Hey guys, just want to say sorry for having to re-upload this review. The last video started doing well but then got age restricted, which severely hindered its views and seachability. I spent the last two weeks trying to resolve the issue with RUclips but to no avail. So, I've had to heavily censor the video and this seems to have done the trick. I also wish to thank each and every one of you who expressed their condolences for my father's passing. The amount of support I read in the comments and the sheer volume of them was overwhelming. It pains me to have to take down the original video because of the age restriction but please don't think your comments weren't appreciated. They were! My father was extremely proud of History Buffs and would brag about it to anyone who'd listen. He would have been humbled by the thousands of comments directed at him. But he also wouldn't have been surprised. He held you all in very high regard and would read to me many comments you've left over the years. Whenever I was frustrated about the making of a video or some behind the scenes drama, he'd remind me that the vast majority of you like the content I make. That the stresses that go into making a video are worth it. On behalf of my family and I, thank you.
The big tech overlords reign supreme deciding who can be exposed to what ever content. What could go wrong? Reference 2020-2023 I am sorry for your loss
I think it's worth mentioning that as they cross "No-man's Land", Schofield gouges his hand on barbwire. He then immediately plunges his hand into a decaying chest cavity of some soldier in a crater. Even though he survives that day, his chances of infection are staggering. Penicillin wouldn't be discovered for nearly a decade, and Schofield would likely have become a casualty of disease soon after this battle.
@@jkim1241 No time for that, it's just a little detail that throws Schofield's "safety" into doubt. It shows that it doesn't take a bullet to kill you in war.
I think that was a deliberate form of Hitchcockian tension building. Almost all viewers will have noticed that meaning the overall tension is raised as we want Schofield to get a med kit to properly tend to the wound. It makes us more anxious as he progresses through
The scene with the young lady and the orphaned child was taken directly from an interview with Great War veteran Henry Richard Tobin based on his own experiences in 1914. He’d met a couple of girls in a destroyed town they were passing through, one of whom had a child who needed feeding. Henry had recently emptied his water bottle and filled it with cows milk on a nearby farm, so when the lady explained the child needed milk he handed over the bottle. He said “I think even the baby was surprised”. This was by far my favourite scene in the film for that reason.
@@samharvey2903 I found the interview on BBC, unfortunately restricted to the UK, but maybe with some more search you cand find someone restreaming it, or a VPN could help
What got me about 1917 was how it was setting up that Blake was the main character. His brother was in the Devon’s, he had the letter, he was leading them, and the camera almost focused on him. Then in an instant, off camera, he is stabbed, and you see him bleeding out before your eyes. I definitely wasn’t expecting it at all, and as Nick Hodges said, it portrays the utter unpredictability and choas of this war
@@Ken-fh4jc Yeah, he got a little on the plump side since his GoT days. Took me several watches before I realized who he was. Kid’s got decent acting range though.
Blake's death scene is perfectly realistic. Because of previous Hollywood action flicks, people assume a stab wound to the lower torso is no big deal, but this film perfectly illustrates how deadly it really is. The way the colour drains from his face and how he suddenly stops moving is so well done.
A cool detail about this movie is the casting, most of the commanders and generals are famous actors (Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth) While the Privates and lower ranks are relatively unknown actors.
Thats a great point. I think maybe its because generals are "famous" or at least better well known to regular soldiers, like schofield. So they deliberately choose famous actors to portray the generals so that the audience again gets to feel schofields perspective 😅
To address Jon's question about the legibility of the letter. Schofield is shown putting the letter in a waterproof tin after he takes it from Blake. This tin shows up again at the end of the movie when Schofield pulls out the photo of his family.
It also represents something as the rest of the movie is a Christian allegory. At the start we see our protagonist awakening by the tree of knowledge, given a partner and a mission, and anointed (sarcastically) by the sergeant on duty in the trenches. They then travel the lone and dreary world of no man's land, have a Cain slaying Abel moment with the German pilot, and descend into an ever worse world in the burning village where he meets a virgin caring for a newborn child which he brings gifts for. Then comes the river drowning "baptism" representing death and rebirth from out of the bodies along the shore, into a Sunday service hymn before the battle and a final message that initially wasn't desired (likely "the word of God") by the general, and a rest at the end of his journey by the tree of life after meeting the Healer being the eldest brother in the field hospital lamenting the souls that were lost.
Nick, my deepest condolences for your father. I as well recently lost my father. He was a history teacher for more than 40 years. He sought the truth of history and not mere “facts” that are taught today. Likewise, I began my journey into historical accounts from primary sources as well as deep study of books written about events from the past. As a brother from across the pond, I say cheers to you, mate, and I lift this pint in memory of our fathers! Thanks for your videos!
My condolences for your father, Nick. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. If you need to take time away from RUclips to grieve, we at the History Buffs community understand. Losing a parent sucks, no matter how old you are. I know your dad would have been proud of you releasing yet another great video.
No. "You Shall Not Pass" was based off the "They Shall Not Pass" motto said by Ferdinand Foch during the Battle of Verdun. It's not something Tolkien invented or popularize by him.
Tolkein never wrote, You shall not pass. That was the movie line. Tolkien wrote, You cannot pass. Something Gandalf told the Balrog several times. The original French battle cry at Verdun was, They shall not pass. Tolken didn't write his line to honor Verdun, sounds good but is not true since his line in the book was, you cannot pass.
@@Patrick-xv6qv Obviously sincere intent is always unknown but is it not the exact same "energy"/intent of the quote? Language can be a bit fluid sometimes, it means the same thing
I'm so sorry about your father. My own father (a military veteran) passed away last May, so I'm intimately familiar with what you and your family are going through. May you be blessed with fond memories to help you deal with the grief.
@@stellviahohenheimThe greatest murderers are in The government, who sent these men to war in The first place. Remember, all wars could be avoided IF wasn't for our dear leaders.
Being someone whose completely anti-war/violence, I will always have a sense of respect for those who serve. Like any other civil profession, there will those who take advantage of their position, and those who genuinely want to make a difference. There's bad cops, firefighters, even soldiers, but at the end of the day, I'm happy to say theres willing people who volunteer their lives for something I frankly would never wanna do.
Small point regarding the letter, it wasn't in a blood soaked pocket. The letter was in his top pocket and Blake was stabbed in the lower abdomen. The blood is on Blake and Schofields hands and he is handling the letter on the outside of it and so it would be completely fine... until he was in the river. A phenominal film and the tension music and scene of him going over the top was one of the best experiences I've ever had in an Imax or any cinema.
Once more, I wish to express my condolences for you loss Nick. While none of us have known him as well as you, I think I speak for the vast majority of viewers when I say that I'm sure he was very proud of your work, considering how his love for history, music, and film had inspired yours. Though his passing may still hurt in the coming days and months and years, take comfort in the belief that his love for history, music, and film lives on in you and the work you have done and continue to do. Also, I had an idea for the possible next episode for History Buffs since we're on the topic of the First World War. Since "1917" covered the British side of the conflict, I feel it may be necessary to show the German side with "All Quiet on the Western Front", with special focus on the historical events in the last few months on the Western Front. Since there are three adaptations of the novel by Erich Marie Remarque (the first being the 1930 black-and-white film, the second being the 1979 made-for-television film, and the third being the 2022 Netflix film), it might be tough to choose which adaptation would serve as the basis for your review, especially with copyright claims surrounding each of those films, so you can choose which version you're comfortable with. This is just a suggestion and it's ultimately your decision on which event and film you may cover in the next episode.
