Review: Dunkirk

A colossal military disaster. 

In 1940, allied troops are stranded on the beach of Dunkirk, France with enemies closing in from the land, and picking them off from the sky. We follow three different stories spanning different times. The Mole, lasts one week and follows soldiers attempting to get off the beaches. The Sea takes place in a day, and follows a civilian Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance) as he and other sailors respond to calls for help from Dunkirk. The 3rd story is The Air, which takes place in an hour and follows a pilot (Tom Hardy) as he attempts to stop the enemies from above. 

I can't think of another movie where I had this sentiment, but character development barely matters here and Nolan spends no time on it. It works, because we don't need to know these soldiers' and civilians' back stories. We already sympathize with them trying to escape a desperate situation. We start right in the action and stay there the entire time. Anything else would've bogged down the narrative. Because of that, no performance in particular really stands out. They're all equally good. 

I mentioned on Twitter how shocked I was that this film was under two hours, it absolutely flies by. I'm thankful for that shorter run time, this movie was so tense I'm not sure if I could've handled it being any longer. I was already holding my breath for much longer than I should have been. Dunkirk is beautifully shot and I expect this to be all over the sound nominations come Oscar time. Nolan as a director never disappoints me. He's crafted an amazing film here.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A-

Memorable Quote: "I'll be useful, sir." - George (Barry Keoghan)

Comments

  1. I'm hoping to go with my hubby and see this film tomorrow. I am hearing great things about this film.

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  2. I have seen it twice now. Once in IMAX 70 and once in regular 70. I have lots of thoughts on the format in my review. As for the movie itself, I agree with you pretty much all the way. Though I love Rylance's performance (if you can call it that), but I think it's just because I love him.

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    1. He's a very pleasant actor, he was probably my favorite in it as well.

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  3. Oh yes I agree, what an amazingly crafted film. So happy you liked it! And yeah, thank god it isn't any longer. I wouldn't have been able to handle that much tension much longer haha

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  4. I really want to see this as I thought I would have to wait a little longer but certain things just landed on my lap and now I'm hoping to see it this weekend though not in glorious 70mm.

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    1. I didn't see it in 70MM either. It's still good.

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  5. So glad u liked it! I really dont know what is wrong with people saying this needed more character development and that it was cold. When Branagh said "home" and we saw what was coming I was on the verge of tears.

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    1. I'm okay with the lack of that because it was more about the experience, but I get people being upset over it because there really was zero outside of maybe Rylance. lol

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  6. Great review! I want to see this ASAP but if I don't see Baby Driver this week I feel like I never will. I think it'll be in cinemas for a while though!

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    1. I imagine Dunkirk will hang around for a while. You still have time

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  7. I wish I loved this more.

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  8. I agree that there's no particular performance stands out, because I see Dunkirk works as a whole story. Love to know that you loved it, too.

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  9. I am with you, I didn't really need the film to contextulise Dunkirk or spend time building character by having them reminise about England because Dunkirk is an important part of 20th Century British history. Amazing film

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  10. Nice review! Dunkirk's not as binge-watch worthy as some of Nolan's other movies, but I really enjoyed it. :D

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    1. I agree with that. I don't think I'd be re-watching this like I do his Batman movies or Inception, but it's still very good.

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  11. Totally dug this movie, and I'm right there with you. The movie just drops us in the shit, and we basically hold our breath til we get out of it.

    And it totally works.

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    1. It does and I'd complain about that normally. but it was perfect.

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