'Masterpiece' war film now streaming on Netflix - fans say it's 'phenomenal'

Netflix viewers will be happy to learn that a war film starring Game of Thrones' star Richard Madden is available to stream on the platform. The film has been hailed by fans as both "phenomenal" and a "masterpiece". Released in 2019, 1917 is a British war film directed and produced by Sam Mendes, who co-wrote it with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. It is partially inspired by stories told to Mendes by his paternal grandfather Alfred about his service during World War 1. The film also stars George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Adrian Scarborough, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The film follows a pair of British soldiers, played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, on their mission to deliver an important message to call off a doomed offensive attack in the aftermath of the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich. Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch also star in the film.

The film was named among the best to be released in 2019 by several critics. It was also one of the films voted for the "Readers' Choice" edition of The New York Times' list of "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century," finishing at number 139.

It has an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus states: "Hard-hitting, immersive, and an impressive technical achievement, 1917 captures the trench warfare of World War I with raw, startling immediacy."

A top critic said: "It's an immersive, visceral and meticulously crafted film that has the emotional stakes to match."

While an audience reviewer described the film as a "masterpiece", stating: "Filled with intense action, deep emotion, and a compelling plot, this film is perfect for someone looking for a historic masterpiece."

Another said: "I had to watch this movie in class and I'm honestly so glad, this movie is amazing. I think it really captures just how devastating WW1 really was. The movie just left me in a stunned silence, the ending was amazing. If your at all intrested in the events of WW1 or such you should definitely watch this."

1917 is available to watch on streaming platform Netflix.