Agreed! Imho The 1930s is an absolute masterpiece, a historic film that is almost impossible to replicate. There are countless veterans in the movie, the film is shot on historic locations that are partly closed off now. The sheer size of the film and every other person thats in it lived to see WO1 in one way or another. These are but a few arguments why i think it is still one of the best movies of all time.
The problem is with doing a film like All Quiet On The Western Front (the 2022 version) is that it's purpose was to show the reality of how brutal war is, not show historical accuracy. The new version is pretty inaccurate in terms of the battles. Good film though.
@@nickbell4984 That might be true (I don't have Netflix, so I don't have access to the film. Based on what I've seen in the trailers, I'm quite certain any potential historical inaccuracies are not on the same level as Braveheart), but using any version of AQotWF would serve as an opportunity to look into what was happening both on the Western Front and in Imperial Germany near the end of the war.
I hope you have some support for your loss. The Compassionate Friends offers peer support to bereaved parents of children older than 3 months. Please consider them.
@@longone844 Hmm! Shit, I see, that's a start indeed however could you possibly expand a little more, I respect your brutal honesty but you are hiding any further information from us, your dear friends. Give it a try please... 🙏
Cheers to your pops! It was my father who led me down the path of military history as well and I showed him this page and he got all giddy. Sorry for your loss, glad his memory lives on in each one of these videos you post.
I found this film haunting, and it stuck with me for about a week after I watched it. Very thought provoking and makes you think about the nature of war, and the cost it takes out of everyone unlucky enough to find themselves in a war.
Movies like this remind me of my Great Grandfather who was a British soldier in World War 1, he was a professional soldier before the war and was in the original expeditionary force in 1914, he fought on the western front, in Africa and Aden in modern day Yeman. Before he went on to fight at Gallipoli and was wounded four seperate times, including losing a finger. And another time a shell which unfortunately ended the life of his best friend. After that he went back to the western front and fought at the Somme at some point he was wounded again and discharged from his Regiment. I'm not sure what was going on in his mind as he went and joined another Regiment and his first action in this new Regiment was at Passchendale in 1917, the preliminary bombardment for that went on for 2 weeks involving 4.5 million shells, or in another way 4 shells a second, every second for 2 weeks. After the bombardment and they had gone over the top his Regiment was being held up by a machine gun nest, he was tasked with leading a small group of 4 soldiers in a raid that was able to successfully capture the Machine gun nest, and he was awarded the Military Medal for taking out the German machine gun nest. He survived the rest of the war ending the war on the Italian front, but he was definitely emotionally scarred. He would drink heavily and after the war he broke his Military Medal in two and chucked it in the bin. Luckily his wife was able to take it out later on and save it, so we still have it today.
@@garymitchell5899 everything I said happened, the fact you are being so vague about what you are claiming I got wrong is very telling. Now either say what it is or go away and stop disrespecting my Great Grandfather.
@@wellwell7950 There was no western front in Aden, and the other numerous locations your 'grandfather' was supposed to have been at is almost certainly bllx for a single unit. Clear enough?
@@wellwell7950 I know you like clarity so if you could identify the specific regiment/division this was supposed to have happened to that would be great.
Just saw this was dedicated to your father. So sorry for your loss. Your videos are a great testament to the love of history your father instilled in you.
I'm so sorry for your loss Nick, losing family is one of the hardest things you go through. He sounds like he was a great man and father, I hope you have others you can turn to in this time. Please be well.
The pilot scene bugs me since the pilots had a code of honour and were unlikeky to sneak stab someone who just saved them. My great grandfather was a pilot for the flying corp
and the fact that the man who saved him was ig cuddling with him? why are you still in knife range by yourself after you saved him? idk what you should do but don't be in knife range! the characters in this film had no survival instincts, half assed crouching through no mans land, running straight away from an airplane, running straight away from german fire, peaking his head at a german sniper whos already got a bead on him. i loved the sets, side characters, story, and generally the world, but god the characters were hard to watch.
Yeah, that kinda annoyed me. I could see the German trying to run away or something, but I doubt one would stab the person who just put out the flames on his legs. Especially given that he is outnumbered and would have known 2 against 1, guns vs knife, and it isn't going to end well.
@@daslynnter9841They’re kids who just saved a man’s life not caring where he was from. You’ve never been in a situation even remotely similar to them, and you never will be. They’re not thinking of the pilot as an enemy, they see him as a person. Get your brain dead comment out of here and learn basic human psychology dunce.
The man just got shot down, it looked like a bad crash and he looked like he had some kinda concussion or something by the way his head was idly bobbing around. He was definitely very disoriented and the first thing he sees is an enemy, he doesnt know whats going on and he probably reacted on instinct
In my mind, killing off the brother was the best move the directer could have made. Not only for the death of thim, and showing how quick and unsuspeting it can come, but because it gives the final scene. In many war movies we see men dieing left and right, extras, and exepcially with WW1 where wave after wave was just sent into the meat grinder, haveing a scene which showes the emotional tall those tactics had on those left alive is, in my mind, brutally honest and brilliant.
I was seriously surprised when I first saw the movie that they never mention how infected Scho’s injured hand would be after all the stuff it’s touched
I would like to mention: I absolutely love the fact that you used ambient sounds from Battlefield 1, which is a game set in World War 1. The second War Story, Friends in High Places, has a level in which you play on the ground, trying to get back to friendly lines after being shot down. The audio of men screaming or even groaning in pain comes from that level, as does the machine gun fire in the distance.
Nick, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just lost my dad too. He was a fan of Old Westerns and historic fiction films. Happy belated Father’s Day to you and yours! 👨👦
My condolences for your loss. The passing of a parent is without a doubt the hardest moment of our human lives. But we all shall be together again for there truly is an afterlife. 1917 is without a doubt a masterpiece when it comes to war films. Great respect to British soldiers! Through-out history you guys fight with a deep sense of Chivalry, Decorum, and Class even though you too go through hell in war. My Late Grandfather (Mom’s side) fought in World War One (he was Latvian under the Czarist Russia Occupation of Latvia.) My late Father was a vet from World War Two. They would on occasion discuss their horrific war experiences. I remember my Grandfather getting visibly upset and in an angry tone saying “You guys had it easy, way too easy. We experienced HELL on Earth.” Even though my father's experiences sounded like other hell to me. I often wondered what my Grandfather experienced since other than on rare occasions he would not talk about it choosing to leave it in the past. It’s thanks to movies such as 1917 and All Quiet On the Western Front. We get a sense of that hell. May ALL of those soldiers rest in peace and may we never forget the senselessness of War and the other insanity it is!
