Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
My word for the World War II drama Blitz is arresting (2024; PG-13; Written, Produced, and Directed by Steve McQueen; Streaming on Apple TV+).
I was drawn to this movie because I'm a Saoirse Ronan fan, and as a student of history, I usually enjoy period dramas and fact-based movies. I wasn't disappointed by Blitz.
Blitz is about the people of London dealing with the horrors of German bombs raining down on them during World War II, and about the evacuation of children from the city. Blitz is short for the German word blitzkrieg, which means lightning war. The Germans believed the people of London would be so terrified by their nightly bombing raids they would demand peace. Instead, they faced civilian deaths and the destruction of homes and shops with great bravery and stoicism.
The special focus of Blitz is on Rita (Saoirse Ronan), who lives with her father and 10-year-old son, George (Elliot Heffernan in his screen debut). George is half Black and subjected to a lot of bullying. In flashbacks, we learn his father was deported to Grenada.
As the bombings become more and more intense, Rita gives in to the demand to evacuate George from London. He doesn't want to go and after being teased on the train, he escapes to make a dangerous return to London. Along the way, he meets various characters, some kind and some hideous––even Dickensian.
Elliot Heffernan is particularly good in his role. We see so much of events through his expressive eyes and face. Ronan is good as always, but not great. I saw one or two mentions of the possibility of a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her. I'm certain that won't happen.
The striking images of the night sky and the city lit up by bombs make Blitz stand out, along with the fear and solidarity of the citizens of London taking shelter in tube stations. Then in the daylight we see the ruin caused by the attacks of the previous night.
Blitz is a fine film. It's not brilliant, but it's fine and I found it worth watching.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
I rarely watch movies but glad you found this one worth watching. My mother experienced those bombing raids and was buried under the remains of her home for two days.
ReplyDeleteHow awful! That was a story to tell for the rest of her life.
DeleteNever heard of it, but I may go searching.
ReplyDeleteIf you come across it, it's worthwhile, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it.
DeleteI read about this film, and it is on my list to watch. When I taught, World War II was a unit that I did and one of the lessons was on the Blitz. Now I just have to find out where to watch it. I haven't been to a movie theatre in years!
ReplyDeleteI don't think Blitz is in theaters now. Can you access AppleTV? It might also be available on Prime Video and some other streaming services.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it! I haven't seen it yet.
ReplyDeleteI would watch Saoirse Ronan read the newspaper. This movie is not her best, but Oh! how I love Lady Bird and Little Women.
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