1917 (ENGLISH) (2019)

War wreaks havoc on such a stupendous scale as it lays waste to once fertile fields, reduces resplendent landscapes to rubbish and rubble, delivering a deluge of death to unsuspecting scores while snuffing the life out of those left living as it renders them to a state of walking dead. It painfully wrenches the men from within the boys much before they could feel and enjoy the pleasures of boyhood as they are consumed by the insatiable appetite of obsessed adults who are at each other's throats. Little wonder that wars have captivated the imagination of story-tellers and by extension, film-makers for ages.

World War I.. French countryside.. British and German forces are deadlocked in a pitched battle of trench warfare where neither side is able to advance any more .. Lance Corporals Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are assigned on a deadly quest to cut across enemy held territory to deliver an urgent message to another advancing British column which is about to walk into a German ambush.

In 1917, director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins have achieved a milestone as they stage the entire movie which is based on a wafer-thin premise to feel like a single seamless shot. The result is spectacular as it renders a rare fluidity and an immersive experience for the viewers who are sucked into the center of the action brimming with creeping consternation with each passing moment.

We are pushed off the comfort of your seat as we are forced to take the plunge into the trenches .. scurry across the open fields .. get soaked .. taste the dust and grime .. buffeted by the swirling currents .. dragging ourselves across the scores of unfortunate men and animals lying dead.. wondering if they were actually fortunate to reach their fatal ends long ago rather suffering the sorry plight of those living, if one can call it that.

The movie benefits enormously from its technical finesse in almost every aspect, including elaborate production design that recreates the stomach curdling carnage of war and a tense score by Thomas Newman that makes even the intervening silent moments feel deceptive like the passing through the eye of a cyclone heralding the impending perils.

While 1917 rightfully feels like a milestone in cinematic achievement and richly deserves the multiple awards for technical categories, it does not go the whole hog as it falls short of being a masterpiece in storytelling.

AN EXHILARATING WATCH !

RATING -3.5/5

JOJO RABBIT (ENGLISH) (2019)

It is the final phase of second world war. The Allies are knocking at the threshold of Germany. But, it is business as usual in Berlin where our protagonist - ten year old Jojo Betzler considers himself the ideal Aryan as he prepares to join a weekend camp of indoctrination by Hitler Youth. The Fuhrer is his greatest idol and also imaginary best friend - a confidante with whom he has several personal conversations and seeks guidance. Jojo  lives alone with his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) while his father is away fighting in the war. 

Jojo aspires to rise through the ranks of Hitler Youth and become a personal bodyguard of the Fuhrer. But, underneath the facade of his Aryan pride, Jojo is a kind and sweet boy who flinches at hurting another being. JoJo's orderly world gets a bolt from the blue when he accidentally discovers that his mother has been hiding a much older jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their home. Jojo intends to betray Elsa to the authorities and regain some of his lost prestige by winning a medal for the act. But, he faces a dilemma as he feels that it could put his mother in peril.

Thus unfolds a coming-of-age drama that sees our little Jojo on a journey of self discovery of understanding his beliefs including the systematic indoctrination of hate he was subjected to despite his tender age.

While most parts of the movie breezes through as a well made satire filled with oodles of irreverent and dark humour, these are interspersed with moments which are poignant and underline the grim realities of the time without resorting to any melodrama.

Without being preachy, the movie casts its focus on how ideologies - howsoever well meaning - if let loose, could crush the idiosyncrasies that make us human and could convert us into unthinking automatons under the command of powers that be.

Roman Griffin Davis is endearing and  absolutely spot on as the vulnerable Jojo. Scarlett Johansson brings a natural warmth and mirth as JoJo's mother Rosie and richly deserves her Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. The talented Sam Rockwell shines in a short cameo while Waititi is having a whale of a time playing Hitler.

Director Taika Waititi (Thor Ragnarok) has delivered an important movie which, despite being set during second world war, resonates strongly with our own times that is marked by a rising tide of restlessness and distrust across the globe. 

A GEM ! A MUST WATCH !!

RATING - 4/5