Testament of Youth (2015)

In the context of this film still a strong-willed young woman, Vera Brittain (1893-1970) is a real-life figure well known for her pacificism of more recent years. This transformation is not entriely surprising given the way the First World War scythed through Vera's small circle of male acquaintances, be these her brother Edward (here played by Taron Egerton), his (and her) close friend Victor (Colin Morgan) or the man she falls in love with Roland Leighton (Kit Hartington). All the more so, as the months pre-War are ones of prosperity and carefree joy for these young people that the film portrays lovingly in Yorkshire settings, as well as at Oxford, given the fact that Vera pioneeringly succeeds in passing her exams to go there along with the boys. Boys is scarcely a wrong word here, as the war takes the Military Cross-winning Edward at age 23 in 1918, Victor at aged 22 in 1917, and Roland at aged 20 in 1915.And when the lovely, intense, at-time almost spellbinding Alicia Vikander plays Vera, we feel the magnitude of her loss, and wonder along with the character how she might possibly go on at all. The film only hints at her managing to do this, showing how she begins with her anti-war campaigning, not least because her time as an Army nurse has seen her tend to (and indeed talk to - given her linguistic knowledge) dying Germans as well as Brits.As one might expect, James Kent's rendering of "Testament of Youth" is beautiful, nostalgic, profoundly touching, persuasive and thought-provoking given the abrupt stop that was put to a very promising time for the whole country, as well as for so very many of its sons.

Alicia Vikander is an embodiment of heavenly beauty, but that's exactly the problem at the bottom of the movie industry. Good looks of the protagonists at all cost and almost all the time detract from even good productions and make them less credible as works of art. A quick glance at the photos of the real people portrayed in most bio-pics or other film genres reveals that many of them were quite average-looking. I can excuse this trend in movies made strictly for escapist entertainment, but those that have any artistic or historical verisimilitude intentions fall down on their face by doing this.

Reeking of romance, spotless unrealistic visuals, awful casting and not a speck of dust. This is a lovely, sad, nice and boring film. It has nothing to do with the brilliant book. Vera is portrayed as a two dimensional character ignoring her complex and fascinating ideals and ideas. Imprinting glamour serves to distort and dilute a classic piece of writing. 'Lets get some tea..' Just about sums up the inane script. More pregnant pauses than a maternity ward and they really didn't capture the institutional gloom at the time. Still nice hat though..

With a poll taking place on IMDb's Classic Film board for the best titles of 2015,I started to look around for movies to view from the year.Being very impressed by Alicia Vikander's performances in Ex_Machina & The Danish Girl,I was delighted to discover that Netflix UK has put another of Vikander's 2015 offerings on their site,which led to me getting ready to read the testament.The plot:England 1914-Ignoring her parents remarks that she has no chance of getting in, Vera Brittain applies for a place at Oxford University. Believing she has little chance of getting in,Brittain is surprised to receive an invite from the University. Thrilled at getting in,Brittain starts a blossoming romance with Roland Leighton,whilst her brother Edward and friends Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow celebrate Brittain getting into university.As Brittain enters Oxford,news starts to spread that Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been assassinated.Feeling that they all must go and protect their country,Roland,Victor and Geoffrey decide to join the army.Hearing doubts from her mum and dad,Brittain gives Edward all her support in going to war. Taking a break from studying to become a nurse,Brittain soon discovers the truth behind "The Great War."View on the film:Backed by a silk score from Max Richter,director James Kent & cinematographer Rob Hardy (who also worked on Ex_Machina) give the film a beautiful water colour appearance,with the light brushing of misty blues,yellows and browns giving the movie a faded photo atmosphere.Capturing Brittain gradually get a sense of doubt over, "The Great War" Kent & Hardy casts bursts of dazzling bright light across the film,which burnt out as the horrors of war hit home.Whilst blood from the injured soldiers is shown,Kent takes great care in making sure that the focus is on Brittain's reaction to the horrific number of deaths,as stylish, extreme close-ups capture the sorrow and anger running across Brittain's face.Based on Brittain's autobiography,the screenplay by Juliette Towhidi gives everyone in Brittain's life their moment to shine,from Victor being buried in the full horror of war,to a very touching holding of fingers revealing Roland Leighton's love for Brittain.Caught up in the middle of WWI,Towhidi superbly balances the opening buds of tragedy and sorrow which strike Brittain with a rich determined personality which builds as Brittain raises her voice against the war.Coming into the film as a replacement for Saoirse Ronan,the gorgeous Alicia Vikander gives an excellent performance as Brittain. Revealing the love for Roland Leighton in a quiet,tender manner,Vikander brilliantly displays a determined inner strength within Brittain by giving her body language a petite,fragile presentation which is neatly countered by Vikander's expressive face showing Brittain trying to remain strong for the fallen.Joining Vikander, Kit Harington gives the film a shot of dashing,sweet-face charm as Leighton,and Colin Morgan makes the aftershock of war hit home in his wonderful,worn down performance of Victor,as they all read from the testament of youth.