Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

GurlyIamBeach Instant Favorite.

Smartorhypo Highly Overrated But Still Good

Beystiman It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

James In the context of this film still a strong-willed young woman, Vera Brittain (1893-1970) is a real-life figure well known for her pacificism of more recent years. This transformation is not entriely surprising given the way the First World War scythed through Vera's small circle of male acquaintances, be these her brother Edward (here played by Taron Egerton), his (and her) close friend Victor (Colin Morgan) or the man she falls in love with Roland Leighton (Kit Hartington). All the more so, as the months pre-War are ones of prosperity and carefree joy for these young people that the film portrays lovingly in Yorkshire settings, as well as at Oxford, given the fact that Vera pioneeringly succeeds in passing her exams to go there along with the boys. Boys is scarcely a wrong word here, as the war takes the Military Cross-winning Edward at age 23 in 1918, Victor at aged 22 in 1917, and Roland at aged 20 in 1915.And when the lovely, intense, at-time almost spellbinding Alicia Vikander plays Vera, we feel the magnitude of her loss, and wonder along with the character how she might possibly go on at all. The film only hints at her managing to do this, showing how she begins with her anti-war campaigning, not least because her time as an Army nurse has seen her tend to (and indeed talk to - given her linguistic knowledge) dying Germans as well as Brits.As one might expect, James Kent's rendering of "Testament of Youth" is beautiful, nostalgic, profoundly touching, persuasive and thought-provoking given the abrupt stop that was put to a very promising time for the whole country, as well as for so very many of its sons.

m-torres-61-319635 Alicia Vikander is an embodiment of heavenly beauty, but that's exactly the problem at the bottom of the movie industry. Good looks of the protagonists at all cost and almost all the time detract from even good productions and make them less credible as works of art. A quick glance at the photos of the real people portrayed in most bio-pics or other film genres reveals that many of them were quite average-looking. I can excuse this trend in movies made strictly for escapist entertainment, but those that have any artistic or historical verisimilitude intentions fall down on their face by doing this.

kosmasp Though fighting might not be the right word. The movie also seems to go a completely different direction at first, with the now Oscar winning actress in the front row. It remains about her and her feelings throughout, but you might think it would concentrate on another aspect of life. On the other hand, when war happens, everything else seems to not matter anymore. Even things you fought very hard for.Some decisions are not understandable, especially the way they are "explained" by the characters, but irrational thinking does hit us from time to time. The question is, if we can bounce back from mistakes (or if we're allowed to). This also shows how grim war can be and what toll it takes, especially from the young (as the song goes: "War? What is it good for? Absolutely nothing"). Powerful performances make this a drama that is worth a watch

Hellmant 'TESTAMENT OF YOUTH': Four Stars (Out of Five)A British biographical-drama flick; based on the memoir, of the same name, by Vera Brittain. The story deals with Brittain's time spent as a nurse, in World War I London, while also coping with the loss of loved ones. The movie stars Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Taron Egerton, Colin Morgan, Emily Watson, Dominic West, Miranda Richardson and Hayley Atwell. It was directed by James Kent and written by Juliette Towhidi. The film is pretty moving, at times, and it has an excellent leading lady performance (from Vikander).The story is set in 1914, when Vera Brittain (Vikander) was rebelling against her 'upper class' family's wishes. She enrolled in school, at Somerville College (in Oxford); and later served as a nurse, in the First World War. Her brother Edward (Egerton), fiancé Roland (Harington) and friends, Victor (Morgan) and Geoffrey (Jonathan Bailey), also enlisted in the military (at the same time). Brittain did her best to remain strong, while watching those close to her die in battle; as well as many others, including German soldiers. She survived to become a powerful pacifist, and inspiring writer.The film is beautifully shot, and acted. Vikander is a very impressive up-and-coming actress; and even Harington isn't bad in the film. I have to admit, parts of the movie almost had me in tears. Like all good war films, it shows how devastating the consequences (of the futile act) are. It's also an inspiring story of rebellion, and following your own dreams (as well).Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/j9uf6E4pnlw