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Benediction
Terence Davies’ devastatingly moving, lyrical portrait of the life of celebrated war poet Siegfried Sassoon.
Director: Terence Davies
Overview
In 1917, war poet Siegfried Sassoon’s attempt at a conscientious objection leads to his committal to a military sanatorium. As an older man, he looks back on his encounter with fellow poet and soldier Wilfred Owen. This devastatingly moving film focusses on the emotional aftermath of war and is played out in high-society salons and bedrooms, as the characters also navigate their gay identity.
Threaded with astute humour, Benediction is powered by a captivating central performance from Jack Lowden, a haunting Peter Capaldi as an older Sassoon, and a scene-stealing Jeremy Irvine as a deliciously waspish Ivor Novello. The result is an unforgettable portrait of a young artist whose hopes are dashed and an older man desperately in search of redemption. It is a heart breaking final act for Terence Davis.
Contains images of real dead bodies, moderate sex references, injury detail
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