I blew off the Super Bowl and went to the theater with my wife to watch "They Shall Not Grow Old."
Good decision.
Great-great movie that provides a personal, emotional perspective on what it was like to serve as a British soldier on the Western Front in World War I.
This is not an academic movie that provides strategies and battle plans. It is "a day in the life" type reality movie using actual film footage from 100 years ago that director Peter Jackson had colorized and modernized to fit today's screen.
All narration is provided by WWI veterans from interviews in the 1960's and '70's. Director Peter Jackson and staff filtered through 600 hours of interviews. No academic historians, ala David McCullough (who's books I have read and whom I admire), just the voices of the men who were there and have now passed on.
The best part of the movie, is the 30 minute clip after the movie is done where Jackson explains how he did it all. Fascinating stuff!
Do yourself a favor and see "They Shall Not Grow Old."
No cheap and creepy politics, left or right. Just reality and genius film making.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrabKK9Bhds