This movie is one of those historical films that seem to have found that elusive "sweet spot," the perfect mix of the historical accuracy, and making a cinematically exciting and visually pleasing story. It's quite accurate to the WWI timeframe, a good slice of what it would have been like then, but keeps a great pace and plenty to keep you invested, and some of the most beautiful cinematography I've seen. For me, as a gunsmith and student of firearm history, I noticed one detail that really impressed me: Scho and Blake are carrying Lee-Enfield no.1 Mk III bolt action rifles and when they're just about to head out, you see Scho take a 5 round stripper clip of cartridges into his rifle. He later fires more than 5 times at the German sniper and some think the filmmakers goofed here, but what he was actually doing was topping off his rifle's ammunition. The Lee-Enfield (SMLE) held 10 rounds in a fixed box magazine, and soldiers of that time would keep 5 rounds in the rifle at all times at the front (in case you needed to defend yourself in a surprise attack), but not add the SECOND 5 round stripper clip unless it was just before a planned attack or mission, so that they could avoid over stressing the spring in the rifles magazine that the full 10 rounds loaded would do over time. And, if you count, they actually kept track during filming and he doesn't fire more than 10 shots! For a Hollywood movie, that's pretty impressive. That's what I love about 1917: every time I watch it I notice a new small detail that had escaped me before. The few inaccuracies (such as the river) really were to keep the tension ramped up and be visually exciting, and doesn't hamper my enjoyment of it. 👍
Another thing I noticed is that the film ends with almost the same frame it starts with, Schofield resting on a tree, sadly missing blake. I looked into it further and i believe the hole in the tree is supposed to represent the loss, or something missing in schofield.
My great grandfather fought in the First World War for the Americans. He immigrated from Sweden in 1901 with his parents . He was a Private First Class in the 344 infantry Blackhawk division. My grandma still has his uniform to this day
Man.... A sincere sorry that the old man passed.... I can only tell you this, that he must be prouder than ever to have such a dedicated and wonderful son like you around..... And it may not ever get easy, but it will get easier, cheers mate..... Thanks for all the wonderful videos over the years, and thanks for what is to come i'm sure in the near future that'll continue to be top notch content...!
I saw 1917 on opening day and went back for a second go the following day. I loved every minute of it. My sincerest condolences for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry for the loss of your father. I lost mine last month on the 12th of June. Memorializing him at the beginning of this episode is an awesome thing to have done.
Great tribute to your father, Nick. My friend passed away last year whom went with me to see this movie in the theater. Great movie, great video as always.
This is one of my favorite war films. The cinematography is breathtaking. You really feel like you are there. It’s a heartbreaking, tense, beautiful film. Even just seeing clips brought tears to my eyes.
Is it possible that they tweak the dates and times just slightly so that descendants can’t point to a moment in film and say that the death of their loved one has been trivialized? There’s always the ability of a filmmaker to say, “well, not really, see?” No help as regards the river drama. Inconceivable to look at this film and go, “I dunno, it’s kinda dull, should we add an exciting river-rapids escape, to, ya know, kick it up a notch?”
So sorry to hear about your father Nick. If he’s anything like you he was a passionate man who inspired those around him. Thanks for your hard work as always.
4 months later and I know Nick won't see this. Still, shout out to Stuart Hodges. You raised a hell of a son so you must have been a hell of dad. Should we all be so lucky to walk your path and inspire our kids to walk their own path to success 🍻 Rest easy knowing you did a good job, Stuart.
My condolences to you and your family. My father: Michael R. Frappier December 25 1951-June 19 2023 He loved your channel. You did alot of his favorite movies.
Nick, watched it the first time and wanted to make sure I commented again. We both lost our fathers around the same time and I want to wish you all the support I can dude. Your channel has always been a joy for me. Thanks you for what you do.
Something I commented on in the OG video too - out of all of the attacks during the Battle of Arras, only the Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought by four Canadian divisions and one British division, was actually successful. Shame we never got a film about it, since the Canadians were essentially the early versions of the German Sturmtruppen.
The Germans feared us, the Australians, and the New Zealanders, calling us Shock Troops. The brits would send us into the most difficult parts of the line because we would get results. It's why the Canadians were forced to Passchendale when Currie wanted to refuse, citing the number of men lost qould be in the thousands and if I remember right his numbers weren't far off and the battle was only a temperary victory.
@@history_loves_anime8927 Especially since the ground was retaken during the Great Spring Offensive. Then we were ordered to retake Mons in the dying days of WW1 because the British wanted to march through the town they lost at the beginning of the war.
@@jlaws8740 And then we got revenge during Cambrai and the Last Hundred Days where we and the New Zealanders I think were the first troops the Germans encountered and if I remember, a few units would run if they knew we were coming.
Its been a long while since I've watched this channel and it's great to see the quality is still high, sorry for your loss, also i would like to recommend a look at the 1963 film "55 days in Peking" on the Boxer rebellion for a video
J.R.R Tolkien took the inspiration from the quote of General Petain "Ils ne passeront pas / You shall not pass" for Gandalf when he was facing the Balrog in The Lord of the rings first book of the trilogy (it might not be word for word in the book, though but he took his idea from General Petain's quote). As we know, Tolkien lived through WW1 and thus he took a lot of inspiration from the events of the war in his books and there is alot of similarities with the orcs behing the germans hordes of soldiers as well because it felt like the waves of attacks were endless at times.
Hey mate, I have really enjoyed your content over the last couple of years, especially as someone that had 6 years of History focused education at University. I just wanted to drop a comment giving my condolences for the loss of your father. He seems to have raised a charismatic and intelligent son. May he rest in peace.
I’m really glad your back man! This is easily one of the best RUclips channels when it comes to both movies and history. I’m sorry about your father Nick.
This is a good analysis of the film. I'm not a "stitch counter" but I know a few things about WWI arms, equipment, and uniforms, and they came very close to nailing that part of it. This movie hit theaters close to the time when "They Shall Not Grow Old" hit. That was a documentary made up of Imperial War Museum footage that was speed corrected, exposure corrected, and accurately colorized. The two films inform each other, a documentary and historical fiction working in concert. I agree that there are a few things thrown into 1917 that are annoying departures for dramatic effect, but I can tolerate those few if the dedication to accuracy is mostly good and the movie is compelling. 1917 has both.
Something rather major that could be considered an inaccuracy (but is most definitely a plot hole) is the lack of carrier pigeons. I understand why they aren't mentioned, because the movie has to happen, but this issue could have been easily rectified during the briefing scene with Colin Firth. He mentions that the Germans have cut the telegram lines, and could have also had a line saying "And our messenger pigeon coop was hit by a stray shell" or something like that. It just seems odd that they account for one major mode of communication but not the other.
Probably a tonal choice. Regardless of how historically accurate it is, the idea of pigeons flying around to deliver military communications would feel silly and off-tone to modern audiences. Even if presented in a low-key and serious way, 21st century audiences would have a hard time not finding it humorous.
@@its_clean maybe it was a ‘tonal choice’ to use two soldiers as messengers, when their presence in various parts of the lines would be questioned. Such a message would have been carried by a junior officer.
A carrier pigeon would only be any use if it had its home based near where the troops were advancing. Pigeons were a great form of communication but could be limited.
I'm so glad that you're back with another video. It's been a while. I know it takes a lot of hard work to make these, and I'm glad you've come up with another one again!
Oh, Nick, I know I'm late on this but I'm sorry to read about your dad on the opening. I only just watched 1917 so I was waiting to check this video out and I missed it. My condolences.
I like how the movie goes with the realistic way on Schofield tells the brother that Blake died. I like how they use the words approach. All Schofield says "It was quick".
I think the best part is the beginning and ending of the movie. Both depict Schofield sleeping against a tree. It gave me the feeling that this was just another day for him. That next week he may have to do something similar again. That the war was unending
Nick I absolutely love your channel. Your appreciation of history and enthusiastic presentations are infectious and fun to watch. Keep up the great work!!
I wish the best for you and your family! Sorry to hear about your father's passing. I can only imagine the toll that has taken on you. Best of luck dealing with the grief! We're all here for you
I don't get why they'd try to stop a runner from getting his message to its recipient. I also don't get why they send two men through no man's land instead of sending them to the rear and then transporting them perpendicular to the line and then back to the front line. It would be faster, safer and have a much higher probability of succeeding.
