The Great War of Archimedes (2019)

The Movie for Engineering Enthusiasts

This is one of the best movies I have ever watched from the perspective of an engineer. Several times in my life, I have had to do detailed cost estimates and I can well empathise with what the protagonist was doing. So, I am biased in my review. The use of differential calculus and shear force estimates is simply exciting to me. However, even otherwise, this is a tight, tense, gripping movie that builds suspense and has twists and turns. The premise is very different from the usual. Tropes are not adhered to. The performances are all superb. This is not a typical war movie and is closer to anti-war. Do not expect much action beyond the opening scenes either because this movie is about intrigue and the adrenaline is released differently. Ultimately, people who like drama and argumentation as well as engineering will relish this. Also, a special shoutout to the OST: I like Hans Zimmer and Trevor Jones and some pieces from this movie will certainly form part of my long-term instrumental collection.

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Less action than expected, more courtroom drama

The Great War of Archimedes is Takashi Yamazaki's second stab at similar themes he would later refine further in the glorious Godzilla Minus One, yet he handles said themes in a way more cynical approach than what we saw with the Big Lizard. With The Great War of Archimedes, Yamazaki explores all the political and personal ramifications of building what would become the Yamato would cause Japan, inevitable war. In a way, it feels extremely derivative of Yamazaki's earlier The Eternal Zero, acting as a self-aware commentary on Japan's militarism and contemporary national ethos. Much of the film is a courtroom drama, but Yamazaki does manage to sneak in a lot of fabulously executed action, he's one of the best Japanese filmmakers when it comes to utilising CGI to augment his set pieces. Combine this with some stirring performances from its cast and a gorgeous score by Naoki Satō leaves The Great War of Archimedes as another underseen gem in Yamazaki's extensive filmography.

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