Watch The Wipers Times

During WWI, Captain Fred Roberts (Ben Chaplin) and Lieutenant Jack Pearson (Julian Rhind-Tutt) come across a printing press in Ypres, Belgium that they seize in order to print their own newspaper for the troops. They name it "The Wipers Times" after the British pronunciation of Ypres. What begins as a simple way to boost morale quickly becomes a way for the soldiers to express their frustrations and anger towards the war, as well as provide humor and satire to help them cope with the horrors they experience daily.

Despite facing censorship and criticism from their superiors, the newspaper becomes a hit with the troops and even gains a following back in Britain. As the war drags on, the men of The Wipers Times must navigate the challenges of keeping their publication running while also dealing with the realities of the war.

The film is based on the true story of the soldier-run newspaper that was published from 1916 to 1918, and the cast does an excellent job of conveying the camaraderie and dedication of the soldiers involved. The humor and wit of the newspaper is also on full display, providing much-needed levity to an otherwise bleak subject matter.

Throughout the film, we see the soldiers come up with ingenious ways to produce their paper, from using salvaged materials to sneaking it past watchful eyes. Their dedication to bringing some joy and entertainment to their fellow soldiers is inspiring, and it is easy to see how the newspaper became such an important aspect of their daily lives.

In addition to the soldiers' struggles to produce the paper, we also see the toll that the war takes on them emotionally and physically. The film doesn't shy away from portraying the gruesome reality of trench warfare, and it is clear from the performances of the actors that the events of the war have a profound impact on their characters.

Overall, The Wipers Times is a moving tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in WWI, and an inspiring portrayal of the power of humor and camaraderie in the darkest of times. The performances are top-notch, the humor is witty and engaging, and the film is an excellent reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country.

The Wipers Times is a 2012 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.