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A very interesting commentary, which reflects what I felt on seeing this film for the second time. I wonder whether Mendès knows "A Pilgrim's Prigress" (I should think he does) as that was the reference which came to my mind? Note how, before Schofield's "baptism by immersion" he loses his armour (tin hat), his rifle, and has also "divested himself of his burden" by leaving all he has to the Woman and Child. He has given up everything, and militarily, he is naked and can be born anew. As a Christian allegory, this film is beautiful.

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Further in the 2AM dorm room vein: Don't miss the subtler allusions to 1917 in regard to what happened in Russia, specifically Anton Chekhov's final play, "The Cherry Orchard" (1903) which begins with a scene in the estate-owner's home, in a room called "the nursery" (milk allusions).

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I appreciate those who, like you, can untangle the artistic interpretations of movies. I tend to be pretty literal and so I miss subtle messaging often. Thank you for writing this piece. I picked up on several of the things you mentioned, but missed several completely. I watched 1917 in the theatre and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I haven't gone back and watched it again. When I do, I now have a great lens through which to do so.

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Fantastic piece. I have to give it some time to percolate on my brain, but this movie may end up topping my list of war movies. The film has a Tolkienesque quality. I couldn’t help seeing Blake as Samwise Gamgee, looking up to appreciate a shining star of white light as he hides in a rock crag in Mordor. This movie is fantastic.

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This piece is wonderful, Owen. Thank you for sharing again. I remember reading your original (condensed) essay after I watched the film and how moving both were. '1917' has definitely creeped up my "favorite movie list" since I first saw it. We still need to get on a podcast together to really dive deep on this and other films 👍

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