The Trench

Paul Nicholls in the 1999 movie, The Trench

I just watched The Trench, William Boyd’s 1999 Somme story set entirely in a 1916 trench in the hours before the Battle of the Somme. Although some may consider this film a little limited, I found it quite moving. Some reviews imply it’s a little stereotypical in its characterisation, but the ensemble works well, and there are some good performances. Paul Nicholls stars and is rather good – despite the somewhat limited role. While the end is entirely known, it’s still a worthwhile ninety minutes. I found myself relieved that I wasn’t put in that position; it surely is one of the most tragic moments in British war history. You may know the end, but it’s a thought-provoking film.

Buy The Trench on DVD from Amazon

On this day…