The ended dedication to Mendes’ relative really hit me. Just thinking about all the real lives lost and it’s just a few generations ago. May we never forget.
Your dad fathered a wonderfuly knowledgeable son, I can only imagine how proud of you he was Nick, I can only imagine the sorrow and hope that everyone in your life has come together to support you. God bless you Nick!
I adore the cinematography in this film and so many other things, but my favourite part about it, is that we barely know or learn anything about Schofield throughout, the biggest bit of background we get on him, is at the very end. There’s something about how we only witness his drive that makes it so much more impactful.
Thank you so much, Nick, for all these videos and my heart breaks for your family. Knowing your father was so outwardly proud of his son is so comforting and wholesome. Thanks for being with us, Nick
Hello, I'm very sorry about the loss of your father. I think it's dope as hell that he's a great part of your inspiration for this channel and your other endeavors. May your father Rest in Paradise. I hope you and your family are doing well.
My sincere condolences, Nick. Losing a parent is terribly painful & I hope you & your families pain is easing a little. (I have only just seen this video, but your post touched me & I felt compelled to acknowledge your father's passing)
Sorry about the original Steve. But the video was great. Your research and analysts makes the movie worth watching and understand why it was filmed the it did. Keep it up. My condolences to your father's passing.
My sympathies for your loss, Nick. Seeing this film in theaters (one of the few I saw in theaters months before the pandemic broke out) was actually a father-son moment, as I went to see it with my dad.
Condolences again for you father, I think all us fans owe him a lot since he helped make you the great historian and RUclipsr you are today. Thanks for re-uploading it! I'm glad that you too were annoyed that even though this movie literally starts on April 6th, 1917 no one in the movie ever mentions that the US has finally declared war on Germany. It bothered me that at the end no one brings up America entering the war which must've been a huge relief for the British soldiers since now they'd have fresh troops coming to help them. Excellent video!
My father passed away on May 20th, 2022. When I read dedication at the beginning of this video it hit extra hard. My condolences, may your father rests in peace.
I know that a stranger's condolences don't really mean all that much, but you have mine in regards to your dad. We all carry more of our fathers in ourselves than we give the old bastard credit for!
Another ww1 movie I enjoyed some number of years ago was "The Lost Battalion" surprisingly good but doesn't get mentioned too often, if you haven't yet would you consider this idea for a future video?
I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, Nick. I've admired your videos for some time and I'm always interested to see a new one. I offer my sincere condolences.
As usual, a fantastic video with lots of history and a superb review of the film. My condolences for the loss of your father - my own mother passed away this year and she lived through the Blitz as a little girl and was almost killed by a V-1 in 1944. I really didn't mind some of the liberties taken with the history given what a superb film "1917" was (though I enjoyed learning what they were from your video). I was a secondary school history teacher until recently and for my WWI unit, the film I showed moved from "the Trench" to "All Quiet on the Western Front" (the 1979 made-for-TV film which in my opinion was the best version) finally to "1917" which I found was the most engaging for my students. I also liked how Indian and black soldiers were presented as being combatants, without feeling like the film was pandering to the current race-swapping demands of Hollywood. I only had two real gripes with "1917". The first was the scene where the German pilot kills Blake. Putting aside the unlikelihood of the pilot killing one of the two men - enemy or not - who just pulled him from the flaming wreckage of his aircraft (an Albatross?), what the hell was he doing carrying around that huge knife? It all seemed very unlikely and if I were German, I would feel highly offended; that this was a slur on my countrymen who fought in the Great War. I realise that Blake had to die for the sake of the plot, but a better scene would have been preferred. The second Issue I had might seem minor, but I feel it's actually quite important. That was when Schofield meets LCol Mackenzie and salutes - WITH NO HEADDRESS ON. This is not and never has been the practice of the British Army (or any of the other Commonwealth Armies, for that matter). What it demonstrates is the Americanisation of British film and television and is discouraging to see. We have our own culture, but allowing this kind of inaccuracy to slip through undermines our own unique traditions and military system. It's something that is becoming ever more prevalent in British programming. But it should not.
This was a great movie and im proud of my brother for his part in making the epic scenes of massed soldiers that bit more real. This is also a comment for the algorithm to help re-boost this amazing video
Hey guys, just want to say sorry for having to re-upload this review. The last video started doing well but then got age restricted, which severely hindered its views and seachability. I spent the last two weeks trying to resolve the issue with RUclips but to no avail. So, I've had to heavily censor the video and this seems to have done the trick.
I also wish to thank each and every one of you who expressed their condolences for my father's passing. The amount of support I read in the comments and the sheer volume of them was overwhelming. It pains me to have to take down the original video because of the age restriction but please don't think your comments weren't appreciated. They were! My father was extremely proud of History Buffs and would brag about it to anyone who'd listen. He would have been humbled by the thousands of comments directed at him. But he also wouldn't have been surprised. He held you all in very high regard and would read to me many comments you've left over the years. Whenever I was frustrated about the making of a video or some behind the scenes drama, he'd remind me that the vast majority of you like the content I make. That the stresses that go into making a video are worth it.
On behalf of my family and I, thank you.
literally 1984
We Will always support You man! ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Watched the first upload a dozen times now watching the Re-upload again. Love everything you make mate.
You're welcome My friend
The big tech overlords reign supreme deciding who can be exposed to what ever content. What could go wrong?
Reference 2020-2023
I am sorry for your loss
I think it's worth mentioning that as they cross "No-man's Land", Schofield gouges his hand on barbwire. He then immediately plunges his hand into a decaying chest cavity of some soldier in a crater. Even though he survives that day, his chances of infection are staggering. Penicillin wouldn't be discovered for nearly a decade, and Schofield would likely have become a casualty of disease soon after this battle.
I was surprised to see no follow up with his injury. Right when it happened I thought, “oh he is fucked”. But they never mention it again.
Dude, that part made me legit almost throw up
@@jkim1241 No time for that, it's just a little detail that throws Schofield's "safety" into doubt. It shows that it doesn't take a bullet to kill you in war.
I think that was a deliberate form of Hitchcockian tension building. Almost all viewers will have noticed that meaning the overall tension is raised as we want Schofield to get a med kit to properly tend to the wound. It makes us more anxious as he progresses through
@@jkim1241
The rest of the film is like 12 hours if I recall, it wouldn't be obvious he is diseased in that time.
The scene with the young lady and the orphaned child was taken directly from an interview with Great War veteran Henry Richard Tobin based on his own experiences in 1914.
He’d met a couple of girls in a destroyed town they were passing through, one of whom had a child who needed feeding. Henry had recently emptied his water bottle and filled it with cows milk on a nearby farm, so when the lady explained the child needed milk he handed over the bottle.
He said “I think even the baby was surprised”.
This was by far my favourite scene in the film for that reason.
Hey would you mind telling me where I can watch that interview you mentioned? I’d love to hear the full story. Thanks!
No, I absolutely did not just cry after reading this story, no sir!
I think it was also supposed to foreshadow the reveal that Schofield has a wife and daughter.
