Toronto Movies

Darkest Hour

Darkest Hour

Score: 6.86 / 10

Release Date: December 08, 2017
Director: Joe Wright
Producer: Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce, Tim Bevan
Studio: Universal Pictures
Starring: Gary Oldman, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, John Hurt, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 125 minutes

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Darkest Hour movie reviews

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Wednesday, December 27, 2017 12:40:09 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    Being a Churchill aficionado since the early 90's, I can say that this docu-drama is as factually correct as any that I have seen. This film presents the political wranglings of the day that he had to overcome before he could proceed in prosecuting the war. Little known facts; Churchill had a lisp (all his life) that blessed him with his signature speaking style! Also, he suffered (periodically) with deep depression which was also presented in the movie. If you are interested in WWII history watch on NETFLIX "Walking in Destiny" as together these give a good-n-deep understanding of the greatest man of the twentieth century.

  • 1

    Darkest Hour

    Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:12:46 AM | (Age Not Specified)

    As a former history teacher, I have to give it an F. As a historical fiction movie, it's at least 75% fiction. The idea that Churchill wavered and seemed to have considered a treaty with Hitler and that he jotted down the ideas for his greatest speech on a subway trip to Parliament (one which he never took) are ridiculous. Gary Oldman did a great job portraying a bumbling professor! I had to give the movie one star, because I wasn't given to option of going lower.

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Monday, December 25, 2017 12:11:20 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    If one knows anything about WW 2, then you will appreciate how effective Winston was in turning the tide. He inspired his island nation. Certainly could not have done without America's help which came later. The month of May in 1940 was hell for Western Europe. Gary Oldman is truly masterful. An Oscar nod, perhaps.

  • 10

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 23, 2017 9:40:06 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    Both my husband and I loved this movie - Gary Oldman is incredible!! We feel the historical accuracy was very good - we’re going to see it again!!

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 23, 2017 8:51:46 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    An emotional roller-coaster of a film that takes you through the rise of Churchill and the political background with Neville Chamberlain and Lord Halifax trying to promote a peace treaty with Hitler. A very good feel of the period and brilliant acting from Gary Oldman. Matches perfectly with the movie 'Dunkirk'.

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 23, 2017 8:36:56 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    It's a reminder of how very close Hitler came to world domination. This was a critical time in history, and probably no world leader ever came to power in a more pressure-packed situation. Churchill rose to his role increasingly over time, and Oldman rises to the Churchill role as the film progresses. Unlike others, I am not predicting Oscar to find a resting place on the Oldman mantle for his very good, but not great portrayal.................Guru Bob says...............88/100

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 23, 2017 7:54:34 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    Out standing! Finally a film that is not mindless dribble! If Gary Oldman doesn't get an Oscar for his performance as Winston Churchill I will very surprised. We need more movies like this and superheros punching each other or comedies for the intellectually challenged.

  • 9

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 23, 2017 1:42:39 AM | (Age Not Specified)

    Fantastic portrayal by Oldman . I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the film but the viewer gets a real sense of the the extreme pressures that must've been on Winston Churchill .I highly recommend this to any history buffs.

  • 10

    Darkest Hour

    Saturday, December 16, 2017 12:45:27 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    Mr. Churchill's "We shall fight on the beaches" speech is beyond inspirational. Being forced into a position to make a choice between appeasement and saying no to tyranny and fighting for your country's survival for the way you want it to be in the future, put the weight of the future of his country, the island, squarely on his shoulders. Mr. Churchill did (at times) canvass about town to find an understanding of what the British people were thinking before unleashing one of the most positive political speeches ever, a speech that inspired, instilled determination, and rallied his countrymen and women to not give up no matter how bleak things appeared, to fight like you have never before. This leader, Mr. Churchill, had both British citizens interests and their future in mind and heart as well as what he believed as Prime Minister (a political post) to be politically the best course of action for their country, their island. His keen understanding and/or suspecting of Hitler's true grand plan and/or Mr. Churchill's gut intuition to oppose any agreement with Nazi tyranny, initially temporarily hindered by some opposition views in Parliment, to their credit, at a time when defeat appeared to be certain, makes Mr. Churchill's decision to fight back with all their might, to defend freedom over tyranny or appeasement, this was courageous, brave. Why? If the war had ended with the British defeat by the Nazis, Mr. Churchill's legacy would have been a different story today. He, of course, was fully aware of this. This review is in regards to Mr. Churchill, the man. The movie is worth seeing. If interested, do your history fact check afterward.

  • 8

    Darkest Hour

    Thursday, December 14, 2017 7:55:03 PM | (Age Not Specified)

    7/10 “Darkest Hour”: May 1940 is the month Sir Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minster of England. He is driven and passionate. He has war experience and knowledge. Churchill is different from his predecessor Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax and their desire to broker a peace deal with Hitler. Churchill has the insight and instinct not to trust Hitler. Many young British solders have their lives on the line and Churchill is a decision maker with tough choices, filled with risks and sacrifices. Churchill was hard on those around him and known to be an alcoholic: his forte was not wooing people to his side. Despite this, he was respected for his brilliance and foresight but it was his words, which inspired. Realizing that he was out of touch with the realities of the British people he went out to speak with the masses directly. This empowered Churchill and gave him the courage to decide that Britain would never surrender. This film does capture the mood of its time, a country on the brink of losing the war. There is great costumes and acting by Gary Olson (Churchill) and Ben Mendelsohn (King George VI). The stuffiness of the parliamentary chambers and war rooms, are contrasted to the opulence of the Royal palace. On the downside, at times it is hard to understand Churchill’s slurred words. Perhaps this was a reality, given the amount of drinking he did, although it rarely impacted on his clarity of vision. This film does capture the view’s attention, and despite being 2 hours, is not boring.