IMAGINE having to flick through a newspaper to find out whether your loved one has died.

Vera Brittain has to do this, and much worse in James Kent’s period drama, Testament of Youth.

The film is based on the First World War memoirs of Brittain, a young English woman who abandons her studies at Oxford to be a voluntary nurse at war.

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander plays Vera. The camera elegantly captures her believable emotions and her impeccable British accent.

Her bold attitude and rebellious ways proves that the film is about feminism and opposing gender roles - 'men go off to fight, and we stay behind and knit'.

She falls in love with Rowland, played by Game of Thrones star Kit Harington, who in some scenes lacked the sincerity that Vikander delivered so well.

Flashbacks to memories of Rowland further highlights her love for him and adds variety to the narrative structure.

It could be considered a clichéd love story, but it is also a coming-of-age drama.

During the war, Vera and Rowland write poetry to one another which is narrated by the actors.

This adds romance to a screenplay that is both relatable and passionate.

With astonishing views of the British countryside, impeccably symmetrical frames and with plenty of shots where the sun reflects of the camera lens, it’s truly a cinematographic masterpiece.

This emotionally powerful score is sure to leave you with an appreciation of the simple things in life, further respect for the war veterans and a tear in your eye.