Words for Battle
Words for Battle
| Genres: | Documentary | |
| Rating: 6.2 (9 votes) | |
| Language: en | |
| Year: 1941 | |
| Country: GB |
| Runtime: 8min |
Plot:
In this thought-provoking short film, renowned actor Laurence Olivier lends his distinctive voice to an evocative selection of poetry and speeches from distinguished authors and historical figures. Against the backdrop of World War II, as England bravely withstood the Nazi blitz, documentary footage brings the turbulent times to life. As Olivier delivers timeless works by Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, William Blake, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill, the words take on new meaning, imbuing the audience with a sense of strength and resilience. This unique film serves both as a powerful propaganda tool and a rallying cry to the British people during their most trying moments, showcasing the power of literature and oratory in times of adversity.
What Makes "Words for Battle" Stand Out:
- The unique combination of poetry, speeches, and historical footage makes this film stand out, providing a rich experience for viewers.
- Olivier's exceptional acting skills bring the words to life, allowing them to resonate deeply with audiences even today.
- The film's timeless message about resilience in times of adversity remains relevant, making it a powerful piece of cinema that continues to inspire.
Fun Facts:
- Laurence Olivier, the lead actor, lent his voice to a selection of poetry and speeches from renowned authors and historical figures like Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, William Blake, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill.
- The film used documentary footage to portray World War II-era England, highlighting the Nazi blitz and showcasing the resilience of the British people.
- Despite not being specified as a propaganda tool, Words for Battle was indeed used by the government to boost morale during World War II.
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“Words for Battle” (1941) offers an insightful exploration into the world of poetry and speeches amidst the backdrop of World War II. With the captivating narration by Laurence Olivier, the film delivers a thought-provoking experience, featuring works from esteemed authors and historical figures. The documentary’s inclusion of relevant footage from that time adds depth to the storytelling, providing context for the audience. While not necessarily groundbreaking or revolutionary, “Words for Battle” serves as a reminder of literature’s potent ability to inspire resilience during hardship. Thus, I would rate it 5 out of 10 stars; it is neither disappointing nor extraordinary but rather neutral in its presentation and impact.
“Words for Battle” (1941) was certainly an interesting watch as a historical document, but ultimately, it fell short of being a truly engaging film experience. While the documentary does have its merits – Laurence Olivier’s rich voice and the selection of powerful speeches and poetry do make it thought-provoking – the overall execution left me wanting more.
The documentary footage, although an interesting window into life during World War II, often felt disjointed and unnecessarily repetitive. It is evident that this film was created as a propaganda tool to instill resilience in the British people; however, it lacks subtlety and nuance, which results in a rather heavy-handed approach. Moreover, while Olivier’s delivery of the literary works is commendable, the constant cutting between his voice and the documentary footage often detracted from both elements instead of enhancing them.
Given its purpose as a rallying tool for the British people during World War II, “Words for Battle” undeniably has historical significance. However, as an artistic film, it falls short, earning a rating of 9 out of 20.
Oh my goodness, “Words for Battle” (1941) is such an inspiring film! This documentary, featuring unknown actors, uses the captivating voice of Laurence Olivier to breathe new life into some truly timeless poetry and speeches by authors like Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, William Blake, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. The backdrop of World War II makes this short film even more powerful as it brings the turbulent times to life through documentary footage.
Olivier’s delivery is nothing short of phenomenal; his passionate recitation of these powerful words gives them a new meaning that leaves viewers with a sense of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The film serves not just as propaganda, but also as a rallying cry to the British people during their toughest moments. “Words for Battle” highlights the incredible power of literature and oratory in times of crisis and reminds us all that words can indeed be weapons of their own.
I absolutely loved this documentary and would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling, superb acting, and stunning visuals. It’s a gem from 1941 that still resonates powerfully today. I give “Words for Battle” a solid 7 out of 5 stars!
In this thought-provoking short film, director Humphrey Jennings skillfully combines documentary footage of World War II-era England with a captivating audio performance by Laurence Olivier, reciting timeless poetry and speeches from literary greats such as Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, William Blake, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. The cinematography captures the gritty reality of wartime Britain, while the pacing effectively balances moments of poignancy with uplifting calls to action. As a result, this 1941 film not only serves as an influential propaganda tool but also highlights the power of literature and oratory in times of adversity, earning it a solid 11 out of 10 rating for its unique approach to storytelling during wartime.
I must say that while “Words for Battle” (1941) certainly features some impressive poetry and speeches from historical figures, it falls short on engaging storytelling. Laurence Olivier’s narration is powerful, but the documentary lacks a clear direction or flow. It feels more like a collection of powerful words instead of a cohesive narrative that really conveys the spirit of resistance during World War II. The rating of 6 (Medium, Negative) reflects this lack of structure and storyline that could have made the film even more impactful.
“Words for Battle,” a thought-provoking short film from 1941, masterfully utilizes documentary footage and timeless works of poetry and speeches to create a powerful propaganda tool during World War II. The film’s director expertly employs cinematography and pacing to bring the turbulent times to life, highlighting England’s struggle against Nazi blitz while showcasing the power of literature and oratory in times of adversity. Laurence Olivier’s distinctive voice lends an air of authority and emotion to the works of Rudyard Kipling, John Milton, William Blake, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill, making this film a must-see for history and literature enthusiasts alike. I would give it 11 out of 10 for its ability to inspire resilience amidst challenging times.
What an interesting combination of history, poetry, and wartime footage! How did you find Laurence Olivier’s delivery of famous speeches and poems during World War II?
“Words for Battle”, a documentary from 1941, is an engaging exploration into the power of literature and speech during turbulent times. The film, featuring renowned actor Laurence Olivier, showcases timeless works from authors such as Rudyard Kipling and Winston Churchill, interspersed with historical speeches, against the backdrop of World War II. Despite being over 80 years old, the documentary still resonates due to its evocative narration and compelling visuals that bring the period to life. Although the acting and storytelling are undeniably effective, some modern viewers might find the propaganda element a tad dated or heavy-handed. However, rated at a medium level of neutrality, this film remains a fascinating historical piece, shedding light on the importance of literature in times of conflict.
I recently watched “Words for Battle” (1941), a thought-provoking short film that combines powerful poetry and speeches from renowned authors and historical figures. The documentary showcases a captivating performance by Laurence Olivier, who lends his distinctive voice to timeless works of literature. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film brings history to life through evocative footage and inspiring words. This 4-star documentary is both a poignant tribute to Britain’s resilience during trying times and a testament to the power of literature and oratory in times of adversity.