Review by John Delia, Sr.
Breathtaking, yet not in scenery way, the movie Journey’s End takes you into the World War I trenches manned by the British who are facing off against the Germans. Expertly filmed, directed and acted, the movie gets down and dirty in the lousy conditions of the dugouts, officers’ quarters and the battlefield. There are scenes so compelling they will keep you on the edge of your seat as generals decide whether to advance or withdraw.
It’s 1918 and the war in Europe has taken deathly turn where we find a battalion of British soldiers each waiting if their squad will be called up to the front. Changing out every six days, the men relieve those who have been losing ground against the German Army who is about to begin an all-out attack on the tired and meagerly armed British.
Showing no fear and wanting the exhilaration of being in the thick of things, newly commissioned Second Lieutenant Raleigh (Asa Butterfield) requests to be with his former military instructor Captain Stanhope (Sam Claflin) who commands squads on the front lines. Granted his wish he gets sent to the front. There he begins to understand the temperament and devastation that war brings on an uneven battlefield.
Depicting the awful conditions, psychological effects and gallantry of the men facing death at every turn, Director Saul Dibb pulls no punches. He punctuates the evil that is war, the absence of leadership, the madness that takes over and the finality through the men who have to lead and the courage of those who face a ferocious well-armed foe. Dibb gives his audience a dim view of what it was like under British orders to stay their ground and carry out a suicide mission.
The filmmakers put together a very good cast with performances that are compelling, capturing the essence of the fight for survival and the consequences of war. Sam Claflin delivers a war weary Captain Stanhope who has been drained of any hope as each new squad enters his trenches relieving the group that has taken their turn. He can’t come to grips on why he’s there and his mind becomes a hapless nightmare.
As the newest recruit Second Lieutenant Raleigh, Asa Butterfield starts out as a brash, ready for battle greenhorn who wants the thrill of being on the front line. He’s eager and doesn’t see the signs that his squad could be the unlucky replacements. It’s like Russian roulette with one bullet in the chamber that may be meant for him or his soldiers. As a new arrival to the battlefield filled with fight, he does however bring new hope to the men on the front lines, even if it is for just one week. When he has to dig down deep and show his courage by entering “no man’s landâ€, he starts to doubt his motive for being there.
The production is stellar with excellent sets, wardrobe, make-up, and special effects that bring realism to the movie. The harsh conditions, explosions, punishing sounds of battle and the photography of the anguish shown by men under duress, make the film work.
Journey’s End has been rated R by the MPAA for some language and war images. It also has some gory scenes and drinking.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Much like Dunkirk and The Darkest Hour, this film brings the harsh reality of war to the forefront. (5 out 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Paul Bettany, Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, Toby Jones, Tom Sturridge, Stephen Graham
Directed by: Saul Dibb
Written by: Simon Reade
Genre: War, Drama,
MPAA Rating: R for some language and war images
Running Time: 1 hr. 47 min.
Release Date: March 16, 2018
Distributed by: Good Deed Entertainment