The acclaimed WWI film 1917 has been called a 'cinematic masterpiece' by fans and yet the storyline is 'haunting' and real09:11, 12 Aug 2026Inspired by the deeply personal stories of a family member who survived the first world war, this epic war film is being called "one of the most important of our generation".‌The British war film has been placed firmly amongst some of the all-time greats of the genre, and yet it all began with the real life experiences of Alfred H. Mendes, who served as a Lance Corporal and messenger for the British Army on the Western Front.‌1917 is a film that is set in that very year, directed by Sam Mendes, who also co-wrote the project, after hearing the haunting tales of his Grandfather's time spent in the first world war. It's those real and gritty stories that fundamentally shaped the film, and many viewers have praised it for being a true reflection of events.‌The story follows the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich, and two British soldiers at the heart of it all. They were entrusted with a vital mission to deliver a message which would halter an offensive attack, and the film builds up to this critical moment, to see if the message makes it in time.The intensity of the situation is portrayed throughout the film, and is what made it a 'haunting' watch for viewers. One Rotten Tomatoes review reads: " This was a great movie from start to finish, it has one of the greatest scenes ever in cinema which is Lance Corporal Schofield running through the battlefield to delivering the message to stop the battle."‌They added: "It’s truly heart pounding to see movies like this, you can’t beat it."The film has garnered widespread acclaim for its special effects, sound design and much more, earning itself 10 Oscar nominations upon release. Ultimately, it claimed the awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Visual Effects — accolades that fans cherish as they rightfully crown it a 'masterpiece'.These weren't the only awards it landed that season, Mende's captivating story went on to win seven BAFTA Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying itself as a modern classic of the genre.‌The acclaim isn't solely reserved for the film's stunning visual style, however, as the cast has earned richly deserved recognition for bringing this deeply moving story to life. The ensemble includes George MacKay, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch and Richard Madden.All of these elements combined is what make it, what many consider to be 'essentially viewing', whether you're a fan of the genre, interested by the history or not. Holding 1917 in such high regard, one person shared: "One of the best war movies ever made.‌"I've watched this movie probably 20 times now and it never ceases to amaze me. This is one of the most important movies of our generation and I think everyone should watch it."A crucial aspect of the film that gives the entire picture an extraordinarily "immersive" quality, is the fact it blends seamlessly to seem as though its all in one long take. Many even say this made them feel as though they were experiencing it all, like the characters themselves.A review reads: "1917 is one of those movies that completely pulls you in the way it's filmed makes you feel like you're right there with the soldiers, and every minute feels intense it's not just about war it's about courage, sacrifice, and the determination to save lives against impossible odds definitely one of the most immersive war films I have seen."Article continues belowOn the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive score of 88%, and it's plain to see that viewers simply cannot resist returning to it for a rewatch, or 20.The acclaimed British war epic that is 1917 is available to watch right now on both Netflix and Amazon Prime.