Charles Serio

Well directed and acted but the storyline was preposterous (as was Saving Private Ryan). Sending two low level enlisted men (rank of lance corporals is equivalent to U.S. Army PFC) to save lives of 1600 men the next day would never of happened. At least one officer would have detailed as well so be more convincing to commander in charge of the attack. What were odds of both making it through enemy lines - very small I would think. The message could have been dropped from a plane which was a common form of communication in WWI. As seen in the film planes were available. In addition although land line communication was cut ( normal for this war) units were usually line along the battle front and a message could have been sent along the trench unit by unit. Where is the urgency shown in the situation if HQ wanted to warn the attacking unit headed for an ambush - trust two privates to make it through? Those who commented on the war horror as seen the film should learn more about actual battlefield conditions. The film barely shows it. Read about Gallipoli , the Somme and Verdun the conditions in the trenches, bombardments far more horrific than depicted in 1917 film. As far as the plane crashing into the barn where. The young soldiers just arrived what are the odds?