@@samharvey2903 I found the interview on BBC, unfortunately restricted to the UK, but maybe with some more search you cand find someone restreaming it, or a VPN could help
1914 was a COMPLETEY different war to the period this is set it - in 2017 that section would not have happened
What got me about 1917 was how it was setting up that Blake was the main character. His brother was in the Devon’s, he had the letter, he was leading them, and the camera almost focused on him. Then in an instant, off camera, he is stabbed, and you see him bleeding out before your eyes. I definitely wasn’t expecting it at all, and as Nick Hodges said, it portrays the utter unpredictability and choas of this war
How does one make any Devon [mutiny]? They knew more about those they were with than those in another trench.
It was predictable because it's fiction and someone wrote it into a script. All you had to do was read the script first.
@@jirikurto3859That's a stupid thing to say
@@Panda5ace No, it was smart. I prayed to Jesus before I wrote to make sure and he told me what I said was 100% accurate.
@@jirikurto3859 bruh
Man the scene with Blake’s brother is brutal. Richard Madden’s reaction kills me every time.
Watching the film I was waiting for the brothers name to come up on the dog tags. That would have been poignant.
Rob couldn’t care less about Tommen’s death.
I didn’t realize that was the Tommen actor. He looks different.
@@Ken-fh4jc Yeah, he got a little on the plump side since his GoT days. Took me several watches before I realized who he was. Kid’s got decent acting range though.
@davemccage7918 I'm surprised, I didn't know he was in the movie before watching and I recognised him immediately
Blake's death scene is perfectly realistic. Because of previous Hollywood action flicks, people assume a stab wound to the lower torso is no big deal, but this film perfectly illustrates how deadly it really is. The way the colour drains from his face and how he suddenly stops moving is so well done.
A cool detail about this movie is the casting, most of the commanders and generals are famous actors (Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth) While the Privates and lower ranks are relatively unknown actors.
...Is that not the case in most movies?
@@ruth4376 i mean in most films, the main characters are the most famous/recognizable actors in the film, so... no.
I like the way the ‘bigger actors’ are kind of like checkpoints throughout, a major plot point happens and you get one the casting is so good.
@@jordanbancroft599The director said he was inspired by video games, so checkpoints plus the continuous shots of 3rd person POV make more sense
Thats a great point. I think maybe its because generals are "famous" or at least better well known to regular soldiers, like schofield. So they deliberately choose famous actors to portray the generals so that the audience again gets to feel schofields perspective 😅
This movie felt like 5 whole scenes.
I love the continous flow of the scene, as in, it never cuts - the camera just flows from one scene into the next
Only cut is when Schofield is knocked out, but that still isn't too jarring.
To address Jon's question about the legibility of the letter. Schofield is shown putting the letter in a waterproof tin after he takes it from Blake. This tin shows up again at the end of the movie when Schofield pulls out the photo of his family.
It also represents something as the rest of the movie is a Christian allegory. At the start we see our protagonist awakening by the tree of knowledge, given a partner and a mission, and anointed (sarcastically) by the sergeant on duty in the trenches. They then travel the lone and dreary world of no man's land, have a Cain slaying Abel moment with the German pilot, and descend into an ever worse world in the burning village where he meets a virgin caring for a newborn child which he brings gifts for. Then comes the river drowning "baptism" representing death and rebirth from out of the bodies along the shore, into a Sunday service hymn before the battle and a final message that initially wasn't desired (likely "the word of God") by the general, and a rest at the end of his journey by the tree of life after meeting the Healer being the eldest brother in the field hospital lamenting the souls that were lost.
This is another terrific video, Nick. I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. I am certain that the work you are doing honors his memory.
R.I.P Stuart Hodges. You lived a long life. 0:22
Nick, my deepest condolences for your father. I as well recently lost my father. He was a history teacher for more than 40 years. He sought the truth of history and not mere “facts” that are taught today. Likewise, I began my journey into historical accounts from primary sources as well as deep study of books written about events from the past. As a brother from across the pond, I say cheers to you, mate, and I lift this pint in memory of our fathers! Thanks for your videos!
My condolences for your father, Nick. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. If you need to take time away from RUclips to grieve, we at the History Buffs community understand. Losing a parent sucks, no matter how old you are. I know your dad would have been proud of you releasing yet another great video.
Gandalf's famous line "You shall not pass!" was written by Tolkien, (A WWI veteran himself) to honor Verdun
Il nont passe pas!
No. "You Shall Not Pass" was based off the "They Shall Not Pass" motto said by Ferdinand Foch during the Battle of Verdun.
It's not something Tolkien invented or popularize by him.
Tolkein never wrote, You shall not pass. That was the movie line. Tolkien wrote, You cannot pass. Something Gandalf told the Balrog several times.
The original French battle cry at Verdun was, They shall not pass.
Tolken didn't write his line to honor Verdun, sounds good but is not true since his line in the book was, you cannot pass.
Another misinformed comment with completely made up information yet still gets hundreds of upvotes...such is the Internet...
@@Patrick-xv6qv Obviously sincere intent is always unknown but is it not the exact same "energy"/intent of the quote? Language can be a bit fluid sometimes, it means the same thing
I'm so sorry about your father. My own father (a military veteran) passed away last May, so I'm intimately familiar with what you and your family are going through. May you be blessed with fond memories to help you deal with the grief.
why does people idolise murderers?
@@stellviahohenheimAll veterans are murderers? Secondly I don't support the military I support the men.
@@stellviahohenheimThe greatest murderers are in The government, who sent these men to war in The first place. Remember, all wars could be avoided IF wasn't for our dear leaders.
Being someone whose completely anti-war/violence, I will always have a sense of respect for those who serve. Like any other civil profession, there will those who take advantage of their position, and those who genuinely want to make a difference. There's bad cops, firefighters, even soldiers, but at the end of the day, I'm happy to say theres willing people who volunteer their lives for something I frankly would never wanna do.
Greatest condolences for your father much respect too I’m very pro war I want to join the army but I have a medical condition asthma so I can’t
Small point regarding the letter, it wasn't in a blood soaked pocket. The letter was in his top pocket and Blake was stabbed in the lower abdomen. The blood is on Blake and Schofields hands and he is handling the letter on the outside of it and so it would be completely fine... until he was in the river. A phenominal film and the tension music and scene of him going over the top was one of the best experiences I've ever had in an Imax or any cinema.
Once more, I wish to express my condolences for you loss Nick. While none of us have known him as well as you, I think I speak for the vast majority of viewers when I say that I'm sure he was very proud of your work, considering how his love for history, music, and film had inspired yours. Though his passing may still hurt in the coming days and months and years, take comfort in the belief that his love for history, music, and film lives on in you and the work you have done and continue to do.
Also, I had an idea for the possible next episode for History Buffs since we're on the topic of the First World War. Since "1917" covered the British side of the conflict, I feel it may be necessary to show the German side with "All Quiet on the Western Front", with special focus on the historical events in the last few months on the Western Front. Since there are three adaptations of the novel by Erich Marie Remarque (the first being the 1930 black-and-white film, the second being the 1979 made-for-television film, and the third being the 2022 Netflix film), it might be tough to choose which adaptation would serve as the basis for your review, especially with copyright claims surrounding each of those films, so you can choose which version you're comfortable with. This is just a suggestion and it's ultimately your decision on which event and film you may cover in the next episode.
Agreed! Imho The 1930s is an absolute masterpiece, a historic film that is almost impossible to replicate. There are countless veterans in the movie, the film is shot on historic locations that are partly closed off now. The sheer size of the film and every other person thats in it lived to see WO1 in one way or another. These are but a few arguments why i think it is still one of the best movies of all time.
