FILM REVIEW: 'Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny'

There are many people who consider Winston Churchill to be the greatest figure of the 20th century. After having seen the outstanding documentary, “Winston Churchill: Walking With Destiny,” I count myself as one of them.

After Adolf Hitler betrayed Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, the British people demanded that Churchill return to government as prime minister in 1940. The Nazis had invaded France, Denmark, Norway and Belgium. Alone, Churchill stood up to Hitler when other world leaders refused to do so.

Prior to that, in the early 1930s, Churchill warned that Germany’s racial policies toward Jews would have severe consequences. Sir Martin Gilbert, the historical consultant for the film and Churchill’s official biographer, believes had his warnings been heeded, the Holocaust may never had occurred.

This riveting film is rife with chilling revelations, which lend vast insight into this great orator, thinker and humanitarian. Churchill’s eloquent and inspiring speeches (excerpts featured) were also instrumental in swaying American sentiment for the war.

Director Richard Trank, known best for his powerful 2007 film, “I Have Never Forgotten You,” once again manages to thoroughly inspire his audience. Employing rare archival footage and stills, Trank gives us glimpses into the horrors of war as well as the unflappable patriotism displayed by people who fall victim to them. A resounding score and narration by Sir Ben Kingsley heighten the overwhelming impact of this immensely important film.

As one watches Churchill walking with fellow Brits daily among the ruins during the Blitz, it conveys volumes about his compassion and steadfastness. At the onset of the film, a biographer observes that if it had not been for Churchill, Nazi swastika flags would still be flying over every capital in Europe. Truly, this great leader shaped the future of mankind.