Watch Journey's End

Journey's End is a powerful and intense war drama set during the Great War, based on a famous 1928 play by R.C. Sherriff. The movie is directed by Saul Dibb, known for his work on The Duchess and Suite Française. It stars a talented cast of British actors, including Paul Bettany, Sam Claflin, and Stephen Graham. The film tells the story of a British army company stationed in the trenches of northern France in 1918, just before the start of the Spring Offensive, one of the last major German offensives of the war.

The movie takes place over four days in the claustrophobic and tense environment of a dugout at the front line. The characters are all flawed, damaged, and vulnerable, but are still trying to maintain some form of dignity and honor in the face of imminent danger and death. There's Captain Stanhope, played by Sam Claflin, who is a charismatic and competent leader, but has turned to alcohol to cope with the stress of the war. He used to be the friend and mentor of Lieutenant Osborne, played with quiet grace by Paul Bettany, but their relationship has been strained by the war and the burden of command. There's also Second Lieutenant Hibbert, played by Tom Sturridge, who is desperate to escape the front line and be sent back home because he can't handle the fear and horror of trench warfare.

The movie doesn't shy away from the horrors of the war, but it also shows the small moments of humanity and camaraderie that soldiers can still find amidst the chaos and destruction. The soldiers are constantly under threat of being attacked by the enemy, and they spend long periods of time in their cramped dugouts, waiting for orders or trying to catch some rest. The tension is palpable, and the cinematography and sound design effectively convey the sense of being trapped and surrounded by danger.

The dialogue in the movie is naturalistic and moving, with some especially powerful exchanges between the characters. The actors all give excellent performances, adding depth and complexity to their roles. Sam Claflin is particularly impressive as Stanhope, conveying the character's inner turmoil and vulnerability with nuance and subtlety. Paul Bettany delivers a standout performance as Osborne, who provides a calm and wise presence amidst the chaos of the war. Stephen Graham also impresses as Sergeant Trotter, who is trying to maintain discipline and keep his company alive.

One of the strengths of the movie is how it explores the psychological impact of the war on the soldiers. It shows how the constant fear, stress, and trauma of trench warfare can take a toll on even the strongest and bravest soldiers. There are moments of despair and hopelessness, but also moments of courage and resilience. The movie also touches on themes of class, duty, and sacrifice, highlighting the different perspectives and motivations of the soldiers.

Overall, Journey's End is a powerful and moving war drama that doesn't resort to sentimentality or melodrama. It's a sober and realistic depiction of the experiences of soldiers during the Great War, and a tribute to their sacrifice and bravery. The movie is expertly crafted, with strong performances, effective visuals, and a thought-provoking script. Fans of war movies, historical dramas, and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate in Journey's End.

Journey's End is a 2018 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 73.