One-shot tale of the trenches in war film 1917

There is a moment while watching 1917 when you realise you have not breathed in quite some time. At least it certainly feels that way, such is there lentless, heart-stopping momentum of Sam Mendes’ epic war film about two young soldiers who venture across enemy lines to deliver a message that could save hundreds of lives.

It marks a change in genre for the British film-maker, who recently received a knighthood in the New Year honours and who is best known for James Bond movies Skyfall and Spectre and dramas such as American Beauty, and Road To Perdition.