"They Shall Not Grow Old"

This film is fantastic. When you do go to see it make sure to stay for the extra 30 minutes after the showing to see how they made the movie.
 
I also am looking forward to seeing it !!
 
It was good though maybe not the best choice for date night. I would say that you won't miss much waiting for it to come to streaming/DVD but definitely a great way to make the experience of the Great War a contemporary one. Also, just for expectation management it really focuses on the British efforts in France so if you're expecting the AEF or the Gallipoli campaigns those were not touched upon.
 
cb7893 said:
Very much looking forward to seeing this movie:


Would also recommend PBS' American Experience Documentary about WW I if you haven't seen it.
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"They shall not Grow Old" was brilliant- see it now if you discover it is playing near you. And ensure that you stick around for the @30 min interview with Peter Jackson (the director) at the end of the film- it was fascinating to learn how they brought these old films to life - to include audio with the words spoken by those being filmed- (Remember -these were originally shot in the age of silent film!)
 
My DS was flying home from a hockey tournament on the one day "They Shall Not Grow Old" was playing in January. His main objective that day was getting home, in time, for the 1pm showing. This movie is extraordinary in every way! A must see!
 
emwvmi01 said:
Also, just for expectation management it really focuses on the British efforts in France so if you're expecting the AEF or the Gallipoli campaigns those were not touched upon.
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Which is why the PBS documentary makes a good companion piece. Fair warning: there is a heavy dose of history that wasn't covered in our books when I was in high school and college.


If Gallipoli and/or the Commonwealth point of view is your thing, the Mel Gibson movie "Gallipoli" may also interest you.
 
The British Empire died on the Somme on July 1st 1916. 60,000 casualties. 20,000 dead. In one day. For a few hundred yards of mud. It was the worst day of the Great War, but not unusual in it's losses compared to it's gains. In comparison, in the Battle of Waterloo of 1815, considered by many the greatest battle of the 19th century & Britain's greatest battle ever (to-date), the Empire suffered about 1,500 dead. It's Belgian, Dutch & Prussian allies lost another 2,000 dead.

Before the Somme campaign was over Britain endured nearly 500,000 dead, wounded & captured. The French, Germans & Russians lost far more. The numbers boggle the mind.

The 1914-1918 war saw Britain spend away two centuries of unprecedented national wealth. In addition to suffering 900,000 dead. In a war that was supposed to last 4 weeks (aren't they all?).

Before the war, the idea of Empire was a source of national pride. After 1918, it was a cynical joke. It's a miracle the Empire lasted another 4 decades.

In contrast, the United States experience in World War One was the opening act to the American Century.
 
Finally was able to see this film at our local theater, it was as good as expected. Amazing how they restored the original footage with not only color but film speed and adding sound. Seeing it on a big screen was a great choice. I agree, stay after the credits finis to see how they were able to put this film together.

The fact that Peter Jackson made sure to restore all 100 hours of archive footage without taking a fee is amazing. Having that footage restored for future generations is terrific.
 
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