The first film directed by Sir Richard Attenborough tells the story of world war one,in a most unusual way,based on a stage play by Joan Littlewood.The story of the war is told through music hall songs and hymns of the period.The politics of the war all take place on Brighton pier.The film is full of the best British actors and actress's of the period Laurence Olivier,John Mills and Maggie Smith to name a few.The film introduces a mythical "Smith family" whoose males join up King and country.The trench scenes are well done,the flea bitten soldiers drinking tea,and talking,showing how comradeship can unite the men.The Christmas truce of 1915 where unofficially troops of both sides meet in no mans land exchange cigarettes and a drop of the hard stuff is touching.Memorable too is Maggie Smith encouraging volunteers to enlist is excellently done.The two scenes that stand out for me is the church service where the officers sing the right words to the hymn,"What a friend we have in Jesus" whilst a solo singer sings his own words amusing and bitter at the same time.The ending is simply overwhelming,showing the true cost of the war to end all wars.A film for the serious film fan,a gem of a film that makes you think,and tests your emotions.
Review of Oh! What a Lovely War
