There are horrors that humans inflict on other humans that just boggle the mind. The atrocities that happened during World War II were as bad as any known in history. Blitz is set during one of those times and highlights the disregard for human life that was all too common during that global conflict.
Even though The Blitz lasted a little over eight months, the indiscriminate nature of the bombs that fell on London during that time struck terror into the hearts of its citizens. The bombs indiscriminately killed men, women and children and the UK government began a program to send the children (sans parents) to points North for their safety.
Young George played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan is a precocious child from a mixed-race couple. The now single-parent mother Rita is played by Saoirse Ronan. They live in a flat along with her grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller). When the time comes for George to be sent away for his safety, Rita’s world turns upside down.
The matter-of-factness that director/writer Steve McQueen brings to the screen emphasizes the actions of the human participants and Ronan and Heffernan deliver. McQueen uses the human cost of the bombings to supercharge the emotions of normal people in harrowing times. These raw human emotions on full display make this film an unforgettable experience.
Rob Hudson
The 2024 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival returns to cinemas in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Byron Bay and for the first time, Ballarat, this November with a star-studded line up. The specially curated program features tender dramas, action packed thrillers, comedy, documentaries and retrospectives, starring some of Britain’s most well-known faces including Saoirse Ronan, Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh, Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law and Tim Roth.
Blitz Screening Times
Palace Barracks Brisbane
Saturday 16th November – 3:40pm
Sunday 17th November – 5:50pm
Palace James St Cinema
Sunday 17th November – 4:20pm
www.britishfilmfestival.com.au
