The Burying Party

Anyone who believes quality can only be achieved by a big budget needs to think again. This film is a rare gem. All facets of it - the intelligent script, the sumptuous photography, the heartfelt performances - have been expertly perfected and absolutely nothing is wasted. The brooding foreboding of the WW1 trench scenes contrast with a colourful and true to period depiction of a Bohemian Edwardian life as the young poet, Wilfred Owen, finds affirmation both in his poetry and his personal identity as a gay man. Director, Richard Weston, proves he can deliver on a vision. He is a talent to watch.

This film bears witness to the story of Wilfred Owen and his contemporaries with fresh insight and empathy. The senseless brutality of World War 1 is strikingly juxtaposed with Owen's personal journey of enlightenment, and in particular with his creative and loving relationship with Siegfried Sassoon. The writing, direction, cinematography, production and above all the acting are consistently superb, and the synergy they create is seamless and at times exquisite.

Through re-imagining the remembrance of Owen's life, The Burying Party has resonance and relevance for the here and now, and should be experienced by as wide an audience as is possible.

A tapestry woven with well-chosen snippets of Owen's poetry, tasteful cinematography, superlative performances and a script that somehow echoes the poetic form itself, this film succeeded where so many other war films fail. A delicate balance of brutality and sensitivity between scenes sets us up for the gut punch finale. On the one hand, we marvel at the eloquence of Owen and his poetic comrades even as they wax lyrical over a few pints whilst on leave; on the other, we're shocked at the horrors these men must endure and inflict on the battlefield. Like Owen himself, we are led inexorably to an ending that starkly evokes the ruthlessness, absurdity and of course, the pity of war.

Although not a big Wilfred Owen fan (much more Team Sassoon, me) I nevertheless made a small contribution to the crowd-funding of this project - and I'm just so pleased and proud I did because The Burying Party is exquisite. Intelligently acted, visually sumptuous, editorially focused; the cinematic equivalent of a well-crafted short story. A moving tribute to Owen's legacy and a sympathetic and vivid portrayal of the time (with a little treat for Sassoon groupies after the credits).

Watching this film on the centenary of Owen's death was incredibly moving and yet the director and cast managed to get over the fun that can sometimes co-exist with horror. The relationship with Sassoon is explored in detail, showing the various aspects and dynamics as Owen goes from being the acolyte at the door to the respected poet. A fitting tribute.