The problem is with doing a film like All Quiet On The Western Front (the 2022 version) is that it's purpose was to show the reality of how brutal war is, not show historical accuracy. The new version is pretty inaccurate in terms of the battles. Good film though.
@@nickbell4984 That might be true (I don't have Netflix, so I don't have access to the film. Based on what I've seen in the trailers, I'm quite certain any potential historical inaccuracies are not on the same level as Braveheart), but using any version of AQotWF would serve as an opportunity to look into what was happening both on the Western Front and in Imperial Germany near the end of the war.
Amen to that. Sincere condolences, Nick.
Ive never lost a parent, but my wife and I have lost a child. Its a pain that doesnt go away. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
I hope you have some support for your loss. The Compassionate Friends offers peer support to bereaved parents of children older than 3 months. Please consider them.
After this came out a couple of weeks ago I went and watched 1917 again. This movie was awesome even though aspects of the locations weren't accurate
Appreciate your recommendation and I will now be making sure I catch a showing. Best wishes 🙏 🇬🇧
I thought it was shit
@@longone844 Hmm! Shit, I see, that's a start indeed however could you possibly expand a little more, I respect your brutal honesty but you are hiding any further information from us, your dear friends. Give it a try please... 🙏
@@DaveSCameron 😢🎉😢🎉🎉🎉😢🎉🎉🎉🎉😢🎉😊
Did the same
Our condolences. I hope he knew how neat his son is, and I hope he knew how much your work has meant to us all.
Cheers to your pops! It was my father who led me down the path of military history as well and I showed him this page and he got all giddy. Sorry for your loss, glad his memory lives on in each one of these videos you post.
I found this film haunting, and it stuck with me for about a week after I watched it. Very thought provoking and makes you think about the nature of war, and the cost it takes out of everyone unlucky enough to find themselves in a war.
Movies like this remind me of my Great Grandfather who was a British soldier in World War 1, he was a professional soldier before the war and was in the original expeditionary force in 1914, he fought on the western front, in Africa and Aden in modern day Yeman. Before he went on to fight at Gallipoli and was wounded four seperate times, including losing a finger. And another time a shell which unfortunately ended the life of his best friend. After that he went back to the western front and fought at the Somme at some point he was wounded again and discharged from his Regiment. I'm not sure what was going on in his mind as he went and joined another Regiment and his first action in this new Regiment was at Passchendale in 1917, the preliminary bombardment for that went on for 2 weeks involving 4.5 million shells, or in another way 4 shells a second, every second for 2 weeks. After the bombardment and they had gone over the top his Regiment was being held up by a machine gun nest, he was tasked with leading a small group of 4 soldiers in a raid that was able to successfully capture the Machine gun nest, and he was awarded the Military Medal for taking out the German machine gun nest. He survived the rest of the war ending the war on the Italian front, but he was definitely emotionally scarred. He would drink heavily and after the war he broke his Military Medal in two and chucked it in the bin. Luckily his wife was able to take it out later on and save it, so we still have it today.
Those are some incredible stories, thank you for sharing.
Think you're getting some of your facts wrong there buddy. This happens when you exaggerate or make up stories.
@@garymitchell5899 everything I said happened, the fact you are being so vague about what you are claiming I got wrong is very telling. Now either say what it is or go away and stop disrespecting my Great Grandfather.
@@wellwell7950 There was no western front in Aden, and the other numerous locations your 'grandfather' was supposed to have been at is almost certainly bllx for a single unit. Clear enough?
@@wellwell7950 I know you like clarity so if you could identify the specific regiment/division this was supposed to have happened to that would be great.
Just saw this was dedicated to your father. So sorry for your loss. Your videos are a great testament to the love of history your father instilled in you.
So many things to market come of the ______ing of a father.
I'm so sorry for your loss Nick, losing family is one of the hardest things you go through. He sounds like he was a great man and father, I hope you have others you can turn to in this time. Please be well.
The pilot scene bugs me since the pilots had a code of honour and were unlikeky to sneak stab someone who just saved them. My great grandfather was a pilot for the flying corp
and the fact that the man who saved him was ig cuddling with him? why are you still in knife range by yourself after you saved him? idk what you should do but don't be in knife range! the characters in this film had no survival instincts, half assed crouching through no mans land, running straight away from an airplane, running straight away from german fire, peaking his head at a german sniper whos already got a bead on him. i loved the sets, side characters, story, and generally the world, but god the characters were hard to watch.
Yeah, that kinda annoyed me. I could see the German trying to run away or something, but I doubt one would stab the person who just put out the flames on his legs. Especially given that he is outnumbered and would have known 2 against 1, guns vs knife, and it isn't going to end well.
@@daslynnter9841They’re kids who just saved a man’s life not caring where he was from. You’ve never been in a situation even remotely similar to them, and you never will be. They’re not thinking of the pilot as an enemy, they see him as a person. Get your brain dead comment out of here and learn basic human psychology dunce.
I'd wager that was done on impulse. It was a rather bad crash, the pilot might not have been thinking straight.
The man just got shot down, it looked like a bad crash and he looked like he had some kinda concussion or something by the way his head was idly bobbing around. He was definitely very disoriented and the first thing he sees is an enemy, he doesnt know whats going on and he probably reacted on instinct
In my mind, killing off the brother was the best move the directer could have made.
Not only for the death of thim, and showing how quick and unsuspeting it can come, but because it gives the final scene.
In many war movies we see men dieing left and right, extras, and exepcially with WW1 where wave after wave was just sent into the meat grinder, haveing a scene which showes the emotional tall those tactics had on those left alive is, in my mind, brutally honest and brilliant.
I was seriously surprised when I first saw the movie that they never mention how infected Scho’s injured hand would be after all the stuff it’s touched
I would like to mention: I absolutely love the fact that you used ambient sounds from Battlefield 1, which is a game set in World War 1. The second War Story, Friends in High Places, has a level in which you play on the ground, trying to get back to friendly lines after being shot down. The audio of men screaming or even groaning in pain comes from that level, as does the machine gun fire in the distance.
Nick, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just lost my dad too. He was a fan of Old Westerns and historic fiction films. Happy belated Father’s Day to you and yours! 👨👦
One of the best channels on RUclips. The definition of Quality over Quantity. Keep up the brilliant work!!
My condolences for your loss. The passing of a parent is without a doubt the hardest moment of our human lives. But we all shall be together again for there truly is an afterlife. 1917 is without a doubt a masterpiece when it comes to war films. Great respect to British soldiers! Through-out history you guys fight with a deep sense of Chivalry, Decorum, and Class even though you too go through hell in war. My Late Grandfather (Mom’s side) fought in World War One (he was Latvian under the Czarist Russia Occupation of Latvia.) My late Father was a vet from World War Two. They would on occasion discuss their horrific war experiences. I remember my Grandfather getting visibly upset and in an angry tone saying “You guys had it easy, way too easy. We experienced HELL on Earth.” Even though my father's experiences sounded like other hell to me. I often wondered what my Grandfather experienced since other than on rare occasions he would not talk about it choosing to leave it in the past. It’s thanks to movies such as 1917 and All Quiet On the Western Front. We get a sense of that hell. May ALL of those soldiers rest in peace and may we never forget the senselessness of War and the other insanity it is!
This movie is one of those historical films that seem to have found that elusive "sweet spot," the perfect mix of the historical accuracy, and making a cinematically exciting and visually pleasing story. It's quite accurate to the WWI timeframe, a good slice of what it would have been like then, but keeps a great pace and plenty to keep you invested, and some of the most beautiful cinematography I've seen. For me, as a gunsmith and student of firearm history, I noticed one detail that really impressed me: Scho and Blake are carrying Lee-Enfield no.1 Mk III bolt action rifles and when they're just about to head out, you see Scho take a 5 round stripper clip of cartridges into his rifle. He later fires more than 5 times at the German sniper and some think the filmmakers goofed here, but what he was actually doing was topping off his rifle's ammunition. The Lee-Enfield (SMLE) held 10 rounds in a fixed box magazine, and soldiers of that time would keep 5 rounds in the rifle at all times at the front (in case you needed to defend yourself in a surprise attack), but not add the SECOND 5 round stripper clip unless it was just before a planned attack or mission, so that they could avoid over stressing the spring in the rifles magazine that the full 10 rounds loaded would do over time. And, if you count, they actually kept track during filming and he doesn't fire more than 10 shots! For a Hollywood movie, that's pretty impressive. That's what I love about 1917: every time I watch it I notice a new small detail that had escaped me before. The few inaccuracies (such as the river) really were to keep the tension ramped up and be visually exciting, and doesn't hamper my enjoyment of it. 👍
Another thing I noticed is that the film ends with almost the same frame it starts with, Schofield resting on a tree, sadly missing blake. I looked into it further and i believe the hole in the tree is supposed to represent the loss, or something missing in schofield.
I'm sorry to hear about your father Nick. Thank you for all the great content you have provided over the years and wish you good luck for the future.
My great grandfather fought in the First World War for the Americans. He immigrated from Sweden in 1901 with his parents . He was a Private First Class in the 344 infantry Blackhawk division. My grandma still has his uniform to this day
Man.... A sincere sorry that the old man passed....
I can only tell you this, that he must be prouder than ever to have such a dedicated and wonderful son like you around.....
And it may not ever get easy, but it will get easier, cheers mate.....
Thanks for all the wonderful videos over the years, and thanks for what is to come i'm sure in the near future that'll continue to be top notch content...!
The biggest inaccuracy was the Brits could easily have flown a bi-plane to deliver the same message.
yes. such a flaw that i therefore HATED this movie. they could have thought of a better premise
I saw 1917 on opening day and went back for a second go the following day. I loved every minute of it.
My sincerest condolences for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm sorry for the loss of your father. I lost mine last month on the 12th of June. Memorializing him at the beginning of this episode is an awesome thing to have done.
Great tribute to your father, Nick. My friend passed away last year whom went with me to see this movie in the theater. Great movie, great video as always.
This is one of my favorite war films. The cinematography is breathtaking. You really feel like you are there. It’s a heartbreaking, tense, beautiful film. Even just seeing clips brought tears to my eyes.
Is it possible that they tweak the dates and times just slightly so that descendants can’t point to a moment in film and say that the death of their loved one has been trivialized? There’s always the ability of a filmmaker to say, “well, not really, see?”
No help as regards the river drama. Inconceivable to look at this film and go, “I dunno, it’s kinda dull, should we add an exciting river-rapids escape, to, ya know, kick it up a notch?”
So sorry to hear about your father Nick. If he’s anything like you he was a passionate man who inspired those around him. Thanks for your hard work as always.
Rule #1: If you jump in a river in a movie, you will encounter a waterfall. I'm surprised he didn't have to fight a crocodile.
4 months later and I know Nick won't see this. Still, shout out to Stuart Hodges.
You raised a hell of a son so you must have been a hell of dad. Should we all be so lucky to walk your path and inspire our kids to walk their own path to success 🍻
Rest easy knowing you did a good job, Stuart.
My condolences to you and your family.
My father: Michael R. Frappier
December 25 1951-June 19 2023
He loved your channel. You did alot of his favorite movies.
Nick, watched it the first time and wanted to make sure I commented again. We both lost our fathers around the same time and I want to wish you all the support I can dude. Your channel has always been a joy for me. Thanks you for what you do.
Something I commented on in the OG video too - out of all of the attacks during the Battle of Arras, only the Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought by four Canadian divisions and one British division, was actually successful. Shame we never got a film about it, since the Canadians were essentially the early versions of the German Sturmtruppen.
The Germans feared us, the Australians, and the New Zealanders, calling us Shock Troops. The brits would send us into the most difficult parts of the line because we would get results. It's why the Canadians were forced to Passchendale when Currie wanted to refuse, citing the number of men lost qould be in the thousands and if I remember right his numbers weren't far off and the battle was only a temperary victory.
@@history_loves_anime8927 Especially since the ground was retaken during the Great Spring Offensive. Then we were ordered to retake Mons in the dying days of WW1 because the British wanted to march through the town they lost at the beginning of the war.
@@jlaws8740 And then we got revenge during Cambrai and the Last Hundred Days where we and the New Zealanders I think were the first troops the Germans encountered and if I remember, a few units would run if they knew we were coming.
I've visited Vimy Ridge, which is technically Canadian Sovereign soil, so technically I've visited Canada via France
@@history_loves_anime8927 late response I know but Currie was right. He projected 20,000 CDN casualties, actual was a bit over 16000
Its been a long while since I've watched this channel and it's great to see the quality is still high, sorry for your loss, also i would like to recommend a look at the 1963 film "55 days in Peking" on the Boxer rebellion for a video
Thank you for the amazing videos 😊
Im so sorry about you’re father, I hope your family was doing okay, and thank you this was an amazing video
Sorry for your recent loss. Prayers for you and your family.
I just had the 1 year anniversary of losing my father and it gets no easier. I miss my hero. Condolences, Nick.
J.R.R Tolkien took the inspiration from the quote of General Petain "Ils ne passeront pas / You shall not pass" for Gandalf when he was facing the Balrog in The Lord of the rings first book of the trilogy (it might not be word for word in the book, though but he took his idea from General Petain's quote). As we know, Tolkien lived through WW1 and thus he took a lot of inspiration from the events of the war in his books and there is alot of similarities with the orcs behing the germans hordes of soldiers as well because it felt like the waves of attacks were endless at times.
Thank you for another wonderful video. My heart goes out to you and your family, I'm sure they are all proud of the work you accomplish!
Hey mate, I have really enjoyed your content over the last couple of years, especially as someone that had 6 years of History focused education at University. I just wanted to drop a comment giving my condolences for the loss of your father. He seems to have raised a charismatic and intelligent son. May he rest in peace.
I’m really glad your back man! This is easily one of the best RUclips channels when it comes to both movies and history. I’m sorry about your father Nick.
This is a good analysis of the film. I'm not a "stitch counter" but I know a few things about WWI arms, equipment, and uniforms, and they came very close to nailing that part of it. This movie hit theaters close to the time when "They Shall Not Grow Old" hit. That was a documentary made up of Imperial War Museum footage that was speed corrected, exposure corrected, and accurately colorized. The two films inform each other, a documentary and historical fiction working in concert. I agree that there are a few things thrown into 1917 that are annoying departures for dramatic effect, but I can tolerate those few if the dedication to accuracy is mostly good and the movie is compelling. 1917 has both.
Something rather major that could be considered an inaccuracy (but is most definitely a plot hole) is the lack of carrier pigeons. I understand why they aren't mentioned, because the movie has to happen, but this issue could have been easily rectified during the briefing scene with Colin Firth. He mentions that the Germans have cut the telegram lines, and could have also had a line saying "And our messenger pigeon coop was hit by a stray shell" or something like that. It just seems odd that they account for one major mode of communication but not the other.
