One of the most celebrated war films of recent years, boasting 10 Oscar nominations and a stellar cast, arrives on Amazon Prime Video. Audiences can now experience the intense World War I thriller 1917 in its entirety.
Plot and Cast
Directed by Sam Mendes and released in 2019, 1917 follows two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Cpl. Blake (Richard Madden), on a urgent mission. They must cross enemy lines to deliver a message preventing 1,600 troops from falling into a deadly trap, including Blake’s brother.
The ensemble features Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch, delivering gripping performances amid high-stakes action.
Innovative Filmmaking
With a budget of $90-100 million, the film employs long takes to simulate two continuous shots, immersing viewers without visible cuts. This bold technique creates a seamless, real-time journey through no-man’s-land.
Box Office Triumph and Reviews
1917 grossed over $446 million worldwide, earning praise for its visuals, sound, and tension. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 88% score from critics and audiences alike.
Film critic Wenlei Ma describes it as “an immersive, visceral and meticulously crafted film that has the emotional stakes to match.” Sara Michelle Fetters notes she “couldn’t take [her] eyes off the screen.” Adam Graham of Detroit News calls it “a tense, unnerving ride that accomplishes its goal of translating the first-person experience of war better than any war movies that have come before it.”
Cath Clarke labels it “tremendously moving,” while Max Weiss praises the “swift and heart-pounding” action. Viewers echo this: one calls it a “cinematic masterpiece,” another declares it has “absolutely no downsides” and ranks among “the best war movies of all time.”
Awards and Achievements
The film secured 163 nominations and 72 wins, including three Oscars for cinematography, sound mixing, and visual effects. It claimed seven BAFTAs, such as best film and direction, two Golden Globes, and the Outstanding Directing award at the Directors Guild of America.
Sam Mendes’ Personal Touch
Mendes drew inspiration from his grandfather’s Western Front stories as a messenger. “I made the movie in a way that wants the audience to feel like it happened yesterday,” he stated. “It’s a contemporary film… that enriches people’s understanding of what these men went through.”
Reflecting on the challenging shoots, Mendes admitted the seamless style proved stressful yet exhilarating: “It would be so much easier to make this in a conventional way… but when you get the shot… it’s so exhilarating.” His acclaimed career includes Oscar-winning American Beauty, Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, and producing the 2025 Hamnet adaptation.
1917 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
