Alicia Vikander says that she was 'deeply touched' when she read the script and book for Testament of Youth for the first time.
Vikander is set to take on the central role of Vera Brittain in the film, who comes of age during the First World War.
The actress reveals that she was drawn to the complexity of the part as well as the educational aspects of the story.
Speaking to Flicks and Bits, the actress said: "As a young woman, I was struck to see a journey of a similarly young woman who lived just 100 years ago and who endured this emotional, devastating but extraordinary journey, to mature and become an adult.
"I did cry, a lot; even more when I read the book because that was a longer read. It was the complex part that all actors are looking to play.
"I was deeply touched and amazed how the book and script were in part so personal and emotional, but also educational about the horror of the First World War."
Testament of Youth sees James Kent in the director's chair, while Hayley Atwell, Kit Harington, Dominic West, and Emily Watson are just some of the other names on board.
Vikander has seen her star rise in recent years with performances in A Royal Affair, The Fifth Estate, and Anna Karenina.
We are going to be seeing plenty of her on the big screen next year, as she has completed work on Seventh Son, Ex-Machina, Tulip Fever, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Testament of Youth is released 16th January 2015.
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