Movie review: 1917 (2019)

Short version: Go see it.  Right away.

OK, longer version.  This is an amazing piece of film-making. The story is straightforward.  Two British soldiers in WWI are tasked with crossing ground recently occupied by the withdrawing German army to reach a unit that is about to attack into a trap.  They carry orders cancelling the attack.  To add to the drama, one of the two soldiers has a brother in the unit they are trying to reach in time to cancel the attack.

Through some digital trickery the film is shot as a single continuous tracking shot.  This has the effect of making the viewer feel as if they are on the journey with these two soldiers.  The tension builds throughout the film, with several twists which add to the story.  The uniforms, equipment and sets are amazing.  I can’t praise this film highly enough.  Nothing I can tell you will do it justice.  I will say that I think it is one of the best portrayals of a soldier’s experience that I have ever seen in a movie.  The film is greatly aided by several well known actors in small supporting roles.

5 stars.  Go see this film.

This is good news

The increasingly excellent kit producer Arma has announced a 72nd scale FM-2, promising to fill a much needed space in 72nd scale Wildcats.  Now if we can get them to do an F4F-3.

First US licensed female pilot

Harriet Quimby, 1911.  Also the first female pilot to fly across the English Channel.

77th Hiko Sentai

It is amazing what you can stumble on when wandering the internet.  The early days of WWII in South East Asia is an area of particular interest.  As such the activities of the 77th Hiko Sentai and their Ki-27 Nates are right in my wheelhouse.  Thus, I was pretty happy when I stumbled on this.

And this is why you need the Second Amendment

so you don’t end up fighting a terrorist with a Narwhal tusk, especially when he appears to have an explosive suicide vest on. BTW, the guy wielding the tusk is a Polish chef.  Don’t piss off the Poles.

More on the Airfix Vulcan

See here.  Looks like at least one version will have the Blue Steel missile included.

Lysander

This should make Jim Bates happy.  I am surprised it has taken this long to get a new kit of this aircraft.

WW II history

A nice articleabout a son learning about his father’s WWII experience.

Hurricane IIC

Breaking news that Arma will follow there very nice Hurricane I with a Hurricane IIC.  Now, here is hoping they will do a IIB as well.

If only it wasn’t Valom

I am a huge fan of the Blackburn Firebrand.  I have no idea why, other than it looks cool.  I’ve wanted this kit forever, but it isn’t in production, and is very rare.  A new kit of the Firebrand has been announced.  That should gladden my heart.  If only it wasn’t Valom.