Keep It Reel: 'Darkest Hour'
By Marc Woodfork
During the early days of World War II, England faced the possible threat of invasion from German forces. New Prime Minister Winston Churchill must make a crucial decision to stand and fight the Nazis or try to broker a deal to save his people and country.
For historians and non-historians alike, this is a must-see film. Gary Oldman turns in his best performance to date as Churchill. His transformation is nothing short of incredible -- certainly the frontrunner for Oscar glory.
Obviously, knowing the outcome still doesn't deter from the intensity or suspense that the film delivers. For students of history, it's a window into a extremely difficult and significant moment of the 20th Century. For the neutral, its just great film making and has a brilliantly written script that doesn't dumb down the dialogue. The producers do a really good job of capturing the look and feel of 1940's Britain as well as nailing the stress, fear and emotion of a people who find themselves at the brink of collapse.
Because of the historical events of the film, a lot of people will pass on it due to "hating history". Watching "Darkest Hour" isn't so much a history lesson, it's just a great story and a great performance that should not be missed.