Dunkirk - Film Review

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Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017) is a meticulously crafted war film that redefines traditional approaches to historical dramas. The movie centres on the real-life evacuation of Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, in 1940 during World War II. Over 300,000 British and Allied troops were rescued against overwhelming odds, an event often referred to as the “Miracle of Dunkirk.” Nolan’s film captures this pivotal moment with a layered narrative structure, technical innovation, and thematic complexity, making it a landmark achievement in modern cinema.

One of Dunkirk’s most distinctive elements is its tripartite structure, which weaves together three timelines occurring over different durations:

The Mole (One Week): This segment follows soldiers stranded on the beach as they struggle to survive and await rescue. Key characters include Tommy (Fionn Whitehead), a young British soldier, and Commander Bolton (Kenneth Branagh), overseeing the evacuation.

The Sea (One Day): This storyline focuses on Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), a civilian who, along with his son Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney) and their young companion George (Barry Keoghan), sails across the English Channel in a small boat to help with the rescue effort.

The Air (One Hour): This section highlights RAF pilot Farrier (Tom Hardy) as he provides air support to protect the soldiers and rescue ships from German attacks.

These timelines converge in the film's climax, demonstrating Nolan’s masterful use of non-linear storytelling. By intercutting between these narratives, the film creates a sense of urgency and tension while emphasizing the interconnectedness of the individuals involved in the evacuation.

At its core, Dunkirk is a study of survival under extreme conditions. The soldiers’ desperate attempts to escape the beach, often at great personal cost, underscore the human instinct to endure. At the same time, the civilian effort to rescue the stranded soldiers exemplifies extraordinary acts of sacrifice and bravery.

The film refrains from glorifying war, instead presenting its characters as ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. For instance, Farrier’s heroism in taking down enemy planes contrasts with the vulnerability of soldiers like Tommy, who rely on sheer luck and resilience to survive.

Nolan shifts focus from individual heroics to collective action. The civilian armada of small boats, operated by ordinary citizens like Mr. Dawson, becomes a symbol of unity and shared responsibility. This communal spirit highlights the broader societal impact of the war effort.



The non-linear narrative not only heightens tension but also explores the relativity of time during moments of crisis. For the soldiers on the beach, a week feels interminable, while for the pilots in the air, an hour is a fleeting yet decisive window to alter the outcome of the evacuation.

Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography is integral to the film’s immersive experience. Shot primarily on IMAX and 65mm film, Dunkirk captures the stark beauty and desolation of the beaches, the claustrophobic confines of sinking ships, and the vertiginous dogfights in the sky.

Wide-angle shots of endless beaches convey both the soldiers’ isolation and the vast scale of the operation. The grey, muted colour palette mirrors the bleakness of their predicament. The intimate framing aboard Mr. Dawson’s small boat contrasts with the vastness of the open water, emphasizing the vulnerability of the civilian rescuers. Aerial sequences are a technical marvel, achieved through the use of actual vintage planes and mounted IMAX cameras. The dogfights are visceral, placing the audience in the cockpit alongside Farrier.

Nolan’s choice to minimize CGI enhances the film’s authenticity, grounding the action in a tangible reality that heightens its emotional impact.

Hans Zimmer’s score is a pivotal element of Dunkirk’s immersive experience. Using a motif known as the “Shepard Tone,” the music creates a perpetual sense of rising tension. This auditory illusion, combined with the ticking of a watch, mirrors the relentless urgency faced by the characters.

Sound design also plays a critical role. From the deafening roar of Stuka dive bombers to the creak of sinking ships, the soundscape envelops the audience, making them feel as though they are part of the action.

While Dunkirk eschews traditional character development, it effectively conveys the humanity of its characters through their actions and expressions.

Fionn Whitehead as Tommy: As a stand-in for the nameless soldiers who endured Dunkirk, Tommy’s journey is one of sheer perseverance.

Mark Rylance as Mr. Dawson: Rylance’s understated performance embodies quiet courage and determination. His decision to join the rescue effort, driven by a personal loss, adds emotional depth.

Tom Hardy as Farrier: Despite limited dialogue, Hardy conveys stoicism and bravery through his eyes and body language, culminating in a selfless act of heroism.

Kenneth Branagh as Commander Bolton: Branagh’s portrayal brings gravitas and dignity, serving as a bridge between the chaos of the evacuation and the hope of rescue.

While Dunkirk takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect, it remains faithful to the essence of the event. The film accurately depicts the dire conditions on the beach, the logistical challenges of the evacuation, and the civilian armada’s pivotal role.

However, Nolan avoids explicit political commentary, focusing instead on the human experience. This choice has drawn both praise and criticism, with some arguing that the omission of context, such as the role of French forces, diminishes the historical scope.

Dunkirk was met with widespread acclaim upon release, earning eight Academy Award nominations and winning three (Best Film Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing). Critics lauded its technical achievements, innovative storytelling, and emotional resonance. Some detractors, however, noted its lack of character depth and emotional intimacy. Nonetheless, Nolan’s deliberate choice to prioritize the collective experience over individual backstories reinforces the film’s themes of unity and sacrifice.

Dunkirk is a cinematic masterpiece that redefines the war genre. Through its non-linear narrative, technical brilliance, and emphasis on collective human resilience, the film transcends traditional storytelling to deliver an experience that is both harrowing and uplifting. Christopher Nolan’s vision, supported by an exceptional cast and crew, ensures that Dunkirk will be remembered as a landmark in modern cinema and a poignant tribute to the bravery of those involved in the Dunkirk evacuation.

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