Film review

Darkest Hour

Darkest Hour (2017) is a movie directed by Joe Wright and written by Anthony McCarten, that
approaches the biography of the renowned prime minister of the United Kingdom during World War
II, Winston Churchill. At times when the fate of the nation and, doubtlessly, the entire western
Europe hangs on him, he must decide whether to negotiate with the infamous dictator, Adolf Hitler
through his associate, Benito Mussolini, or to fight for the independence, even if that requires
considerable sacrifices.

Starring notable actors, such as Gary Oldman, who portrays the prime minister and Lily James, as
Elizabeth Layton, his typewriter, the film captures through astonishing cinematography and accurate
portrayal of the historical facts. The action takes place in May 1940, continuing thourought the war.
As Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup) is dismissed from his position by the Labour Party for being
too weak in the face of the Nazi onslaught, Winston Churchill becomes the prime minister in such
unfortunate times, when the fate of democracy is at great risk.

Being at odds with King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) and the Parliament, due to his political views
and disreputable attitude, his only support comes from his wife, Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas),
and his taciturne and efficient typewriter, Elizabeth. The plot consists of the depiction of his life - his
relationships with Clementine, Elizabeth, political figures (Paul Reynaud- the prime minister of
France, Franklin Roosevelt- the president of the United States etc.).

He has to decide whether to negotiate a treaty, or defend the country through war. Therefore, he
comes to the conclusion that the nation itself should express its opinion on the matter. After an open
talk with some civillians in the London Underground, Winston Churchill declares that the war against
the Nazi opressers is to be continued. The evacuation of troops from Dunkirk, Operation Dynamo, is
a great success, at first considered a hopeless cause.

In my opinion, the film was impressionably executed, the cast, the cinematography and also, the
soundtrack distinguished it from other movies. It received many appraises from the critics and from
the audience alike, earning six nominations at the 90 th Academy Awards and bringing Gary Oldman
the Academy Award for Best Actor and many other distinctions, which are well-deserved. It
strenghtened my opinion that, at hard times, it takes a determined and zealous person to rule a
nation.

Lastly, this film expanded my views over the situation going on in the United Kingdom during World
War II and also gave me the opportunity to learn more about the political figures of the time and,
especially, Winston Churchill.