MovieChat Forums > In Which We Serve (1942) Discussion > Well, that was unexpected!

Well, that was unexpected!


I came to this with the idea that I'd be watching just another war-era war film, probably a cut above the average given the recognition it's gathered over the years as well as the quality of the cast. I expected a relatively untaxing and enjoyable/engaging couple of hours, no more than that.

But I actually found this to be quite an extraordinary film. I can honestly say I've not seen another like it in this genre. It was all done with great sensitivity, and the countless little moments of tenderness, or simple family love, that we see in the flashbacks completely floored me. In an unexpected development, I actually found myself *ahem* with something in my eye a few times - mostly at the scenes of farewell (there are some fabulously strong performances from some of the female cast which shouldn't go unrecognized).

It was a really clever or at least expertly handled conceit to tell a whole load of different stories, the shared experiences of the crew, the commonality of their lives no matter what background or rank. It managed to cut right through the conventional war narrative and deliver some very real and touching human elements that we easily overlook.

If I'm going to niggle, there are just two things I'd say. First of all, 70years later with a whole load of different war stories seen, I did once or twice think "Yeah, but there are the same stories to tell on the German side" but I get that it was 1942 and this had a propaganda job to do, as well as bring a great film. But that's my second point... I am just left wondering if this really works as a rallying call for the war. I read it as having a pretty strong anti-war message, as it shows so clearly what is lost. I guess the luxury of living in safety decades later means I can afford to see it that way, and it must have been so different for people going through it for real on a daily basis.

Quite an extraordinary piece of work. I'm impressed and moved beyond anything I anticipated when I sat down a couple of hours ago.

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As a rallying point for war; well, I think the title says it all. In Which We Serve refers to a beleaguered nation as well as the crew of a ship. Like Went the Day Well?, death and tragedy are not glossed over: invasion was a worse fate. Who 'we' are serving comes into it as well, and how many more of 'us' might die if 'we' do not do 'our' bit?.

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence" Carl Sagan

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Another like this is "The Cruel Sea" with Jack Hawkins.

..Joe

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a fine movie

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