Darkest Hour

Chief Chick Comments

If you saw Dunkirk earlier this year, then you are ready to see Darkest Hour which is the view from London as Churchill ascends to be the Prime Minister despite a lack of real support from the King and many in the War Cabinet who are pressing for a peace treaty. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Churchill is unlike any other I have seen. Churchill seems less sure of himself despite moments of fortitude to fight to the final man. Meanwhile, he has learned that 300,000 British soldiers are stranded at Dunkirk, virtually all of the British Army, with no way off the French Coast as the Nazi Luftwafe control the skies. Lily James (Downton Abbey) becomes Churchill's secretary while Kristin Scott Thomas is Lady Churchill who seems to have unlimited faith in her husband. Oldman's Churchill is spry ascending and descending steps but seems moribund otherwise. It seems a bit confusing to me. Never-the-less, it is still interesting to see this portrayal which may be closer to the truth, who knows? Chamberlain (the previous weak PM) and Lord Halifax press for peace, but Churchill, who does falter at one point, declares that "You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in his mouth". Ultimately, he decides that the British will fight on the land, the sea and the air. Liked the movie but expected more. See for yourself!

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