What's it about?
Set in 20th century, during World War II, when the UK prime minister Neville Chamberlain is forced to resign and Winston Churchill takes over. He has to make a decision about whether the UK should negotiate or fight Hitler till the very end, save the soldiers stranded on Dunkirk beach, and convince his own unbelieving country that he can lead it to victory.
Why watch it?
For outstanding performance by Gary Oldman; excellent directing by Joe Wright; if you want to learn more about Churchill; if you're interested in WWII drama; for beautiful filmmaking - cinematography, sound, editing and directing in general.
Stars
Ratings
7,4 on IMDb
84% Rotten Tomatoes
Critics Reception
It’s good to be reminded that in the thick of it, it wasn’t at all clear that Hitler wouldn’t win, and the fate of a free Britain was seriously in doubt, especially given America’s reluctance to get involved.
Vox
The film from the start attracted a lot of attention, and is often praised for Gary Oldman's performance (for which he received an Oscar in 2018) and Joe Wright's directing. Some critics point out the fictional scenes, such as Churchill asking Londoners on the tube about whether he should lead the country to war. The reason being is that the film itself addresses the dilemma of whether politicians should manipulate the truth to inspire the nation or be honest about the the current political situation and risk stability in the country.
Reviews
Darkest Hour, Roger Ebert
Darkest Hour review – the woman behind a very great man, The Guardian
Darkest Hour review: Oldman is chunky, the script is clunky, The Irish Times
Darkest Hour Review, Empire