The War Below

Based on the true WWI story of a group of professional tunnellers, bought in by the army to tunnel under enemy lines and blow up their defences in time for 'the big push' at the Battle of Messiness.

This was never going to be a Where Eagles Dare type war film and its limited budget is clear. However this is a solid and towards the climax, exciting true story. The characterisations are a little bit bland and you never really get to know them, but this is largely because of the need to focus on the mechanics of the tunnelling effort. That said, Sam Hazeldine, the man in charge of his not always convinced team does well in the hero role and steers the story along nicely. The film also devotes time to emphasising per the ongoing controversy that General Haig and Colonel Fielding were as mad as a box of frogs and cared little for their men as long as they pushed forward and died like gentlemen.

The film is actually very good for its tiny budget - surprisingly good to be honest.

It's obviously no 1917, and I wasn't sure want to make of it at first, but you get into it and I'm glad I stuck with it, because by the end I was totally engrossed. A poignant ending and a fine tribute to the miners of WWI.

I would recommend it, and would equally watch it again.

The kind of film that is hard to find today. Better than 1917. Story, direction, acting, editing/pacing, and set design all first rate. Photography is sublime, as is the music. Nearly flawless all around. No modern messaging here. Rather, 'The War Below' is an intimate "true story" film played out in believable understated fashion, acknowledging the sacrifices made by four everyday men who did something extraordinary (what most thought could not be done) to help end the "Great War". A fabulous film and highly recommended.

My husband loves watching war films, especially when they portray little known, amazing stories.

This is one of those, he knew that it actually happened but to see it re-enacted was so interesting, even for me.

Don't take any notice of the negative reviews, miners have a very specific skill, that's why mining was a protected profession.

The Royal Engineers would have been employed elsewhere, doing what they did best, built bridges, re-built roads, they weren't there for digging.

It was interesting to see the difference between the trained soldiers and the miners, both had integrity and bravery but in different ways!

If you enjoy seeing true stories of real people who made valuable contributions to, in this case, winning WWI, you'll enjoy this!

If I were one of the tunnellers I would be proud of this movie, it was focused, respectful and moving.