Tags
2010's, Alicia Vikander, Based on a true story, Colin Morgan, Dominic West, Drama, Emily Watson, Hayley Atwell, James Kent, Kit Harington, Miranda Richardson, Taron Egerton, Testament of Youth, War
Film Title
Testament of Youth
Director
James Kent
Starring
- Alicia Vikander as Vera Brittain
- Kit Harington as Roland Leighton
- Taron Egerton as Edward Brittain
- Colin Morgan as Victor Richardson
- Emily Watson as Mrs Brittain
- Dominic West as Mr Brittain
- Hayley Atwell as Hope
- Miranda Richardson as Miss Lorimer
A beautifully moving and stirring movie, Testament of Youth recounts the true events in the life of Vera Brittain during the First World War, filled with determination, horror, heartache and self-sacrifice. Powerfully acted and poignant to the core, it’s a well-rendered triumph of emotion and bravery from her memoir.
We begin on Armistice Day and while everyone is celebrating the end of the First World War, Vera Brittain begins to reflect on her own personal experiences. We flashback to 1914, Vera is an independent, passionate and free thinking girl whose attitudes were at odds with her parents ideas of her becoming a respectable lady. Along with her good-hearted brother Edward, friend and secret admirer Victor Richardson and sensitive Roland Leighton, Vera enjoys rebelling against the norms of the time and we first glimpse her swimming in a lake without a care in the world. She has ambitions of becoming a writer, but her shocked parents are not exactly thrilled to hear of these plans. She is encouraged by Roland( who also would like to write but doesn’t quite have the confidence), who she holds a torch for to apply to Oxford because of her dreams and while nervous she does so. When she gets a place at Oxford, she couldn’t be more overjoyed and she makes her intentions clear to Roland, who reciprocates her love. Yet this happiness for Vera proves to be short-lived as the War begins and Roland signs up, along with Edward and Victor. With the world at war and it continuing on longer than expected, Vera tries to go about her studies at Oxford which she fought so long and hard for. But her irrepressible spirit tells her that she must act and sacrificing her place at university, she begins to work as a nurse, which eventually takes her to The Front. Yet the war is a cruel time and one by one, Vera’s life is turned upside down by personal tragedy and turmoil. But the young Vera isn’t broken yet and continues to do her part for the war, while bravely experiencing the utter horrors it can bring.
James Kent contributes an emotionally involving direction to the film. He thankfully doesn’t fall prey to the usual problems of making a true story have an impact on the screen without overdoing it. Testament of Youth isn’t strictly a biopic, it is based on a true story but doesn’t feel episodic like other biopics. It does have elements of a biopic that are thankfully realised with heart and soul. The way that Kent intercuts scenes from a happier time in Vera’s life with the devastating effects of war is assured and heart-wrenching to watch. Aside from this, the use of camerawork puts the audience deep in the heart of the emotional story by often focusing on faces, in particular the changes on Vera’s as the war deals its tragic blow on her. It is a sensitively done movie that doesn’t go for histrionics, instead it opts for subtle emotions that make the story all the more powerful. The closeness of the story makes us feel like we are there and when Vera experiences something, we too feel the exact same way as her. For a movie that centers around war, the battle scenes in Testament of Youth are few and far between. I believe that Kent is more interested in showing the aftermath of the war and the horrific wounds both physical and emotional it can inflict on us. Though it must be said it doesn’t scrimp when showing the horror of war either when Vera is a nurse, which adds a very haunting angle to the movie. Although it is a heartbreaking film and moving in every sense of the word, Testament of Youth does however retain a sense of glimmering hope in the form of Vera. Through her struggles, we witness her transform and eventually see her ultimately become a passionate pacifist, who refuses to forget the fallen. Vera Brittain was such a brave woman and it is shown here how she suffered immense pain, but managed to survive being engulfed by it to write her personal story down for the world to know. There may be romance within the story between Vera and Roland, but it is not a full-blown passionate union. It is a fleeting and tentative romance that only heightens the ultimate tragedy that it later ends in. A beautifully evocative score adds considerable impact to events and seems to act as Vera’s resilient voice as the war rages on and personal suffering surrounds her.
