PUBLISHED in 1933, Testament Of Youth was the first instalment of memoirs by feminist writer and pacifist Vera Mary Brittain covering the years 1900-1925.

In those pages, Brittain relived her harrowing experiences of the First World War in the context of the shifting political landscape, and gave a voice to other women.

In 1979, the BBC produced a six-part mini-series based on the book, casting a fresh-faced Cheryl Campbell as the fiercely independent heroine. It’s fitting that BBC Films should be one of the creative forces behind this handsome big screen adaptation.

Testament Of Youth is almost the right film at the right time, coinciding with centenary commemorations of the First World War, which included last year’s spectacular installation of 888,246 poppies at the Tower Of London.

James Kent’s film is a visually arresting portrait of those tumultuous years of blood-stained European history and director Kent demonstrates moments of brio.

However, for all its physical splendour and Max Richter’s elegiac orchestral score, the film doesn’t stir the heart, even with Vikander wringing herself emotionally dry as Vera’s dearest friends become casualties of the conflict.