The Trench (1999)

Director: William Boyd

Writer: William Boyd

Cast: Paul Nicholls, Daniel Craig, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Danny Dyer, James D'Arcy

Synopsis: Stuck in their putrid, claustrophobic trench, 17-year-old Billy Macfarlane and his mates desperately try to distract themselves from what is rapidly approaching – the Battle of the Somme. It was to become the bloodiest battle in British military history, with the English suffering unspeakable losses. Only a short time ago, these brash young men had raced to sign up and fight the Kaiser.

Now, with the countdown to the battle ticking away, the awful truth of what they are about to encounter begins to sink in. Surrounded by snipers and with the artillery bombardment thundering constantly overhead, the war is closing in around them. When the order finally comes to fix bayonets and clamber over the top, these frightened soldiers are forced out of the trench and into a hellish maelstrom of smoke, blood and destiny. Who will survive? Who will wish they had not?