Benediction movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Benediction

This artistic and insightful movie is now playing in theaters (June 2022)

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 17 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

This melodramatic story is about legendary 20th Century war poet Siegfried Sassoon’s life-long quest for personal salvation through his experiences with family, war, his writing, and destructive relationships go unresolved, never realizing it can only come from within. Hopefully, viewers will see the story as a cautionary tale and learn from his mistakes about life.

This beautifully introspective film was written and directed by Terence Davies.

THINGS I LIKED:

I loved hearing the sensitive poetry of Siegfried Sassoon while watching his life experience unfold which inspired his writing. If you’re unfamiliar with the poet, you’ll certainly receive an introduction through this movie. There is an incredible sadness and melancholy to the movie.
The talented cast includes Tom Blyth, Kate Phillips, Jack Lowden, Jeremy Irvine, Ben Daniels Julian Sands, and Peter Capaldi among many others whose acting is fantastic.
I thought it was very interesting to combine old footage from World War I with the new footage of the film. It almost feels like a dramatic documentary.
Filming was done in Willenhall near Wolverhampton, England.
In the movie, we learn interesting trivia about the poet’s life. For example, we learn that T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was a fan of Siegfried Sassoon and even attended his wedding.
Lovely musical score.
The dialogue is entertaining, insightful, and inspiring.
Some of the transitions in Act 3 are fantastic. Others in Acts 1 & 2 cut too abruptly.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Sadly, the audience for this film may be somewhat limited, as it is very British, bloated, and eloquent with elevated dialogue.
The film starts with its focus on the war and military actions, and then the tone turns more into a gay romance. Because of the flip-flopping, the tone seems to constantly change.
There are several unnecessary scenes I would immediately cut to shorten the film. For example, there are some church and singing scenes that don’t particularly add much.
The timeline jumps around a bit, which might confuse viewers.
It’s sad to hear people talk so cruelly to each other.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Children and some adults will be extremely bored.
There is a lot of disturbing and real WWI footage and photography that shows dead bodies.
Lots of talk about homosexuality, as the poet Siegfried Sassoon was gay. You see men kiss, dance, and tumble in bed.
Psychiatric patients are heard and seen screaming.

THEMES:

Truth
Loyalty
Personal honor
War
Yearning for what’s been lost
PTSD
Writing and poetry
Redemption
Narcissism
Talent
Introspection
Relationships
Marriage and infidelity

FUNNY LINES:

* “She’s not a woman but a merengue with teeth.” – Ivor Novello (Jeremy Irvine)

“Are you thinking great thoughts?” – George Sassoon (Richard Goulding) “No, I’m sitting here feeling petty.” – Siegfried Sassoon (Peter Capaldi)
“Why do you hate the modern world, father?” – George Sassoon (Richard Goulding) “Because it’s younger than I am.” – Siegfried Sassoon

INTERESTING LINES:

* “Passive resistance only invites defeat.” – Chief Medical Officer (Julian Sands)

“I always thought politicians were too stupid to be subtle.” – Dr. Rivers (Ben Daniels)
“Love has nothing to do with monogamy.” – Ivor Novello (Jeremy Irvine)
“Enemies are always faithful.” – Stephen Tennant (Calam Lynch)