MOVIE MONDAYS: TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
I am writing this sat on my couch, feet being warmed by the blaring portable heater I got from Argos as I try to comprehend what life must have been like for Vera Brittain and the countless others who were at the heart of wars and those who are currently at the forefront of conflicts driving them and their families from their homes to shores not their own. The tears still running down my face, unashamedly, are a testament to just how moving and beautiful and sad and inspiring this story is. Oh, how I want so desperately to get my hands on Vera's book Testament of Youth to read her story in her own words and be swept up again in the world so captivatingly portrayed in the film.
* * * *
When this film came out last year, I wanted so much to see it at the cinema but for reasons long forgotten I was unable to. However, Netflix swooped in to save the day and I was able to watch Testament of Youth from the comfort of my flat on Saturday afternoon whilst having lunch. For two hours, my eyes were transfixed by the story unfolding on my screen with not a single interruption to pierce the bubble I was in. I laughed and cried and sat in silence, pondering what I would do if I were in Vera's shoes. What would you do?
* * * *
Source: © 2015 - Sony Pictures Classics
In 1933 Vera Brittain, a writer, feminist and pacifist, published her memoir, Testament of Youth, which chronicled her wartime experience during WW1 and it is this book the talented Juliette Towhidi (Love, Rosie; Death Comes to Pemberley; Calendar Girls) based the screenplay of the film of the same name on. James Kent (The Thirteenth Tale; Marchlands; Margaret) took her screenplay and, under his direction, created a harrowingly beautiful film filled with passion, breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, honesty and love.
* * * *
Source:© 2015 - Sony Pictures Classics
Alicia Vikander (Man from U.N.C.L.E; Ex-Machina; Anna Karenina) is phenomenal as Vera Brittain: who is portrayed to be an intelligent, strong, opinionated and loving young lady with an indomitable spirit. Her relationship with her caring, valiant and loyal brother Edward, who was played well by Taron Egerton (Legend; Kingsman: The Secret Service; The Smoke), is not only enviable, its so powerful that you'd think they were twins. The two of them are so close, their circle of friends overlap quite a bit; a couple of their mutual friends were Victor Richardson, a bright and trustworthy guy, and Roland Leighton, a dutiful and attentive boy, who were played by Colin Morgan (Legend; Humans; Merlin) and Kit Harington (Game of Thrones; Seventh Son; Pompeii) respectively. They all played incredibly well off each other, immersing one's self in the world of Testament of Youth was effortless. The cast comprised of quite a handful of familiar faces - Emily Watson, Dominic West and Miranda Richardson to name a few - and gave remarkable performances that were captured, and edited in a captivating manner which when accompanied by the enchanting soundtrack, resulted in a film I encourage you all to see.
* * * *
With it being the WW1 centenary last year, it seemed almost fitting that the film was released almost a year ago. Testament of Youth shares the tumultuous journey of one young woman and those she encounters as she comes of age and is almost powerless when events threaten to rob her of her youth and much, much more. If you enjoy a period drama with the promise of drama, a few comical moments, a bit of action and romance then this might be a film for you to check out. As always, I'd love to hear what you thought of the film and/ or book if you've read it.
Mo x