'Powerfully moving' war film on Amazon Prime with 'tragic end' left viewers in tears

Edinburgh Live

22-05-2025

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Journey's End, a British war film based on the 1928 play by RC Sherriff, draws from the playwright's personal experiences in the trenches during his military service where he was severely wounded in 1917.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime and initially premiered on 8 September 2017, before receiving a broader theatrical release in spring 2018 - marking the centenary of the German Spring Offensive, upon which the film is based.
Saul Dibb directed the film with Simon Reade penning the screenplay, introducing a dozen new characters for the screen adaptation. Despite grossing a mere $970,809 at the global box-office, Journey's End received high praise from critics, earning a 91 per cent score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.
The film provides a chilling account of the days leading up to Operation Michael, the first phase of the German Spring Offensive targeted at the British Front. It offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the attacks that ravaged the Western Front and the psychological toll endured by those on the frontlines.
Featuring Asa Butterfield, Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany, Toby Jones, Stephen Graham, and Tom Sturridge, Journey's End focuses on a group of British soldiers led by Captain Stanhope (Claflin), a deeply troubled young officer grappling with the psychological effects of extended combat, reports the Express.
(Image: (Image: Publicity Picture))
When young Lieutenant Raleigh (Buterfield) arrives, the challenges mount for the protagonist. The fresh-faced and idealistic new recruit is also his fiancée's brother and once looked up to Stanhope, compelling him to face his inner turmoil in a poignant on-screen depiction as he grapples with the burdens of expectation.
Journey's End has captivated critics, with one describing it as "a powerful and moving tribute to the men who fought in the trenches".
Another said: "War is hell but we've seen that story before. Journey's End manages to reaffirm the message in a tale that is both harrowing and heartbreaking."
A reviewer expressed considerable admiration for the cast, saying: "The actors are superb at impressing some humanity onto this ugliness."
Praise was also lavished on the film's stirring representation of conflict, with one critic writing: "This taut, emotionally wrenching snapshot of both the mythologies and grim realities of war possesses useful reminders about self-deception and abuse of power, especially at a time when bellicose rhetoric and war cabinets seem to be the order of the day."
(Image: (Image: Publicity Picture))
The director's work was hailed by a review which said: "Saul Dibb's World War 1 tale of British soldiers in the trenches is a bleak, sobering experience that puts audiences through a wringer. It's also an emotional powerhouse you will not forget."
Viewers were equally moved, with one audience member adding: "Such a tragic end It had a profound effect on me! Making me study operation Micheal in great detail. 5 star film."
A poignant review from another viewer described Journey's End as "a beautiful film, focuses more on the interactions between the different officers, their psychological state and each one's reaction to their situation. A well crafted homage so the memories of the ones who have suffered so much will not be forgotten, from the writer of the original play as well as to his comrades."
Other audience members praised the film, with one calling it a "riveting movie" with "superb acting", stating it was "one of the best antiwar movies that I have seen". Another reviewer noted: "Superb study of PTSD and the massacre and hopelessness of war. Best adaptation of a play I can think of. Much of it relies on the excellent acting and close ups. So hard to see how this could work on stage."