Tom Hardyhas become one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He can tackle roles that demand an abundance of personality and action, likeMad Max,to the more reserved and dramatic roles likeLocke. Yet, like any actor, Hardy had to start somewhere, not just being given the instant marquee name value he has today; fans should also be thankful he never decided to commit himself to his rapping career.
In a blink-and-you-miss-it performance, Tom Hardy first appeared in the 1999 war movieThe Trench, which starredDaniel Craig. The two would come together years later in 2004’sLayer Cake, but we will look at this first meeting of two fantastic actors, and ifThe Trenchis worth watching.
The British Go to War in the World War I Movie ‘The Trench’
The Trench
A film exploringthe horrors of World War I,The Trenchdepicts the experiences of a group of young British soldiers in the trenches during the 48 hours leading up to the Battle of the Somme in 1916, which would result in one million total casualties, and fatalities estimated at over 300,000. The men wait out the period of the impending battle, sharing stories, stories, and drinks. Yet, their resolve is shaken when they capture a German soldier who relays the optimism and health of his forces, a stark difference from the information intelligence had given them. The film culminates in the young soldiers, led by Sgt. Winter (Daniel Craig), heading into the unknown of the battlefield.
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The Trenchwould get a limited theatrical release, largely falling under the radar despite the phenomenal cast, including Daniel Craig, long before he would be tapped to beJames Bond, and an early performance from Cillian Murphy. The critical and fan reception was mixed, with one critic calling it “Atmospheric and uneven.” On IMDb, it has a middling 5.9/10 from 4.5k viewer ratings. The movie was written and directed by William Boyd.The Trenchwould be the only film where he would step into the director’s chair, although he has over 20 writing credits for film and TV.
Tom Hardy’s Role and Subsequent Career
Not only is Tom Hardy’s appearance inThe Trenchbrief, but he also has no lines and is given nameless credit.With the credit of “soldier,” you’re able to see Tom Hardy walking by, carrying a rifle in two back-to-back scenes; just another face in a sea of soldiers appearing in the wartime epic. The very brief appearance is not worth watchingThe Trenchif you are there to see Hardy in his first screen appearance, but rather a fun little Easter egg to keep an eye out for.
Tom Hardy continued his career with supporting roles, including parts in films likeBlack Hawk DownandStar Trek: Nemesis, and a two-episode appearance in the acclaimed HBO seriesBand of Brothers.Hisbreakout performance, and his most underrated one, would come from 2018’sBronson, just shy of 10 years before his first appearance as an unnamed soldier in 1999’sThe Trench. Since then, Tom Hardy has become one of the most sought-after and recognized actors of his generation, with standout roles such as John Fitzgerald in 2015’sThe Revenant, for which he was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor, and bringing to life one of the most belovedaction heroes inMad Max: Fury Road.
Should You Watch ‘The Trench’?
As mentioned, if you are here because you are a fan of Tom Hardy, there is no reason to watchThe Trenchother than it is fun trivia and a reason to pay extra close attention to the details of the film to try to spot him. Still,The Trenchis worth checking out for wartime action/drama fans.The Trenchexcels by immersing viewers in the grim reality of a claustrophobic life in the trench, where the threat of death always lingers. The movie makes a strong statement, focusing on war’s mental toll and horrors and less on the action, though it is not entirely bereft of some great sequences. This is built on phenomenal performances, includingDaniel Craig, who gives one of the best of his careeras Sgt. Winter, a war-weary leader of the young soldiers.
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YetThe Trenchis also far from perfect, with certain elements left out, such as the amount of muck and vermin within the trenches and an unauthentic use of language. The focus on the soldiers' conflicts over the war also led some to find it dull compared to more action-packed wartime movies. Whether the war movie appeals to the viewer will depend on what elements they focus on; don’t forget to keep an eye out for future mega-star Tom Hardy if you do decide to watch it.
You can streamThe TrenchonPrime Videoor Peacock.You can also watch Tom Hardy at his best in the seriesMobLand, which is streaming on Paramount+.
