1917

Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road, Skyfall) directs the epic and technically ingenious tale of World War I. Two young British privates are given the impossible mission of delivering a message deep within enemy territory, preventing 1,600 young soldiers from walking into a trap. This entire film, inspired by a true historical incident, is shot and edited to appear as a single, uninterrupted take unfolding in real time. The story feels familiar, but the visuals are gripping. 119 minutes R.