Director: Joe Wright
Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James and Ben Mendehlson
‘A Captivating Period Piece’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have built a legacy as strong as Lily James. Ever since her rise to stardom during the 2000’s, James has become an icon. Whether it’s princesses that face danger, committed drivers and historical figures, James has portrayed many powerful characters. Arguably, James’ finest strength as an actress is commitment. She is of those actresses that has always poured her heart and soul into every single role. James hasn’t been afraid of taking any risks in her career by playing characters that aren’t always likeable. Through her ability to play strong characters, James has made movies that audiences value. Shining a bright light in darkness, James has become a celebrated icon in the entertainment business. A British icon, James has become an actress whose memorable movies audiences cherish. Throughout a strong career, James has appeared in several unforgettable movies that are definitely without a single doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of James and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “Darkest Hour” is my favourite. Ever since its release in 2017, Lily James’ movie has stood the test of time as a historical masterpiece. Packed with breathtaking production-design, spellbinding storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best historical films ever made. At centre of it all is a fantastic performance from Lily James, who portrays the personal secretary of one of the most celebrated prime ministers in history. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a historical mashweoice is its universal appeal. Unlike most historical biopics, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It gives a poignant message about dedication that will resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about an iconic prime minister, there are many strong reasons why “Darkest Hour” is a movie worth seeing.
Set during WWII, “Darkest Hour” tells the true story of a prime minister that forever changed the course of history. Gary Oldman embodies Winston Churchill, the notorious prime minister of Britain under pressure. Churchill has always found enjoyment in guiding people through his larger-than-life presence. However, Churchill’s life forever changes when he’s elected as the prime minister of Britain. Assisted by his strong secretary Elizabeth (Lily James), Churchill sets out on a journey to change the fate of Britain. Facing a dilemma, Churchill questions whether ifs truly possible to change a country during a troublesome era. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Churchill questions whether it’s possible for him to accomplish his dreams of transforming into a commemorated British prime minister.
Joe Wright is fascinated with the themes of warfare. Before he directed “Darkest Hour”, Wright was well-known for producing films in the war ‘live genre. His award-winning movie “Atonement” offered an amazing adaptation of a beloved book about warfare. With “Darkest Hour”, however, the filmmaker took on his first biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the life of a legendary political leader that changes Britain forever, but he pulled it off successfully. Using stunning cinematography, Wright captures a prime minister embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Visually, the movie is a stunning feast for the eyes which is as stunning as political rallies which Winston Churchill seeks to organize. Wright effectively uses low-key lighting to demonstrate a political leader embarking on a journey. For instance, low-key lighting elevates the secretary fight scene. During this memorable scene, Winston Churchill delivers an inspirational speech to a political meeting. One acknowledges low-key lighting capturing the life of a politician leader facing obstacles that are challenging. Low-key lighting is a tricky technique to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” has demonstrated, low-key lighting elevates crime dramas about serial killers. Nevertheless, it works immensely on this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Wright captures the life of a prime minister which is awe-inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “Darkest Hour” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the move is extremely made. Wright effectively employs makeup to capture the legacy of a legendary prime minister in British history. For instance, the makeup elevates the introduction scene. During this unforgettable scene, Elizabeth is excited when she’d given the chances to work for the prime minister. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Makeup is a terrific. Dario Maranelima music is integral towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that prime minister in Britain bear. Through phenomenal production-design, Wright celebrates the legacy of a legendary prime minister that created spellbinding laws never losing abilities to shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Darkest Hour” is a captivating historical film whom to recreate a bombing that’s terrifying. The film is extremely well-written and expertly uses dramatic monologues to honour legacy of a renowned president in history. Throughout the movie, Wright expertly uses monologues to honour Winston Churchill’s enduring legacy. For instance, dramatic monologues enhance the planning scene. During this intense scene, Winston Churchill delivers a speech towards people in his political department. Through dramatic monologues, Wright honours a bold political leader that forever changed America history. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the speech preparation scene. During this underrated scene, Winston Churchill gives an inspirational scene towards companions. Through stunning production-design, Wright honours a legendary politician which faced a crime
One appreciates amazing performances.
Gary’s Oldman delivers one of greatest career performances as Winston Churchill. This is the actor unlike you have ever scene him: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Oldman is best known for playing corrupt police officers in comic-book movies. With “Darkest Hour”, however, he took on his most challenging role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary prime minister in British history, but Oldman succeeded immensely. It’s a role that the actor a chance to showcase his strong emotional range. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and trauma of a prime minister struggling to lead a country facing a dilemma. It’s a phenomenal performance from one most beloved actors working today.
Lily James is powerful as secretary of a prime minister dedicated towards her job facing a huge responsibility. James has always had an aptitude for making movies in the period genre, and Darkest Hour” showcases his strengths as an actor. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a historical figure that’s well-known. Whether she’s flirting with Winston Churchill or typing leaders on a typewriter, James effectively uses her expressions to create a character which is compelling. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actresses working in the industry today.
Finally, “Darkest Hour” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing the legacy of a bold prime minister. Unlike most films in the period piece genre, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such as identity, determination and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with history to appreciate it. It delivers a strong message about the importance of leadership which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, Darkest Hour” is one of those rare historical movies which everyone will adore.
Fans of Lily James will definitely appreciate “Darkest Hour” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating classic about a historical icon, it celebrates an icon that’s iconic.
Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a commemorated political leader that guided Great Britain to overcome warfare disaster changing the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has gained a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition for his abilities to portray renowned historical figures whose captivating movies that have only gotten better over time audiences will always treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 