“The Wipers Times” is a British television film released in 2013, directed by Andy De Emmony. The movie is a historical drama based on the true story of a satirical newspaper created by British soldiers during World War I.
The film follows the story of Captain Fred Roberts (played by Ben Chaplin) and Lieutenant Jack Pearson (played by Julian Rhind-Tutt), who discover an abandoned printing press in the Belgian town of Ypres (nicknamed “Wipers” by British soldiers). They decide to use the press to create a newspaper, which they call “The Wipers Times,” to provide a much-needed outlet for the soldiers’ humor and satire during the bleak and difficult times of war.
The movie has been praised for its attention to detail in recreating the atmosphere of the trenches and the camaraderie between soldiers. The film also offers a unique perspective on the war, highlighting the importance of humor and satire in boosting morale and maintaining a sense of humanity in the face of extreme adversity.
“The Wipers Times” was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning several awards and nominations, including a nomination for Best Single Drama at the 2014 British Academy Television Awards.
Duration: 92 min.
