Adrenaline courses through the audience with each gun shot amidst hopes and prayers the main characters will make it another minute more.

 “1917” takes place during World War I when two British soldiers, Lance Corporal Shcofeild (George Mackay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) receive suicidal orders to cross into enemy territory to deliver a message that could save up to 1,600 men, Blake’s older brother included.

“1917” is loosely based on the story of the director’s grandfather, Alfred H. Mendes, who served his time in the British Army during World War I. Mendes would listen to the stories his grandfather would tell him during his youth, eventually bringing a fragment of those stories to life in film.

World War I wasn’t a hot topic for many war movies because those typically focused on the Vietnam War or World War II, it’s so nice to see a change in the pattern with this film.

Stunning acting makes the movie come alive. Actors from TV shows, small movies, or even some award winning blockbusters come together to make a breathtaking motion picture.

Dean-Charles Chapman, who made an appearance in the TV show “Game of Thrones,” gave an believable performance in “1917,” claiming the hearts of all.  Benedict Cumberbatch plays General Makenzie.

After the credits rolled, the audience left the theater with teary eyes and racing hearts, still processing what they had witnessed. “1917” is exciting and will leave you wanting more every second.

With a screenplay by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, and directed by Sam Mendes, “1917” should have won Best Picture at the Oscars.