Journey's End
Sam Claflin is among a group of British officers awaiting their fate in an Aisne dugout in this WWI drama based on the play by R.C. Sherrif. From the director of The Duchess.
March, 1918. C-company arrives to take its turn in the front-line trenches in northern France, led by the war-weary Captain Stanhope (Clafin). A German offensive is imminent, and the officers and their cook distract themselves in their dugout with talk of food and their past lives. Stanhope, meanwhile, soaks his fear in whisky, unable to deal with his dread of the inevitable. A young new officer, Raleigh (Asa Butterfield), has just arrived, fresh out of training and abuzz with the excitement of his first real posting, not least because he is to serve under Stanhope - his former school house monitor and the object of his sister’s affections. Each man is trapped, the days ticking by, the tension rising, and the attack drawing ever closer.
- Director:
- Saul Dibb ('The Duchess', 'Bullet Boy', 'Suite Française')
- Writer:
- Simon Reade
- Cast:
- Paul BettanySam ClaflinAsa ButterfieldToby JonesStephen GrahamTom SturridgeRobert GlenisterTheo Barklem-Biggs
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Tony Stamp
flicksIf Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk was a widescreen panorama of one battle, Journey’s End is an uncomfortable close-up of another. The story has existed as a play since 1928 (ten years after the events it depicts) and might feel familiar after four prior film adaptations (also the fourth season of Blackadder is heavily indebted, right down to the jokes about gross food). But there’s a reason it has persisted: it’s a bloody good story and a neat summary of why war is hell.
Variety
pressFew stage staples from 90 years ago would easily translate to the screen today, yet R.C. Sherriff's once near-ubiquitous "Journey's End" proves potent as ever in this sturdy new adaptation...
Total Film
pressClaflin and Bettany stand out among an impressive ensemble in a harrowing, powerful WW1 drama well worth enduring.
The Times
pressDibb's film at times feels of a piece with Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, from the oppressive immediacy of the camerawork to the heavy, droning soundtrack.
Stuff
pressThis isn't a kinetic World War I tale, a la Gallipoli. Instead, it's a slow-burning character drama (populated by a terrific ensemble), that bursts into action, before delivering some truly memorable emotional fireworks and a haunting coda.
Screen Daily
pressA robust, sinewy production that honours the film's enduring themes and proves that it has stood the test of time.
Independent
pressThis version of Journey's End may not offer any new perspectives into its subject matter but it is made with a commitment and intensity that stop it from ever seeming old fashioned.
Empire Magazine
pressAn outstanding cast savours performing a play that has stood the test of time. Avoiding sentimentality, this is a valuable rejoinder to those who would sugar-coat mass slaughter.
Flicks, Tony Stamp
flicksIf Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk was a widescreen panorama of one battle, Journey’s End is an uncomfortable close-up of another. The story has existed as a play since 1928 (ten years after the events it depicts) and might feel familiar after four prior film adaptations (also the fourth season of Blackadder is heavily indebted, right down to the jokes about gross food). But there’s a reason it has persisted: it’s a bloody good story and a neat summary of why war is hell.
Variety
pressFew stage staples from 90 years ago would easily translate to the screen today, yet R.C. Sherriff's once near-ubiquitous "Journey's End" proves potent as ever in this sturdy new adaptation...
Total Film
pressClaflin and Bettany stand out among an impressive ensemble in a harrowing, powerful WW1 drama well worth enduring.
The Times
pressDibb's film at times feels of a piece with Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk, from the oppressive immediacy of the camerawork to the heavy, droning soundtrack.
Stuff
pressThis isn't a kinetic World War I tale, a la Gallipoli. Instead, it's a slow-burning character drama (populated by a terrific ensemble), that bursts into action, before delivering some truly memorable emotional fireworks and a haunting coda.
Screen Daily
pressA robust, sinewy production that honours the film's enduring themes and proves that it has stood the test of time.
Independent
pressThis version of Journey's End may not offer any new perspectives into its subject matter but it is made with a commitment and intensity that stop it from ever seeming old fashioned.
Empire Magazine
pressAn outstanding cast savours performing a play that has stood the test of time. Avoiding sentimentality, this is a valuable rejoinder to those who would sugar-coat mass slaughter.
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