Review by John M. Delia, Jr.
During World War II prior to the Americans joining the European part of the War the French and English were pushed back to the sea near the city of Dunkirk. Their only conclusion was to evacuate across the channel quickly and try to avoid the onslaught of the German aerial warfare (Luftwaffe). Dunkirk depicts the struggle the English had trying to get back across the channel. The true story is considered one of the bloodiest and most tragic part of the war for the allies.
Short on ships to rescue the soldiers the British government enlists any willing boat owners to come across the channel and help bring back as many men as possible. Many English citizens, such as Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney), and George (Barry Keoghan), risk their lives to save as many British soldiers as they can, cruising across a violent waterway full of death and destruction.
With the Germans dropping bombs on the few destroyers available, the British aerial force of just three planes, had to defend them as best as possible. This excellent battle between these brave men had them facing many German bombers and fighter pilots till they crashed to their death or narrowly surviving. Low on fuel, fighter planes on your tail, overwhelming odds, those heroic pilots, Collins (Jack Lowden) and Farrier (Tom Hardy), would do anything to try and save their fellow countrymen.
Being a soldier on the beach trying to find a way to safety was difficult and sometimes deadly. For Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), Gibson (Aneurin Barnard), and a French Soldier (Damien Bonnard), it was a risk they had to take and facing danger at every turn. Thinking safety was just a ride away sometimes ended with a sunken ship and many men floating in the water.
Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) does an excellent job presenting this bloody but sad time of the war. He presents in great detail a perfect demonstration of British and French soldiers trying to survive the Nazi assault on their ships as they head home. Also the spectacular musical score was a big part in the film’s success and gets well placed by Nolan throughout the story.
This historical tale chronicles the struggle these men had to go through to survive and the bloodshed that was endured. It was presented very well and doesn’t leave anything out. I recommend this film for anyone who likes a true battle story and any military history lovers.
Final Comment: I applaud Dunkirk for its detailed storyline, spectacular cinematography and its fantastic musical score. (4.5 of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information
Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Fionn Whitehead, Aneurin Barnard, Cillian Murphy, and Tom Hardy.
Directed and Written by: Christopher Nolan
Genre: Action, Drama, History, and War.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language.
Running Time: 1 hour and 46 minutes.
Release Date: July 21, 2017
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Released in: 2D, IMAX
The comments within this review are the critic’s expressed opinions.