Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman was even better playing the military veteran and leader, historian and longtime Member of Parliament Winston Churchill than he was playing the crooked cop in "Léon: the Professional" (which was simply titled "The Professional" when I first saw it). Unlike some of his colleagues, Churchill was a true patriot who hated Fascists and dictators, especially Adolf Hitler, whom Churchill had been decrying for a decade before the war. All of the actors were excellent in this film. They showed their characters' concern for the lives of the British troops trapped in France as well as the lives of everyone in the U.K. should the Germans bomb and invade their "island" and -- not long after the Great War -- millions of young Brits would again be forced to fight in Europe. I had a nurse friend who spent the war sitting with her back to the wall of Winston Churchill's underground bunker room, in case she was needed -- I don't think she ever was. But the environment there in "Darkest Hour" fit her descriptions very well. This is a great movie that describes a very short period when democracy and freedom, throughout the world, were saved from darkness.

I heard about this film and all the praise it received. I’m a big fan of Gary Oldman, but I thought this film would be just another boring biographical flick so I passed. Plus I’m not really a huge fan of Churchill anyway. But 3 yrs later, I finally saw it and decided to give it a chance and I can safely say this movie was not what I expected...it was so much better! I was blown away by Gary’s performance, he alone carried the whole movie. If that isn’t great acting, I don’t know what is. He was so engaging throughout the whole movie, and this is indeed a long one. I also loved the directing and cinematography of the movie, which was so well done. Each scene had a purpose and was carefully crafted. I really appreciated the artistic direction in making this movie(aside from the makeup and costumes designs). I’m so glad Gary finally won his first Oscar. He truly deserved it! Not because it was “his time”, but this was actually one his best performances, if not the best! Overall, I’d highly recommend this movie even if you’re not particularly big on Churchill himself. I cannot speak to the historical accuracy of the story, but it seemed relatively accurate. It’s a Hollywood drama after-all so don’t expect a documentary. Just the acting and directing is worth watching it. Can’t wait to see what Gary does next!

One of my very ww2 movies ever!

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25 (2030)

The story was very tastefully done and the actors chosen really captured the spirits of those depicted. I honestly feel they could have made a mini series about this with as well done as it was. Absolutely recommending and would love to see more historical films like this one produced.

I am a WWII history enthusiast mainly because my father served in the U.S. Army’s 12th Armored Division seeing action in France and Germany. This film enlightened me on just how serious and dangerous the situation at Dunkirk was. Gary Oldman’s performance was a bit over the top in some scenes, but, he was portraying a man who was quite the character, a bit over the top himself. I enjoyed the film and would recommend it especially to history buffs.

Simply wonderful. A great story and Oldman knows his craft.

Really, Darkest Hour is one of the most beautiful films to me. It captures humanity in such a way that moves me to tears. The acting, accross the board, is superb. The greatest stories are capable of reaching great depths of emotion and empathy and inspire the heart well past the screen - in these areas and more, the film excels. Highly recommend.

I liked this movie, but have seen far better. I think Gary Oldman is a remarkable actor, but have seen him do far better roles. I watched the entire movie, but having already seen “Dunkirk” & knowing WWII history, there were no surprises or revelations for me personally. Having said that, it’s a good watchable movie 👍

Much like Daniel Day Lewis' Lincoln, Gary Oldman gives the finest portrayal of his career. For a movie that is mostly all talking (with little action that todays audiences seem to thirst for), the acting keeps us fully engaged until the climactic speech that unified a nation. A brilliant motion picture and one of the best in the last couple of years.