22/19
September 1940 Starring Hans ZimmerWritten by Hans Zimmer
Scenario
Follow the stories of a group of Londoners during the events of the bombing of the British capital in WWII. Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson previously starred together in See How They Run (2022). The Blitz is a good movie, it had the potential to be great. Occasional fast & the explosive action keeps you engaged, but the story was a bit disjointed and muddled.
The story is told through meetings of marginalized groups in 1940 London during the Blitz
This movie had a mix of themes and events that seemed out of place at times. It should have been a TV series where the characters and circumstances were better explored. It was a war drama, but not entirely through the eyes of a child, as some descriptions suggest. Some scenes seemed unnecessary to me, the film might have flowed better without them.
Discrimination was aptly depicted
It is refreshing to see how a war story unfolds through the experiences of children, women and different groups. The scene in the bunker where segregation was discussed was an event that needed attention, McQueen held this scene well. 'Scenes' were more memorable than the impact of the story – the jazz club, the dance, the reuniting family at the piano, the bombings, the children on the returning train and on the tracks, the women at work & their social exchanges and all the scenes that involved the character of Ife. I’m not too sure about the possible unintentional Dickensian homage; a bit too Oliver Twist and Bill Sikes for my taste.
The acting was amazing
McQueen clearly knows how to imagine and deliver an unforgettable moment. He is a good storyteller and a perfect director. Movie scene, visual effects & the special effects were excellent. The soundtrack and use of sound was varied and up-to-date.
What makes this film special is the reminder of the whitewashed historical narratives told in many war films
This film will appeal to many diverse audiences, especially those who recognize and care about how historical experiences differ for everyone.