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Jan 31, 2019richmole rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
IF this movie had been made in, say, 1944, they would have called it "Propaganda." But, it was made in the 2nd decade of the 21st century, so instead, we prefer to call it "revisionist history." (More on this in a moment), but I prefer to call it historical fiction. Because there's a LOT of fiction blended with the history. More to the point--from a motion picture perspective: does it work? Wow: does it! Oldman received a worthy Oscar (so did those who created his visual appearance) and it packs an emotional punch, especially for anyone whose parents fought in this war, as mine did. Revisionist? Oh, sure. I knew it the moment I heard Oldman shout the "Will fight them on the beaches..." speech. But Churchill's actual subdued and understated oratory--I've heard the originals many times--doesn't play well today, and regardless of those who say Oldman "captured" Churchill utterings--he doesn't. This is history for the gen X and Y generations, so it's got to be big and bold. Oh, yes, and there has to be what appears to be an African-American in the "tube" train--with an obvious white woman as companion. Ridiculous for the time and place. (South African, maybe, but I doubt even that.) The message comes through loud and clear, and the fact that we're there to hear it 75 years after the fact makes no difference at all--It's timeless: Stand up to bullies, no matter where they strut: Berlin, Moscow, Riyadh, Istanbul ...or Washington D.C.