I have no idea why people are raving about this film, it's a bit crap, it's probably Oldman weakest performance to date, and the cinematography is terrible. Churchill with Brian Cox in the lead role is a FAR superior film on the subject.
When viewing this movie, two recent movies spring immediately to mind: Dunkirk and Lincoln. Dunkirk comes to mind because of the battle being predominant to the narrative of the film. Dunkirk makes the battle visceral, sure, but this film surpasses it in describing how critical that battle was and its importance to Churchill's career.
Lincoln is the film it more closely resembles. It's a character study of a national leader in their early years, during war, surrounded by political enemies with a standout performance by the lead. I found this movie more compelling because the character of Churchill more readily demonstrated his fear and lack of confidence in his own convictions which made for a more dramatic film that I thought brought the gravity of the war more to the fore. I'm not debating who was the better leader, but who had the more engaging story and I think this is it.
It moves along at a good pace and the "secretary" character does a good job of being the new person added to the world so the "Morris the Explainer" exposition is fairly well camouflaged. 8/10
This film won me over. It began poorly for me. I didn't care for Gary Oldman's Churchill or Ben Mendelsohn's choice of characterization of George VI. I was unuse to seeing Winston or the King portrayed as a blowhard or a faltering man but this provided a base upon which Anthony McCaren would build an arch that would span upward to a glorious triumph. He frames his story with a juxtaposition of viewpoints from the back rooms of power to the typewriter of a lowly secretary. Brilliant writing. Incredible performances from the aforementioned as well as Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas. A superb film for which I give a rating of 9 (superb) out of 10. (If you haven't already, you should immediately watch DUNKIRK following this movie - bring tissues.) [Historical Drama]
"Will you stop interrupting me while I am interrupting you!"
'Darkest Hour' is this years 'Lincoln'. Both films star a well respected actor who is unrealizable and brings one of the best performances of their career. History sure dose repeat itself.
It's quite shocking more actors have played Winston Churchill than James Bond, Spider-Man, and Doctor Who. Lets not forget we had another movie about Winston Churchill early this year named 'Churchill' staring Brain Cox. However, my excitement for Oldman to play the British bull dog was high, because I knew he's gonna stick his teeth into this meaty role, and he sure did. Gary Oldman was absolutely terrific and not once will you guess it's him. The level of humility, fear, and rage Oldman brought to role makes you see another side to Churchill. Almost like an inside look. He continues to be a legend and this is his finest hour.
Ben Mendelsohn, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Lily James all delivered solid performances in supporting roles. Each character has a major role in Churchill's life. Leaving a strong impression on me.
Without giving away too much, but there's a great scene in the film where Churchill goes onto the subway for the first time. He meets regular people and listens to them in person. It's probably one of the best scenes I've seen this year.
The cinematography was really stunning and Joe Wright directs the hell out of it. Even through some scenes go on a little bit too long for it's runtime. There's a lot of dialogue heavy scenes which may turn some people off, which it did for me at times.
Overall rating: Any British or history buff will really enjoy this one. It's a well crafted movie that's doesn't feel like one of those TV made films you sometimes get.
One of the most amazing moments in history - impossible decisions of immeasurable consequence. Good vs an ultimate evil. And while others cower under such a heavy burden, one with courage grabs the reins and takes hold of the situation, creating an
unforgettable moment in history. This sequence of events is turned in to a well done drama, carried out with amazing acting.
Although this movie lacks action and is mostly conversation it does not bore. This movie is very well made, the story and the feeling are just right, and the acting is superb! I do hope that Gary Oldman will get an oscar for him amazing portrait of Winston Churchill.
Absolutely excellent. Oldman is brilliant.
Gary Oldman is a tour de force as Winston Churchill capturing his mannerisms and characteristics to show that he truly deserves award nominations in the acting categories.
However, I personally feel like this is inferior to a similar WW2 film, Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. Darkest Hour manages to show you the actions of Churchill and his War Cabinet but (despite a few moments) does not show the consequences of these actions leading to less of a emotional weight, even the Tube scene felt a little forced to me.
The film is technically well done, using light and dark and even rain and sun to show the effects of war on the people with tracking shots being used to capture the grim atmosphere of 1940. Both cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel and composer Dario Marianelli deserve a mention, helping to set the world in a captivating way.
The film is an acting masterpiece (especially from Oldman) but it’s just a shame that other elements of the film couldn’t match the high-bar set by that.
Yes, Oldman's acting is as good as his makeup, but that does little to change the fact that this film is about a man making historical speeches. If you're a fan of speech making and history, then this film is for you. If not, try Dunkirk instead.
Gary Oldman gives a solid performance here - the drama is solid, with good direction. However, it seems that the story can’t help me feel related to the character personally - this is a shame because the movie is focused on Churchill, yet I can’t still understand who he is
It's a good movie for sure but not brilliant i believe it could be better in many parts.7.2/10
Spectacular, actor Gary Oldman is impeccable. Engaging and inspiring film. Narrative told in a very good way and the story unfolds smoothly. Great movie, certainly one of my favorites starting today. I recommend.
