Landships II

James H · Legend

1917

28juni14 · Hero

A couple of associates saw it last week. Although one had only limited interest in the Great War, both praised the film; noting it was unique in that just one camera was used to follow the principle character throughout his quest. Only negatives were the film's unrealistic plot, and the incredibly poor marksmanship displayed by the Germans.

Michael Taylor · Lieutenant-Colonel

Yes, I went to see it...and there is a very brief appearance of a ditched tank. As already commented, the "plot" barely exists, and has no basis in reality, whilst the film provides a succession of "set pieces", with characters attempting to overcome difficulties in a number of scenarios (unwittingly scoring "points", no doubt). The director is a games enthusiast, and it shows. With two Sopwith Camels demonstrating air superiority over a lone Albatros, it is a pity nobody used the opportunity to communicate a vital message by dropping it from the air. And maybe keep a look ot for the extra in the rubber-soled boots.

So much technical brilliance in cinematography, and a complete lack of any narrative coherence. Perhaps it was intended as a commentary on the futility of war/ and/or film.

If you have nothing better to do...( and I await the contrary view from someone who loved it)

James H · Legend

My enquiries continue, but I can tell you this: the tank shouldn't be there. The action takes place on April 6th, and tanks weren't used at Arras until April 9th. It wasn't in shot long enough for me to tell whether it is the correct Mark.

Also, a neighbour happens to be a retired infantry Major. I saw him this morning and asked him if he'd seen the film. He replied, "Yes. Absolute rubbish."

More later.

PDA · Legend

Haven't seen the film, but I gather the tank is a Mark II. AFAIK the film crew (or whatever) went to Bovington and digitally scanned the MkII and digitally recreated it in the film.

James H · Legend

Aha. I never thought to google it. Thank you. Here it is: https://www.tankmuseum.org/year-news/bovnews78649

Plenty of coverage in local press etc.

However, it will not escape anyone's attention that Bov's Mk II has a female sponson on the r/h side and no sponson at all on the l/h, whereas the film tank has a male sponson on the left. There must have been some consultation.