Testament of Youth

"Vera Brittain was an English writer who grew up in the shadow of World War I, challenging the sexism of the times to study at Oxford University, serve her country as a nurse, and publish this eponymous memoir in 1933. Sifting through her story, the biggest question is why hasn’t Testament been filmed before (besides a 1979 BBC adaptation)? It’s an all-too-rare view of war from a female perspective, with fabulous potential for its lead actor, in this case Alice Vikander (replacing Saoirse Ronan, who dropped out at the last minute). Then it becomes clear."

"Kent presents the female experience of war with crisp, tactile practicality..."

"This mostly avoids the traps of dull, dutiful heritage cinema."

"A beautifully acted but disappointingly stiff period drama."

"Traditional, heartfelt and stirring in all the right ways, the film feels as though it is the natural successor to the war romances of Powell and Pressburger."

"As a film, Testament of Youth glimmers with sadness, but also the apprehension of sadness: we know not all of these boys are coming back."

"An elegantly sustained balance between intimacy and historical scope..."

"Kent's craft and Vikander's exquisite talent will ensure that the author's memories live in the minds of a fresh generation..."