Testament of Youth
Alicia Vikander (A Royal Affair) is Vera Brittain in this historical drama based on her autobiography, recalling her experience as a woman coming of age during World War I. Co-stars Kit Harington (Pompeii), Hayley Atwell (The Duchess), Dominic West (300) and Oscar-nominee Emily Watson (War Horse).
- Director:
- James Kent (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Juliette Towhidi
- Cast:
- Alicia VikanderKit HaringtonHayley AtwellDominic WestEmily WatsonMiranda RichardsonColin MorganTaron Egerton
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Matt Glasby
flicksVera Brittain was an English writer who grew up in the shadow of World War I, challenging the sexism of the times to study at Oxford University, serve her country as a nurse, and publish this eponymous memoir in 1933. Sifting through her story, the biggest question is why hasn’t Testament been filmed before (besides a 1979 BBC adaptation)? It’s an all-too-rare view of war from a female perspective, with fabulous potential for its lead actor, in this case Alice Vikander (replacing Saoirse Ronan, who dropped out at the last minute). Then it becomes clear.
How my uncle died
I agree with much of Matt Glasby's review. Apart from Vera, the other characters did not have a lot of depth. However, cinematically much of the film deepened my understanding of fighting on the Western Front, In 1917 my uncle was wounded by shrapnel from a German shell at Messines. His death six hours later would have been at a filthy, overcrowded dressing...
Variety
pressKent presents the female experience of war with crisp, tactile practicality...
The Times
pressTraditional, heartfelt and stirring in all the right ways, the film feels as though it is the natural successor to the war romances of Powell and Pressburger.
The Telegraph
pressAs a film, Testament of Youth glimmers with sadness, but also the apprehension of sadness: we know not all of these boys are coming back.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAn elegantly sustained balance between intimacy and historical scope...
Empire Magazine
pressKent's craft and Vikander's exquisite talent will ensure that the author's memories live in the minds of a fresh generation...
Flicks, Matt Glasby
flicksVera Brittain was an English writer who grew up in the shadow of World War I, challenging the sexism of the times to study at Oxford University, serve her country as a nurse, and publish this eponymous memoir in 1933. Sifting through her story, the biggest question is why hasn’t Testament been filmed before (besides a 1979 BBC adaptation)? It’s an all-too-rare view of war from a female perspective, with fabulous potential for its lead actor, in this case Alice Vikander (replacing Saoirse Ronan, who dropped out at the last minute). Then it becomes clear.
Variety
pressKent presents the female experience of war with crisp, tactile practicality...
The Times
pressTraditional, heartfelt and stirring in all the right ways, the film feels as though it is the natural successor to the war romances of Powell and Pressburger.
The Telegraph
pressAs a film, Testament of Youth glimmers with sadness, but also the apprehension of sadness: we know not all of these boys are coming back.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAn elegantly sustained balance between intimacy and historical scope...
Empire Magazine
pressKent's craft and Vikander's exquisite talent will ensure that the author's memories live in the minds of a fresh generation...
How my uncle died
I agree with much of Matt Glasby's review. Apart from Vera, the other characters did not have a lot of depth. However, cinematically much of the film deepened my understanding of fighting on the Western Front, In 1917 my uncle was wounded by shrapnel from a German shell at Messines. His death six hours later would have been at a filthy, overcrowded...
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