It is one of the movies which changes the viewer perspective in many things Full of life tragedies and suffering combined with hopes , dreams and fear It is a heartbreaking movie with a great real life contemplation. A lot of believes , principles and life views will changes after this kind of life pains. thanks for letting us knowing that without real life experience. Thanks for everyone participate in it

Have noticed others have said they were a little upset with a couple of added sequences that were not from the book. Having not read the book this offered no distraction. While it maybe agreeable when a movie adaption follows a book - they remain distinctly different mediums - two different styles of writing, so it's not always fair to compere them. The book in this case is Vera Brittain's autobiography. This strong story has remained in print since it's first publishing in the early 1930's - quite something for a female writer of this era.Since the release of that fine Turkish film "Gallipoli" in 2005, 'Testament Of Youth' has to be one of the best examinations of the unforgivably tragic wastage of WWI - This was war created at the whims of those who regarded themselves as the upper echelons - so called leaders who did not deserve the very breath in their bodies. This BBC Films 2014/15 production is stunning to look at and listen too, from Jon Henson's detailed production design to just about every last cast member it's a powerful thought provoker. Swedish born Alicia Vikander may not always seem the right choice for the lead but works very hard in a demanding role, Kit Harington convinces as Roland, Alexandra Roach as Winifred, Dominic West as Dad and Emily Watson as Mum, fine performances all.... It's a strong feature directorial debut for James Kent - embellished with mostly lavish visual support provided by D.O.P. Rob Hardy (and thank heavens hand held camera-work is kept to a minimum). The screenplay by Juliette Towhidi is kept in check by the real life daughter of Vera Brittain, Shirley Williams. It's possibly because of this careful control the whole production maintains a high level of integrity that's rarely seen in modern movies. Lavish scenes involving steam trains are lovingly set up using trains from the Keighley and Worth / North Yorkshire Moors Railways. The music score by Max Richter (The Lunchbox '13 & Re-composing Vivaldi '14) adds handsomely and has been blessed with full-scale orchestrations by Dave Foster. What's unique about this film's treatment is its solid focus on being told from a female perspective. A young woman who experienced first hand the loss of family, lover, and friends - who then went on to write and speak out about the dehumanizing impact on all those who served and died or were left to suffer throughout their lives. And for what 'essential' purpose?. This film brings home the horror - not with endless shots of hideous trench warfare but by taking us into the inadequate treatment 'hospitals', where so many young lives agonizingly wasted away. All very tragic, but needs to be told and re-told...

Gorgeous, yes. But also achingly sad and melancholy. It is a powerful love story and a good war movie. It is a tearjerker indeed but a very classy and human one. But the overpowering element is the cinematography. The whole story is drawn with brilliant photographic brush work on a wide, warm toned canvas with mood, texture and atmosphere that captures so beautifully what Britain must have been like during those ugly years. They also have done a meticulous job with props, costumes and settings, everything from flowered hats and period writing pens to stately homes and vintage ambulances. Most impressive are the many wonderful railway scenes with interior and exterior views of stations, wagons, locomotives and rights of way. A superb film. Just keep some tissues handy.

With a poll taking place on IMDb's Classic Film board for the best titles of 2015,I started to look around for movies to view from the year.Being very impressed by Alicia Vikander's performances in Ex_Machina & The Danish Girl,I was delighted to discover that Netflix UK has put another of Vikander's 2015 offerings on their site,which led to me getting ready to read the testament.The plot:England 1914-Ignoring her parents remarks that she has no chance of getting in, Vera Brittain applies for a place at Oxford University. Believing she has little chance of getting in,Brittain is surprised to receive an invite from the University. Thrilled at getting in,Brittain starts a blossoming romance with Roland Leighton,whilst her brother Edward and friends Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow celebrate Brittain getting into university.As Brittain enters Oxford,news starts to spread that Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been assassinated.Feeling that they all must go and protect their country,Roland,Victor and Geoffrey decide to join the army.Hearing doubts from her mum and dad,Brittain gives Edward all her support in going to war. Taking a break from studying to become a nurse,Brittain soon discovers the truth behind "The Great War."View on the film:Backed by a silk score from Max Richter,director James Kent & cinematographer Rob Hardy (who also worked on Ex_Machina) give the film a beautiful water colour appearance,with the light brushing of misty blues,yellows and browns giving the movie a faded photo atmosphere.Capturing Brittain gradually get a sense of doubt over, "The Great War" Kent & Hardy casts bursts of dazzling bright light across the film,which burnt out as the horrors of war hit home.Whilst blood from the injured soldiers is shown,Kent takes great care in making sure that the focus is on Brittain's reaction to the horrific number of deaths,as stylish, extreme close-ups capture the sorrow and anger running across Brittain's face.Based on Brittain's autobiography,the screenplay by Juliette Towhidi gives everyone in Brittain's life their moment to shine,from Victor being buried in the full horror of war,to a very touching holding of fingers revealing Roland Leighton's love for Brittain.Caught up in the middle of WWI,Towhidi superbly balances the opening buds of tragedy and sorrow which strike Brittain with a rich determined personality which builds as Brittain raises her voice against the war.Coming into the film as a replacement for Saoirse Ronan,the gorgeous Alicia Vikander gives an excellent performance as Brittain. Revealing the love for Roland Leighton in a quiet,tender manner,Vikander brilliantly displays a determined inner strength within Brittain by giving her body language a petite,fragile presentation which is neatly countered by Vikander's expressive face showing Brittain trying to remain strong for the fallen.Joining Vikander, Kit Harington gives the film a shot of dashing,sweet-face charm as Leighton,and Colin Morgan makes the aftershock of war hit home in his wonderful,worn down performance of Victor,as they all read from the testament of youth.