The story is the story. Can’t really deny history but Gary Oldman really is outstanding.
This was kind of disappointing. It's not the fault of the movie. Gary Oldman was great (of course) and it was a nice dramatization. I just didn't like this as much as I thought I would. It's mostly my own fault for desiring more of a history lesson than a character piece.
With much speechifying and grandstanding, this is well-made and well-acted, but it's still ANOTHER film about Winston Churchill, with a story that is surely familiar to most of us now. Kudos to Wright and Oldman, and blessings to the late Winston, but for now, I am in no hurry to see another film about the great man.
I thought this film was absolutely marvelous! It really gave a great sense of Churchills mindset and the decisions he had to make for the good of the country. The weak politicians around him and the strong sense of support from his wife and close team really came out during the film. The acting was great, the cinematography very gritty and perfect for such a film. Overall this was one of the best movies i've seen this year, it even prompted me to look up some of the history behind this great leader.
I know I am in the minority but I don't see where this movie is better than Teplitzky's. On the contrary, with the exception of production, which is on the same level, the Brian Cox movie is better on all accounts.
It's not a documentary so I am willing to give writers some leeway for the purpose of dramatising certain facts like, say, timeframes or putting a fictional character in between real ones. But that scene in the underground is pure fabrication, it's a fairy tale that is pure Hollywood. Do filmmakers even care that there are people who don't know the real history taking things like that at face value.
Oldmans performance maybe more accurate but did not pull me in. While, after watching Cox, I tought Churchill is a person I would liked to have met, I percieved Oldmans versions as unlikeable. After watching this I can only say I am dissapointed.
I slept half the movie.
An incredible film, which makes us reflect on the delicacy of the Second World War and reminds us that we must be grateful to the people who fought so that we can live the way we live today. Winston Churchill faced several challenges during the war, both internal and social. It is impressive how he was able to face such difficulties and make the necessary decisions, even if they were difficult.
Gary Oldman is, well, Gary Oldman, so he obviously nailed his part. It's a fine movie all in all, but I feel like they wasted an opportunity by focussing on such a narrowly-scoped political story.
Moments like the Coventry air raid and the related terrible choices with information coming out of Bletchley Park would certainly made for compelling cinema, just as an example.
As someone that doesn’t really like historical dramas, this movie is very good. It’s obviously a pivotal part in history and a story that everyone should know. Gary Oldman is fantastic as usual. While this won’t be one I revisit much, I would recommend it to many to check out.
Rating: 3.5/5 - 8/10 - Would Recommend
"Will you stop interrupting me while I am interrupting you!"
'Darkest Hour' is this years 'Lincoln'. Both films star a well respected actor who is unrealizable and brings one of the best performances of their career. History sure dose repeat itself.
It's quite shocking that more actors have played Winston Churchill than James Bond, Spider-Man, and Doctor Who. Lets not forget we had another movie about Winston Churchill early this year named 'Churchill' staring Brain Cox. However, my excitement for Oldman to play the British bull dog was high, because I knew he's gonna stick his teeth into this meaty role, and he sure did. Gary Oldman was absolutely terrific and not once will you guess it's him. The level of humility, fear, and rage Oldman brought to role makes you see another side to Churchill. Almost like an inside look. He continues to be a legend and this is his finest hour.
Ben Mendelsohn, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Lily James all delivered solid performances in supporting roles. Each character has a major role in Churchill's life. Leaving a strong impression on me.
Without giving away too much, but there's a great scene in the film where Churchill goes onto the subway for the first time. He meets regular people and listens to them in person. It's probably one of the best scenes I've seen this year.
The cinematography was really stunning and Joe Wright directs the hell out of it. Even through some scenes go on a little bit too long for it's runtime. There's a lot of dialogue heavy scenes which may turn some people off, which it did for me at times.
Overall rating: Any British or history buff will really enjoy this one. It's a well crafted movie that's doesn't feel like one of those TV made films you sometimes get.
Gary Oldman leads the cast in the dramatic World War II film Darkest Hour. After Neville Chamberlain is ousted, Winston Churchill is selected to be the new Prime Minister of England, and as Europe continues to fall to Hitler increasing pressure is placed on Churchill to negotiate a peace settlement. Oldman gives a remarkable performance and is backed by a strong supporting cast, including Lily James and Ben Mendelsohn. And director Joe Wright does an impressive job at creating tension and suspense. The sets and costumes are also especially well-done, giving an authentic feel for the time period. The Darkest Hour is a fascinating look at one of the most perilous moments of World War II when England’s will was tested.
