It's been hailed as the best war film since Saving Private Ryan11:48, 26 May 2026A war film considered one of the best of the 21st century is streaming free on BBC iPlayer for a limited time. The Oscar and BAFTA-winning film follows two young British soldiers as they cross enemy territory to deliver a message that would prevent more than a thousand men from walking into a trap.‌If that rings a bell, you'll recognise the film as director Sir Sam Mendes' war epic, 1917. Filmed to look like one continuous take, the World War 1 drama offers a uniquely heart-pounding viewing experience that brings audiences along every moment of the soldiers' mission across trenches and no man's land.‌Despite unfolding over just one day, 1917 has captivated viewers for its extraordinary portrayal of warfare's brutal reality. Viewers have 14 days to catch the film before it disappears off iPlayer.‌What is 1917 about?The story begins in the titular year of 1917. Allied commanders have discovered their forces are being drawn into a trap. Aerial surveillance has uncovered that German forces are planning an ambush on the Western Front.Under the mistaken belief that the Germans were falling back, they realise that the British battalion due to attack the Germans tomorrow morning are doomed.The situation is dire. Field telephone lines have been severed and there are no other means of warning their comrades but to go to them directly.‌Two young soldiers, Will Schofield and Tom Blake (portrayed by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman), are tasked with delivering a vital message.Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), they must venture deep into enemy territory to locate the battalion of 1,600 soldiers — including Blake's brother (Game of Thrones' Richard Madden) — and stop them before it's too late.‌Was 1917 shot in a single take?One of the things 1917 is best known for is its clever camerawork.Cinematographer Roger Deakins used movie magic to make it seem as if the two-hour war drama unfolds in one continuous shot.The smooth transitions were hidden amongst explosions, passing troops, and objects blocking the camera's view. The film's single longest shot is the eight-and-a-half minute opening scene.‌Is 1917 based on a true story?While the story is fictional, it was inspired by the war stories of Mendes' grandfather.The director told Radio 1: "There was one particular story he told us about carrying a message across no man's land alone at dusk. I couldn't let go of that one image. I thought: What if we develop that into a single journey of more epic proportions?"‌What critics and viewers thoughtThe response to 1917 was largely positive. Critics lauded the war epic's gripping narrative and technical brilliance.It holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The website's critical consensus, drawn from over 400 reviews, states: "Hard-hitting, immersive, and an impressive technical achievement, 1917 captures the trench warfare of World War I with raw, startling immediacy."The film scooped Best Film, Best Director and Outstanding British Film at the BAFTAs, along with Oscars for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects.‌Rolling Stone hailed it as "one of the best war films of all time", while the Observer drew comparisons to a genre classic: "Every war is hell, no matter when it was fought, but 1917, which is about a war far removed from contemporary reality, turns out to the best war picture since Saving Private Ryan."Film critic Candice McMillan noted its broader appeal beyond typical genre enthusiasts: "Sam Mendes' quiet WWI epic 1917 is a cinematic masterpiece, a near perfect war film that appeals to even those of us who don't particularly enjoy war movies."Article continues belowOne audience reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes put it simply: "A masterpiece of cinema."However, not everybody is convinced. Despite being many viewers' go-to war film, some critics have dismissed 1917 as gimmicky, with flat characters and a one-dimensional storyline.1917 is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer for 14 days as of publication.