Review of Testament of Youth (2015) by Ken C — 06 Jun 2015

Well crafted British period drama and exceptional and captivating performance by Alicia Vikander as a true-life account of writer Vera Brittian's World War I memoirs, Testament of Youth. The story starts in 1914, shortly before the war that follows young spirited Vera with her loving brother and friends, a burgeoning love affair and her determination to study at Oxford against her father wishes.

At the inception of the war, her life and the lives of her loved ones begin to change as they were sent to fight for the war. Vikander joined by a strong supporting cast Kit Harington, Colin Morgan, Taron Egerton, Dominic West and Emily Watson, but her representation as Vera was utterly genuine with fierce intelligence, stubbornness, humanity and subtle effect of facial expressions.

First time director, James Kent impressive camera works capturing fine detail worth remembering. Testament of Youth painted the picture beautifully haunting horror of a war and respectful tribute of fallen men.