Anchoring the film with a powerful performance is Alicia Vikander as Vera Brittain. Essaying the part with depth, emotional subtlety and strength, we get a real picture of what Vera endured during the war and how it shaped her as a person. Vikander brings passion to the part and never reverts to over the top displays of emotion; the effectiveness of her performance lies in the nuance she gives it and how she doesn’t require a single line of dialogue to get across the intense emotions within her. Kit Harington is very good at portraying Roland, the man who Vera falls in love with and who makes a deep impression on her. His scenes with Vikander are wonderfully acted to say the least and contribute to their doomed romance. Then there is Taron Egerton, who imbues Vera’s brother Edward with a loyalty and sympathy that is sensitively observed. There is a deep honesty to Egerton’s performance that really shows his talent here. Colin Morgan is subtly wonderful as the pining Victor, and there is excellently classy support provided by Emily Watson and Dominic West as Vera’s disapproving parents. Seen in a small role as a nurse working with Vera on The Front, Hayley Atwell makes the most of the part and Miranda Richardson contributes her usual reliable presence as an Oxford teacher who comes to respect Vera.
Testament of Youth is an emotional recounting of Brittain’s memoir and it does the deeply personal subject matter of suffering, sacrifice and perseverance justice with clarity and a strong lead performance from Alicia Vikander.
beetleypete said:
I have yet to see this film, but expect to like it a great deal. I watched the original TV series, starring Cheryl Campbell, and it was very well-done indeed. Vera was the mother of the long-serving politician, Shirley Williams, and I saw her interviewed about the adaptation at the time. I also read the book, many years ago.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/374388.Testament_of_Youth
http://www.moviemail.com/film/dvd/Testament-of-Youth/
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
You sure will like this movie when you see it Pete. Once more, thank you for the information and links man.
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Keith said:
Fine review. Very curious about this one. Still on my ‘Need to See’ list.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a real need to see Keith. Alicia Vikander was superb in the central role and encompassed every emotion.
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Kat Impossible said:
That was a formidable review and I definitely think you did the movie justice. I am glad you watched it upon my recommendation and also that you enjoyed it this much. It is most definitely an emotional journey, but one plastered with truth and sincerity in all the performances, which is probably what makes it so great. Well done with the review!
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vinnieh said:
I’m so glad you recommended it to me. It was amazing to see the journey Vera went on and how all these events, although tragic, ultimately shaped her.
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Kat Impossible said:
Again, I am really happy that you enjoyed it this much 🙂
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vinnieh said:
It really struck a chord with me and Vikander was truly so magnetic in the ffilm.
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Kat Impossible said:
Vikander is one of my all time favourite actresses.
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vinnieh said:
She has recently become one of mine. Just purchased Ex Machina, can’t wait to see it.
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Kat Impossible said:
Ex Machina is so brilliant in such a disturbing way!!! You already know that she was great in the Man from UNCLE, because I read your review on that one and I haven’t seen the Danish Girl but she was supposed to be phenomenal in that as well. Finally, I really want to see The Light Between Oceans this year, because she is starring in it with Michael Fassbender.
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vinnieh said:
I’m excited about Ex Machina. Her career seems to be going from strength to strength and its easy to see why.
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Kat Impossible said:
Absolutely! I am glad she is being so well received in the industry!
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vinnieh said:
And she’s still really young, she has many more years of success on the horizon.
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Kat Impossible said:
I sure hope so 🙂
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vinnieh said:
With as much talent as she has, Alicia Vikander will go straight to the top.
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Cindy Bruchman said:
Nice review, Vinnieh. I have this one waiting to watch. I forgot Vikander starred in it. Not many films out there showcasing WWI, so I gotta get around to watching this!
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vinnieh said:
I have a feeling this is the kind of movie you’d appreciate Cindy, given your love of history.
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alexraphael said:
Viksander is certainly going to be a big name, esp after The Danish Girl.
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vinnieh said:
I love her as an actress, she’s super talented. I’m going to have to watch The Danish Girl soon.
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alexraphael said:
Btw Vinnie. I was thinking. You’ve done so much to help other blogs I thought it would be nice for us to give something back. I was thinking your readers could ask you 10 questions each and you answer them. You could do them in separate posts if you wanted. Just an idea dude. No worry if it doesn’t appeal.
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vinnieh said:
That’s an interesting idea Alex. I’m just a bit busy at the moment so let me get back to you when I’ve checked my schedule.
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alexraphael said:
Cool. Will just fill you in on the idea in case you get the time later. Basically you ask such great questions on your award posts thought it would be fun for us to be able to ask you some back. Anyhow, know you have loads of other posts and other commitments lined up so no worries if you never get round to it. Keep up the great work either way 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I appreciate the idea Alex but I’ve got a lot of other posts and things to do. Hope you’re not offended.
