This film is a terrific effort in conveying the experience of the Great War. It is exciting, tense, and keeps viewers fully engaged.

But, in the end, it is a very limited story. Character development, plot -- these are secondary to the portrayal of the unique experience of that time and place. To criticize its shortcomings does not diminish its power -- it did not seek to develop character or to have more than a simple plot.

The film won three Academy Awards, but all were in the technical categories: cinematography, sound editing, visual effects. In these it was outstanding.

So I would recommend the film with the caveat that it will not be for everyone and is more likely to survive as a history class docudrama than as a classic film for the ages. That said, it is a terrific immersive experience.