Watch WWI: The Great War Poets

WWI: The Great War Poets is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the lives and words of some of the greatest poets of the First World War, including Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves and Rupert Brooke. Through archival footage, interviews with scholars, historians and contemporary poets, the film explores how the unique and visceral experiences of war shaped these poets and their work, and how their words helped make sense of a conflict that claimed the lives of millions.

The film provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the poets, their motivations for writing, and the emotional impact of their words on those who read them. It also showcases the enduring power and relevance of their work, which continues to capture the hearts and minds of readers and poets alike.

One of the most striking features of the film is its use of readings and adaptations of the poets' work, performed by contemporary poets such as Simon Armitage, Stephen Fry, and Ben Whishaw. These adaptations offer a new perspective on the poems, bringing them to life in a way that connects the poems with the contemporary world and highlights their relevance to modern issues such as conflict and mental health.

The film also explores the social, political and cultural context of the First World War, and how these factors influenced the poets and their work. It offers insight into the cultural debates of the time, such as the role of poetry in society and the changing nature of masculinity, and how these debates impacted the poets and their writing.

WWI: The Great War Poets is a poignant and thought-provoking film, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the First World War and the impact it had on the lives and work of some of the greatest poets of the twentieth century. Whether you are a poetry lover, a history buff, or simply interested in exploring the human experience of war, this film is an exceptional piece of cinema that is not to be missed.

WWI: The Great War Poets is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes.