of passing bushes and people to smother the effect of an attempted single take 2-hour film. The story and performances ultimately overcome the technique.

Written by: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns.
Producers: Sam Mendes, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, Callum McDougall, Brian Oliver.
Director: Sam Mendes.
Starring: Dean-Charles Chapman, George McKay, Colin Firth, Andrew Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Dubocq, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden.
Photography: Roger Deakins.
Music: Thomas Newman.
Production Design: Dennis Gassner.