Something like “we sent out our best pigeon, ‘Speckled Jim’, but so far we’ve heard nothing…”
@@bob_the_bomb4508 That would have been a nice reference
Probably a tonal choice. Regardless of how historically accurate it is, the idea of pigeons flying around to deliver military communications would feel silly and off-tone to modern audiences. Even if presented in a low-key and serious way, 21st century audiences would have a hard time not finding it humorous.
@@its_clean maybe it was a ‘tonal choice’ to use two soldiers as messengers, when their presence in various parts of the lines would be questioned. Such a message would have been carried by a junior officer.
A carrier pigeon would only be any use if it had its home based near where the troops were advancing. Pigeons were a great form of communication but could be limited.
I'm so glad that you're back with another video. It's been a while. I know it takes a lot of hard work to make these, and I'm glad you've come up with another one again!
I feel like censorship weirdly makes the imagery more horrifying.
Oh, Nick, I know I'm late on this but I'm sorry to read about your dad on the opening. I only just watched 1917 so I was waiting to check this video out and I missed it. My condolences.
My condolences Nick and thank you for the amazing content.
I like how the movie goes with the realistic way on Schofield tells the brother that Blake died. I like how they use the words approach. All Schofield says "It was quick".
I think the best part is the beginning and ending of the movie. Both depict Schofield sleeping against a tree. It gave me the feeling that this was just another day for him. That next week he may have to do something similar again. That the war was unending
Nick I absolutely love your channel. Your appreciation of history and enthusiastic presentations are infectious and fun to watch. Keep up the great work!!
I wish the best for you and your family! Sorry to hear about your father's passing. I can only imagine the toll that has taken on you. Best of luck dealing with the grief! We're all here for you
Discovered your channel yesterday, binge watched about a dozen episodes, outstanding content subbed cheers
I don't get why they'd try to stop a runner from getting his message to its recipient.
I also don't get why they send two men through no man's land instead of sending them to the rear and then transporting them perpendicular to the line and then back to the front line. It would be faster, safer and have a much higher probability of succeeding.
The ended dedication to Mendes’ relative really hit me. Just thinking about all the real lives lost and it’s just a few generations ago. May we never forget.
Your dad fathered a wonderfuly knowledgeable son, I can only imagine how proud of you he was Nick, I can only imagine the sorrow and hope that everyone in your life has come together to support you. God bless you Nick!
I adore the cinematography in this film and so many other things, but my favourite part about it, is that we barely know or learn anything about Schofield throughout, the biggest bit of background we get on him, is at the very end.
There’s something about how we only witness his drive that makes it so much more impactful.
Thank you so much, Nick, for all these videos and my heart breaks for your family. Knowing your father was so outwardly proud of his son is so comforting and wholesome. Thanks for being with us, Nick
Hello, I'm very sorry about the loss of your father. I think it's dope as hell that he's a great part of your inspiration for this channel and your other endeavors. May your father Rest in Paradise. I hope you and your family are doing well.
I loved this movie. It completely drew me into the story. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.
I'm sorry for your loss, Nick. I've followed you for years and I've always appreciated your work.
Sorry for your loss my guy. It's very hard losing a parent. Thanks for the awesome video!
My sincere condolences, Nick. Losing a parent is terribly painful & I hope you & your families pain is easing a little.
(I have only just seen this video, but your post touched me & I felt compelled to acknowledge your father's passing)
Really sorry about your loss Nick🙏🏼 Thank you for all that you do
I was waiting for this episode! I was a background extra in this movie. I have to say, filming that charge scene was the most fun ever
Sorry about the original Steve. But the video was great. Your research and analysts makes the movie worth watching and understand why it was filmed the it did.
Keep it up. My condolences to your father's passing.
My sympathies for your loss, Nick. Seeing this film in theaters (one of the few I saw in theaters months before the pandemic broke out) was actually a father-son moment, as I went to see it with my dad.
This Nick lost his mother in August. My condolences on your loss. Great video. Noticed that Blake’s brother was the lead in Bodyguard. Great show.
Condolences again for you father, I think all us fans owe him a lot since he helped make you the great historian and RUclipsr you are today.
Thanks for re-uploading it! I'm glad that you too were annoyed that even though this movie literally starts on April 6th, 1917 no one in the movie ever mentions that the US has finally declared war on Germany. It bothered me that at the end no one brings up America entering the war which must've been a huge relief for the British soldiers since now they'd have fresh troops coming to help them. Excellent video!
My father passed away on May 20th, 2022. When I read dedication at the beginning of this video it hit extra hard.
My condolences, may your father rests in peace.
I know that a stranger's condolences don't really mean all that much, but you have mine in regards to your dad.
We all carry more of our fathers in ourselves than we give the old bastard credit for!
You're doing a fine job, Nick ! Thank you for your videos !
Another ww1 movie I enjoyed some number of years ago was "The Lost Battalion" surprisingly good but doesn't get mentioned too often, if you haven't yet would you consider this idea for a future video?
I put the scene out of my head about the brother.
"He was a good man, always telling funny stories" legit broke me.
I love this movie as an engaging war movie, but i enjoy it even more when i see it as a piece of art.
I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, Nick. I've admired your videos for some time and I'm always interested to see a new one. I offer my sincere condolences.
Do all quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Compare all three of them!
As usual, a fantastic video with lots of history and a superb review of the film. My condolences for the loss of your father - my own mother passed away this year and she lived through the Blitz as a little girl and was almost killed by a V-1 in 1944.
I really didn't mind some of the liberties taken with the history given what a superb film "1917" was (though I enjoyed learning what they were from your video). I was a secondary school history teacher until recently and for my WWI unit, the film I showed moved from "the Trench" to "All Quiet on the Western Front" (the 1979 made-for-TV film which in my opinion was the best version) finally to "1917" which I found was the most engaging for my students. I also liked how Indian and black soldiers were presented as being combatants, without feeling like the film was pandering to the current race-swapping demands of Hollywood.
I only had two real gripes with "1917". The first was the scene where the German pilot kills Blake. Putting aside the unlikelihood of the pilot killing one of the two men - enemy or not - who just pulled him from the flaming wreckage of his aircraft (an Albatross?), what the hell was he doing carrying around that huge knife? It all seemed very unlikely and if I were German, I would feel highly offended; that this was a slur on my countrymen who fought in the Great War. I realise that Blake had to die for the sake of the plot, but a better scene would have been preferred.
The second Issue I had might seem minor, but I feel it's actually quite important. That was when Schofield meets LCol Mackenzie and salutes - WITH NO HEADDRESS ON. This is not and never has been the practice of the British Army (or any of the other Commonwealth Armies, for that matter). What it demonstrates is the Americanisation of British film and television and is discouraging to see. We have our own culture, but allowing this kind of inaccuracy to slip through undermines our own unique traditions and military system. It's something that is becoming ever more prevalent in British programming. But it should not.
I'd love to see a review of "All Quiet On The Western Front"
I’m terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I lost my dad 13 years ago rather suddenly. I still think about him every day.
This was a great movie and im proud of my brother for his part in making the epic scenes of massed soldiers that bit more real. This is also a comment for the algorithm to help re-boost this amazing video
i love that the opening shot and ending shot are exactly the same
A great movie despite minor inaccuracies. Bravo Nick! Great analysis.
The running scene collisions weren't scripted, he really just slammed into those stunt guys.
They where not even stunt guys, they just happened to be unfortunate extras.