Dunkirk is harrowing and memorable. Look for
it on Oscar night. Director Christopher Nolan, after thorough research and a
serious plan, took three approaches – Land, Sea, and Air. The film moves
fluidly between these perspectives and you feel immersed in the war. There is
minimal dialogue and no character backstory or superfluous nonsense. Instead we
follow the main lad (Fionn Whitehead) as he navigates Dunkirk, eager to
survive. His shell-shocked look as he wanders the beach, ducking from air
strikes, trying to get on an escape boat starts to bring on your anxiety.
The sheer numbers of British and French soldiers stuck on the beach was
staggering. How were they going to evacuate? That’s the land issue.
On the sea, we follow Mark Rylance and his boys as they sail
their private boat to Dunkirk to help. There was an armada of private ships and
boats who crossed the choppy channel to come to the soldiers aid. Plenty of
drama at sea. Rylance projects a quiet nobility and his sense of duty is
reassuring and brave.
By air, we see Tom Hardy and another fellow in their
Spitfires as they dodge the German air assault, circle, weave, and shoot.
Plenty of scary moments in the air.
Back on land, a group of guys commandeer a ship that’s
grounded on the beach but the tide’s coming in. Once afloat, they are feeling
safer until shots ring out, they start taking on water, and the fear and
scrambling will have you gasping for breath yourself. Harry Styles ( One Direction singer) shows his acting chops in this film and does a fine job.
Kenneth Branaugh is the Navy commander trying to coordinate boats and ships. He
projects the weary responsibility of some who’s in charge, but concerned that
Dunkirk is out of control.
Nolan keeps Dunkirk tight and tidies up the
story line into a taut mesmerizing film. This was quite a turn in the war for
the Allies. Excellent film, tough film, and not for the faint of heart. War is
hell, and I’m sure movie hell depiction is only half of it. Salute those who
served – innocent young lads fighting for their country and to survive.
Exactly my thoughts. It placed you right there in the action like no other war film. It's going to win a lot of Oscars.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I lnew when I read your review that I was in for quite a film
DeleteI have seen older versions of the film many years ago, This is an excellent review on what appears to be a very good update.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
It is war. Nothing much extra. Well done
DeleteI've been waiting for this review from you - I completely agree with you. The lack of backstory and minimal dialogue was perfect for this film.
ReplyDelete(PS. It's One Direction, not New Direction)
Thanks. I knew that. Duh. I will make my correction for Mr Styles- now actor too.
DeleteThis is one I do hope to see on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteBetty
You should for sure
DeleteSure it will bring many an Oscar win indeed
ReplyDeleteAnd worthy of them
DeleteHi Joanne - I saw it last week ... and had written 6 years ago about this incredible piece of history, when so many non-service men got involved in the nautical rescue for our service men from Dunkirk ... then rescuing the French too ...
ReplyDeleteIncredible score ... pulsating through, ear shattering is how I've seen it described. It's beautifully photographed ...
... and I love the way Nolan has broken the film into the three aspects ... one week on land, one day at sea, and one hour in the air ...
A very informative film ... about a ghastly disastrous time, so near to defeat, by the British - rescued by the "Little Ships" ...
Thanks for your review - and I hope many will get to see the film ... cheers Hilary
I admit I did not know enough about Dunkirk. I read up a bit before the movie. Quite a time for England. Wow
Delete"The miracle of Dunkirk" still looms large in British history. A friend told me, just yesterday, that his father was waiting on the beach to board a boat when someone knocked him to the ground and took his place. Ten minutes later he saw the boat take a direct hit from the air and all lives were lost - about 60 men. Even today one can occasionally see a small river boat or pleasure boat that claims to have been a part of what happened at Dunkirk in 1940!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s ridiculous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Wow. That is quite interesting. So much is fate or karma
DeleteMy husband wants to see it but he may have to go to this one alone. Doesn't sound like I would like it much, esp. if there any graphic killing/death. Is there?
ReplyDeleteWell it is war....
DeleteA very thoughtful review, Joanne. Trying to depict war in a film must be overwhelming. This one sounds as though it's a rightful effort that keeps the viewer invested. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Hey. Yes a lot of thought was put into this film. It shows choices to survive. Some brave, some instinct, etc. pretty overwhelming
DeleteMy husband went to see this last week, but I passed on it. I'm not a fan of war movies. They exhaust me too much because I feel like I'm a part of the action. I'm sure this is a well-done movie, just not my cup of tea. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI understand. It can be exhausting when you feel beseiged
DeleteWatched this while on holiday - extremely well made and hard hitting. Loved the way Nolan ended it too, very subtle.
ReplyDeleteThree quarters of a century later young men are still dying in combat, we are so slow to learn.
Indeed. Will we ever learn? Not enough folks reflect on history
DeleteA good review. I nearly wet my pants when you said Harry Styles was in it. I'd love to see it because 'Dunkirk' is a great story and I'm surprised they haven't filmed it before now.
ReplyDeleteI finally got to see Dunkirk. I thought it was well done and nail-biting until the scene where they were on the train with blue seats (these trains with open seating rather than separate carriages weren't put into service until the 1960s!) Apparently there were lots of goofs, but then again it was a fictional account.
ReplyDeleteAnn