I've been putting this off for too long. Let me just start by saying that if you have any interest in seeing this film, purchase it now and watch it immediately. I have been blown away by the quality of this film, so much so that it's led me to just keep analyzing frames and shots and dialogue throughout the movie. Yes, it's just a WWI movie that takes place on one day in 1917, but it's a movie so packed with purpose and intention behind every little thing. It's astounding how much thought and time was put into making this film. It's truly a beautiful work of art that I may now regard as my favorite war film of all-time. You're immediately thinking of other, better war movies, and I'll agree that those are all great too, but 1917 is a true masterpiece of a film.Sam Mendes has done what you would think had already been done before in blockbuster war films, and that's to create an artificially "one shot" movie that follows our characters through the trenches of WWI without ever leaving them. It literally starts from the first frame and doesn't let you go, as you walk through trenches of mud and guts with these young men. The camera work is extraordinary, and whether or not you notice that there are no "cuts" or very deliberate shots, you'll see yourself mesmerized with the storytelling that this technique creates throughout the movie. There's so much to be said about the way this film is framed, and it helps to guide the viewer along on their journey with the main characters. I found so much purpose and meaning in things that weren't words being said by characters, and not even actions so much as the way things were being shown on the screen.I can't do this film any justice by talking about what it is about and the story and how it happens. It's just true beauty, it's outstanding work. I gave this movie a 9/10, and would have given it a perfect 10 had it made me cry at the end. This isn't a knock on the film, so much as a testament to the suspense it wrangles you with. The actors are phenomenal, and I love that we get to see 3 well-traveled actors make cameos throughout the film to give it some Hollywood weight. Do yourself a favor, buy the film and watch it. If you're blown away by the nerdy film stuff, watch the commentaries and you will be even more so enlightened. Though they will ruin where all of the cuts in the film are for you, they will highlight the technique of the film as you continue to wonder how a story could be so perfectly told on film through visuals in this way.This movie is not overrated and despite knowing that the visuals were the strength of the movie, I was still worried it would be over hyped and I'd be disappointed. I wasn't, and this is now one of my favorite films. It's truly a masterpiece, and one of the best war films ever made. The details of war are on full display and they never shy away from a shot. For all of the horror within, there is so much beauty in the story and just... WOW, watch the movie already!