Gary Oldman does an excellent job in Darkest Hour portraying Winston Churchill as the stubborn leader that was needed by Britain during World War II. He was a persistent, determined leader; and if not perfect, than certainly the perfect leader needed for that dark hour.
One of the themes of the film is the importance of support, which Churchill’s wife unflaggingly gives him during the various trials and tests of war. His wife Clementine encourages him with words of wisdom when he needs them. As he ages, for example, and becomes more abrupt, she tells him to be more kind. She says, “I want others to love and respect you as I do.” Having someone in your corner is essential, and this movie nicely portrays that theme.
Churchill is the epitome of the man that shows courage when it is very hard to do so. For example, when asked at one point if he is not afraid, he replies, “Most terribly.” And yet this is the same man that thunders, “We shall never surrender!” He was a fascinating personality, and Gary Oldman captures the essence of the man in this powerful performance of Great Britain’s famous prime minister. There are a few utterances of language and the use of the Lord’s name in vain that makes it unable to carry a Dove seal but this historical film makes Churchill come alive.
