In “The War Below 2021,” British miners go to war underground during WWI. They burrow like badgers, fighting through dark tunnels to reach the enemy. The film shows how life can be fragile as a matchstick in the trenches or mining shafts. They risk everything for country and freedom and reveal the strength of human spirit.
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Review
“The War Below” – A Movie About Men Who Went Underground to Save Their Nation
When we think of war movies, we often imagine action-packed scenes, heroic soldiers, and grand-scale battles. However, “The War Below” takes a different approach by exploring the less-talked-about story of the miners who dug deep into the earth to sabotage the German army’s efforts during World War I. Directed by J.P. Watts and written by Simon Godwin and Stuart Brennan, this movie depicts not only the physical challenges but also the mental and emotional tolls these men went through in their selfless effort to save their nation.
The Storyline
The movie takes place in 1917, where a group of miners is recruited by British intelligence to carry out a dangerous mission. The objective is to tunnel beneath no man’s land and plant explosives under the German front line trenches. This task might seem simple enough, but it involves digging through solid rock without being detected while enduring claustrophobic conditions.
The Plot
The tension builds as our protagonists (played by Sam Hazeldine, Tom Goodman-Hill, Kris Hitchen, and many others) encounter various obstacles throughout their mission. The pressure is high due to the ticking clock before they reach their deadline to detonate the bombs and disrupt the enemy’s plans.
As they dig further down into the earth’s depths, they face several perils that threaten both their lives and their cause. From an unexpected collapse of a tunnel to a German mining team who discovers their plans, these men must use not only their physical strength but also strategy in order to survive.
Facts and Historical Background
“The War Below” is based on true events that took place during World War I. During this time, both sides used tunneling as a tactic for espionage or sabotage. Miners were recruited from around Britain due to their expertise at digging; they could dig deeper than most soldiers without getting as easily fatigued. These miners were given the task of building tunnels to lay explosives under enemy trenches, and the process became known as “tunnelling warfare.”
Although tunnelling warfare was high-risk and low reward, it played a role in both World War I and II. For instance, during World War II, Germans used tunnelling tactics to siege French forts. Additionally, they tried to dig a tunnel under the channel but failed.
The Casts
One of the reasons “The War Below” shines is due to its talented cast. The actors bring depth to their characters, and their performances help us empathize with them even more throughout their struggles.
Sam Hazeldine (‘Peaky Blinders’, ‘The Innocents’) stars as Captain Douglas from British intelligence. Tom Goodman-Hill (‘Mr Selfridge’, ‘Humans’) plays Sergeant Major Grimes – a character that epitomizes stoic courage even in circumstances that seem hopeless. Kris Hitchen (‘I am a Soldier’, ‘Peterloo’) plays Sergeant Ainsworth – a man who speaks his mind without filter.
In addition to excellent portrayals from these three actors, there are many other skilled actors who contribute to this impressive performance.
Popularity and Score
“The War Below” might not be as popular as some other war movies, but it has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike. The film has an IMDB rating of 6.2/10 based on over 400 reviews; on Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 75%. Despite being released during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in May 2021 directly to digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or Sky Store, its director’s vision managed to get wide recognition worldwide.
The film’s score by Thomas Hewitt Jones is also worth noting for its haunting quality that amplifies the tension build-up within the movie while giving recognition to the UK’s national identity, especially during war times.
Filming
The movie was filmed in the northern of England and used sites which were valuable locations for mining back in the days. Helmed as a true war epic; it seamlessly intertwines the tension-packed events taking place underground with outdoors life, creating an honest depiction of that era.
Evaluation and Analysis
As mentioned, “The War Below” takes a unique approach to tell its story. But what truly stands out is its focus on the mental and emotional toll of war on soldiers battling outside the conventional battle zone. It also shows how ordinary citizens became heroes when their country needed them.
Furthermore, this movie portrays how camaraderie and loyalty can help people overcome impossible obstacles. A fact that remained unchanged throughout history; we often hear about soldiers who developed deep bonds with their teammates during wars or friends who remain tight-knit years after college because they went through challenging times together.
Cinematography & Special Effects
The movie’s cinematography by Stuart Bentley must be applauded for capturing the claustrophobic environment these miners face while working underground. The close-up shots, dim lighting, and sound effects are all put together to create a sense of urgency and danger that makes you feel as if you are down there with these men.
The climax explosion sequence is also done incredibly well. When the bombs finally go off, it creates an intense moment that leaves you on edge until the movie’s end credits roll through.
Dialogue
“The War Below” isn’t heavy on dialogue as one might expect from most movies about World War I or any other war for that matter; there are no rousing speeches given by leaders or lengthy discussions between characters debating world politics over a pint of beer. Instead, what makes it stand out is how intentional each line said feels. Every single word counts and helps build up to an explosive ending.
Opinion & Analysis
Overall, “The War Below” is a compelling movie that sheds a light on how the underdogs of war contributed to their nation’s victory. It offers a valuable perspective on the history of World War I and how tunnel warfare tactics played a role during that time.
For those who are looking for something different from the usual war movies, “The War Below” is a must-watch. It showcases not only the physical challenges but also mental and emotional struggles faced by soldiers who go beyond their call of duty.
Criticism & Production
While some might argue that this movie could have been more action-packed or focused more on the leading characters’ personal stories, others might argue that its slow pace gives it an authentic feel. The technical aspects have been superbly executed; however, certain scenes could have benefitted from better lighting to create more visual clarity in darker spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The War Below” is a well-executed movie that tells an important story about World War I and shows how ordinary citizens came together to do extraordinary things. It has all the necessary ingredients for an engaging war movie – great performances, intense sequences, and excellent cinematography. However, what sets it apart is its focus on little-known soldiers who made a significant contribution to their nation’s victory during wartime. A true tribute to them; less rememberable maybe but as equally heroic as any other soldier who fought upfront.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 97
- Release : 2021-09-10
- Genre : War, Drama, History
- Cast : Sam Hazeldine as William Hawkin, Tom Goodman-Hill as Hellfire Jack, Kris Hitchen as Harold Stockford, Elliot James Langridge as George MacDonald, Sam Clemmett as Charlie MacDonald
- Crew : Luis Guerrero as Producer, Chris Lemos as Producer, Nick Cooke as Director of Photography, Caroline Steiner as Production Design, Oliver Cronk as Costume Design
- Popularity 7.624
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Vital Pictures
- Summary : During World War I, a group of British miners are recruited to tunnel underneath no man’s land and set bombs from below the German front in hopes of breaking the deadly stalemate of the Battle of Messines.
- Tagline : Hope runs deep.
