Monday, January 8, 2018

Movie Review Madness - Darkest Hour

 Never Surrender

Those words are the key to Darkest Hour.  Wow – Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill is superb.  Neville Chamberlain does not have the support of Parliament. Viscount Halifax is still an up and comer. Who to tap for Prime Minister? Oh dear. Winston Churchill appears to be the man that can appease all sides. He drinks a lot, smokes those infernal cigars, he’s insufferable and goes through secretaries like crazy. King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) is not a fan. He’s a tad afraid of the man.  Winston’s wife Clemmie (the incomparable Kristen Scott Thomas) asks him to try to be patient, but she’s pleased he’s finally getting the accolades he deserves.

It’s dire times for Western Europe. Hitler is swallowing up countries – Poland, Holland, Belgium, and now in France. The United Kingdom must declare war or negotiate peace. But is Mussolini of Italy the one to work with. Oh dear. Churchill has a quandary. He’s in the War Room, looking at the map with despair. Thousands of young man are on the beaches of Dunkirk – stuck as the Germans narrow the circle. Now what? Civilian boats set sail and it looks as if the plan will work. Winston seeks out his people, the citizens for an opinion – fight or flight? That’s where he sees and hears – Never Surrender.
His great speech to Parliament at the finale of the film is stirring. His words still ring out today. History was made.

Director Joe Wright captures the times. There are many nuanced touches and tough characters. He gives us a slice of history on the big screen and doesn’t waver in showing flaws and strengths. It’s a wow.  I loved a line from the movie in regards to Winston – “He mobilized the English language and sent it off into battle.”


20 comments:

  1. I really want to see this one. Heard Oldman is outstanding. Considering the time period, it would be a perfect companion with Dunkirk.

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    1. yes. double header - Darkest Hour and then Dunkirk - a full WWII lesson. Gary won the Golden Globe last night - worthy winner

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  2. Hi Joanne - one I too definitely want to see ...

    Dunkirk is brilliant ... and the way it's been produced is incredible ... three stories that are interwoven, yet aren't for the film's purposes .. . very clever film making.

    Thanks for the review .. cheers Hilary

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    1. you will find Darkest Hour to be quite good.

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  3. I've heard a lot of good comments about this one. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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    1. yes, I'd say you will be engaged from start to finish

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  4. I want to see this too. Thanks for reminding me about it.

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  5. Sure one I am going to have to see. 2 good reviews for it today I've read at my feed.

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    1. good buzz from Gary Oldman winning a Golden Globe too.

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  6. I love Gary Oldman. He's such a chameleon.

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    1. Yes, he deserves an Oscar for his body of work

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  7. A bit of history from the UK. Sounds like a good movie Joanne.

    Yvonne.

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    1. yep and many winning characters from your island

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  8. It's like Gary Oldman can do no wrong. Sounds like a must-see. Thanks for the review.

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  9. Hm, a very clever line about Churchill. Sounds like an intriguing, well done movie. I can't imagine the work and creativity involved in capturing history in such a powerful way. Glad this one's a winner.

    Thank you, Joanne. I hope your year's been off to a grand start.

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  10. This is on my list! Though have to confess I am not a fan of Winston's - not a heroic person from the Indian historian's pov...but certainly a great orator!

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  11. It's a fabulous story and better because it's true! Gary Oldman is one of my favourite actors (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is one of my very best movies). You might like this post from my former Blog:
    http://bazzablog-uk.blogspot.co.uk/2006/08/my-heroes-10-sir-winston-churchill.html#links

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