Churchill’s dilemma chills still in Darkest Hour

/ May 7, 2018

(From IMDb.com)

The history lessons in Darkest Hour shine various lights on Winston Churchill, the King and his Empire, and the oh-so-many players linked to them in the days that Adolph Hitler’s troops marched toward the closest shores and into their collective psyches.

Oh, what a drama this is, a deep and dark march into pages that changed our world forever.

This particular juncture, of course, has been depicted many times previously. But not exactly like this.

Wright’s vision and Oldman’s depth make Darkest Hour a new historic treasure, no matter the liberties that may or may not be taken with the little facts and small strokes.

Oldman is brilliant as Churchill, from the crusty start in his bedroom, and Wright sets us up to his persnickety ways masterfully. Wait staff ironing his daily newspaper? Uncanny.

We get a world leader who doesn’t get along with either political party, but can evolve in his first days as prime minister in such master strokes as to ride the underground to soak up the wisdom of the people. All babies look like him? Indeed, how many times has that nugget been used in real life? Then to watch his great mind transform the train ride for his own passionate speech to win over the reluctant, stubborn and never-will to resist Hitler instead of enter into peace talks.

Gary Oldham has Churchill down. (From IMDb.com)

It’s interesting to note how at least one important fact doesn’t exactly jibe with Dunkirk, a movie also released to great acclaim last year. That one indicated that the citizen fleet crossing the waters to France had in great part a volunteer status. This one gives credit to a direct order by Churchill.

Both were still great movies in different ways, big action for the former and big personalities for the latter.

Central New Yorkers can see Darkest Hour as part of the Recently Released Movies series, at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in the Carman Community Room.

Related posts

16 thoughts on “Churchill’s dilemma chills still in Darkest Hour”

  2. I enjoyed The Darkest Hour, and agree Oldman was brilliant! I haven’t seen Dunkirk. My 15 year old who is obsessed with history said she was disappointed. I think it may have been too slow for her liking.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Wasn’t sure I wanted to see – you would recommend? Curious which Oscar movies you enjoyed this year. You’ve written posts on them all I bet. Brief version here – what did you think of 3 Billboards vs Shape of Water?

    Like

    Reply

    • Three Billboards was an odd chiller. I liked it. Haven’t written the review yet. I have not seen Shape of Water yet, Liz, what being on a mostly Blu-Ray ration from the library these days. Finally, yes on Darkest Day.

      Like

      Reply

  7. Yes both great films, not wanting to shatter any illusions I doubt very much that Winnie ever rode a tube or took on board anything anyone had to say least of all the common man or woman on the tube. As for Dunkirk an order was very likely made but the people who took those boats were volunteers and so very brave! That said, for all his bull headedness and all the dreadful mistakes he made he was the only man of the time he was what was needed and he did a brilliant job even though physically he was not up to the burdenof his post and much was hidden. He did save Britain in those day she was Great Britain.💜

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.