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alexraphael said:
Not in the slightest. Was just an idea. Know how much I’ve got from your blog so just an idea of how to give something back. Haven’t seen Revenant no. Friend cancelled and promised I’d see it with them. Will go again midweek.
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vinnieh said:
I appreciate all of your support Alex. I’m watching Ex Machina tonight, I missed it in cinema but now I got it on DVD. Can;t wait to see it.
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alexraphael said:
Enjoy 🙂
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vinnieh said:
I plan to. Have you seen Ex Machina?
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alexraphael said:
I’m way behind. Have been focusing on TV more than films recently.
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vinnieh said:
I’m so behind too.
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fragglerocking said:
This definitely for me!
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vinnieh said:
I’m happy to hear that.
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Paul S said:
After reading your review I’m looking for forward to watching this film. It sounds like it has all the elements that make a great period drama, and I have a weakness for lingering looks at train stations, irrepressible women and thwarted love…
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vinnieh said:
It has all those elements to it Paul and it’s a true story too.
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abbiosbiston said:
I have this on my watch list and I really need to get to it. I love Alicia Vikander. (And I don’t mind looking at Taron Egerton or Kit Harington).
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vinnieh said:
I think it’s a movie you’d appreciate Abbi. And the cast, in particular Alicia Vikander is stellar.
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Miss Dinie said:
Thanks for following me!!
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vinnieh said:
The pleasure is mine, and thank you for following me.
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Miss Dinie said:
😀 😀 😀
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ruth said:
Oh my, I think I will LOVE this movie Vinnie! Glad you reviewed this and nice to hear you love this one. I LOVE that cast, Vikander is a relative newbie who’s impressed me in many films lately. Plus I LOVE Emily Watson, Hayley Atwell and Miranda Richardson! Haven’t seen Kit Harington in anything apart from all those gifs from Game of Thrones, ahah.
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vinnieh said:
This film is definitely something that you’d like Ruth. The cast was so well assembled and Alicia Vikander shone in the lead role.
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ruth said:
I’ll definitely try to watch this next weekend if it’s on iTunes already. Did you see anything else this wknd? Check out my Wknd Roundup and see if there’s one that strikes your fancy 😉
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vinnieh said:
I actually watched Ex Machina last night. My review is up now Ruth.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hadn’t heard of this, but it sounds really good Vinnie! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Alicia Vikander is glorious here. Last year was really great for her and she showed her abilities in Man from Uncle and Ex Machina. The only movie I haven’t seen with her in from last year was The Danish Girl.
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jwforeva said:
Fantastic review 🙂 I haven’t got the chance to catch this but I definitely will in due time! I just love Alicia Vikander, she’s super talented.
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vinnieh said:
I love Vikander to, she is so versatile and can inhabit any role. She had a stellar 2015.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
It seems like one of those movies that will make you reach for the tissues all night. It looks like an emotional rollercoaster.
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vinnieh said:
It sure is that kind of movie, made all the more powerful because the events in it are based on truth.
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HusbandAndHusband said:
That’s awesome!
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vinnieh said:
I’d put it on your watch list.
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CineMuse said:
Great review thank you. Alicia Vikander is the beating heart of this film and without her I doubt it would rate at all. Please drop in to my blog and compare notes as I have just reviewed this film. I’ve added you to follow.
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vinnieh said:
Vikander was sublime in this movie and gave it so much emotional weight. Thanks for the follow.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
A very moving film. How Vera found the strength to carry on after so many losses is beyond me. All respect to her being able to do so. This film and Vera’s book show the human cost of war. Still devastating and terrible to remember that an entre generation were killed out there in the mud.
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vinnieh said:
I don’t know how anyone could cope with that much loss. I think I’d have crumbled.
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maddylovesherclassicfilms said:
Me too.
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vinnieh said:
She must have had a strong resolve.
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Sue Vincent said:
I have yet to see this film. I watched the origina adaptation with Cheryl Campbell when it came out. I had read the book not long before and was pleasantly surprised by the calibre of the script. If this version is half as good as it sounds, it will be worth watching.
I have to say that your reviews are thorough, informative and exceptionally well written
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vinnieh said:
Thank you for your positive comments and grace. Your support is very much appreciated.
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