Against the backdrop of the second world war, with mainland Britain on the brink of a Nazi invasion, Winston Churchill is appointed prime minister amidst almost universal reluctance. Determinedly anti-capitulation, he's swimming against the stream from day one with an embarrassed, vengeful political faction in his war ministry and a wary, unconvinced king watching his every move.
The entire weight of this film rests on the strength of its central performance, as one might argue any biopic should, and Gary Oldman, once again, proves up to the task. His take on Churchill is transformative and enveloping. He lives the role, becoming this historical giant through wardrobe and makeup, but also speech, posture and subtle mannerism. The power of his convictions on full display, we can almost see each sharp, momentous proclamation form upon his quivering lips before it's barked out into the air. In fact, that formulation is a crucial piece of the story: as his speeches and opinions develop, we see them change shape, wording and direction, progressing through various rough drafts to a tight, powerful, focused final product.
The plot tends to slow down at points, and not every supporting character deserves the scrutiny they receive, but as mere decoration for the one man show, those flaws can be somewhat overlooked. Overall, it's a very well-constructed, finely focused narrative that gives the audience a sweeping glimpse of the man himself, both guarded before the sting of his political enemies and vulnerable in the friendlier confines of his home or office. Interesting to pair this with Dunkirk, a fellow Best Picture nominee, as the two explore the same military event from very different perspectives.
Propaganda trash that falsifies the real look of WW2.
The war began in September 1939 (not in May 1940) from the betrayal of the allies.
Poland which had the guarantees of Great Britain and France was betrayed!
If Churchil ruled in 1939 then it would not happen and the whole war with the Third Reich would end within a maximum of three months. In 1939, the western borders of Germany were defended by pensioners and the whole army of the "great Third Reich" struggled with the outdated Polish army with great difficulty.
PS. If Churchil was a drunkard who has problems with fluent speech and logical thinking (as claimed in the movie), what a miracle GB did not fall?
This movie is very good. It and Dunkirk compliment each other well.
Oldman earned that little gold statue.
What a great movie! If you are a fan of great acting and well written dialogue this is a must see. No it’s not a bang bang shoot em up kind of flick. But as a history aficionado i was very well entertained nonetheless. I’d put this in the top 5 movies of 2017. I especially liked the interaction between Oldman and Lily James (his secretary). Just beautiful and subtle. 9 out of 10 from me.
I'm 10 minutes in the movie and I'm fucking crying of how beautiful and stunning the photography is!
I liked the movie a lot. The scene on the underground was one of my favorite scenes ever.
I really enjoyed this movie. Wasn't going to watch it initially because I'd already watched "Churchill" and didn't think it worth going over the same stuff, but it is actually a different version/viewpoint of the same time-frame - albeit only the first 3 weeks or so of Churchill's assention to Prime Minister. I think Gary Oldman did a good job of Churchill, but Brian Cox was better. If you haven't watched Dunkirk, watch it after this one and you'll get a continuation of the story.
Possible spoiler alert.. if Churchill had taken the peace treaty, millions upon millions of people might have been saved because the war would have essentially been over in May of 1940. Hitler initially had no intention of invading the U.K. as he felt they were a fellow "Aryan race." He'd have turned his full might onto Russia - an enemy of all the other coalition governments at the time. We'll never know if his decision was a good one or a bad one...
It is a bit of an odd film in that I felt like I spent the entire film watching Oldman play Churchill rather than Churchill being a central player in a very dark time. At no point did I feel any urgency about what was going on. It just felt like.... Oldman putting on his dressup clothes to be Churchill. In that sense it is ironic that they kept referencing Dunkirk because that film conveyed a ton of desperation and urgency. I felt none in this film and often found myself looking at my watch.
Very great character interpretation, but in the end the movie seems only to be a propaganda movie, a movie to remember how strong the British people was in that period and how brave were they in front of the rest of the world ready to surrender. This was the real limit of Darkest hour, that not allowes to rate it as one of the best movies.
Worth seeing just for Oldman, but the set pieces and customes need to be appreciated as well. Strong enough as a character study but limited in scope, with the emphasis so much on how a myriad of gargantuan historical forces intersected and were made tolerable by a single eloquent leader.
Strong performances by those playing the opposition, and Mendelsohn as the King, but just not enough for them to really do. The dripping patriotism toward the end felt a little mushy compared to the strict British stuffiness of the rest.
Gary Oldman becomes Winston Churchill, not just behind the make up but his accent and mannerisms too, he is almost unrecognizable. He even got nicotine poisoning, which sounds familiar to Leonardo DiCaprio eating bison liver trying to win an oscar. His performance alone is worth seeing this but it is actually a good movie too. Lily James is great and so is Ben Mendelsohn with his limited screen time.
Great movie with amazing acting
Shout by Carlos Fernando IbarraBlockedParent2018-03-05T09:08:10Z
Gary Oldman is fantastic in the part, but the movie did very little to keep me engaged or entertained, unfortunately.