Blood will Flow

 I've seen it at last! I think our local cinemas are coming to the end of its run so I was glad to fit it in - and it didn't disappoint. I'd heard varying feedback about it and had seen the mini documentary/trailer about how they filmed it, so I wasn't sure what I was expecting. I think I was kind of ready to be underwhelmed, and though I wasn't OVERwhelmed, it was tense, emotional and gripping.

I liked that it wasn't a known story, so all the way through there was a real sense of jeopardy - anything could happen. The mission could succeed or fail, the characters could die or survive, and we really didn't know which outcome would materialise. Considering 90% of trailers these days seem to feed us the whole plot, albeit in snapshot moments, I found the uncertainty very refreshing. I was also both relieved and a little surprised that I wasn't a weeping mess by the end - since watching documentaries about WWI frequently reduce me to tears. 

I am also wondering what on earth the Oscar committee use as criteria for Best Actor material, because George Mackay was exceptional. I mean, the film was GOOD, and he carried it, and he didn't even get a nomination? Bloody hell.

Anyhow, it's not a film I'd be rushing to see again, because it was about as traumatic as you'd expect - any more than I'd want to see Saving Private Ryan again either. They are memorable enough. for me! But I would recommend anyone seeing it, if you haven't already.