Dunkirk

9

anmolrawatJul 24, 2017

It's not a movie, but an artistic piece that will surely bag many Oscars. I was a tad bit disappointed because something was missing from the movie. I absolutely loved the direction. Nolan shines here and arguably, it's all in his court thisIt's not a movie, but an artistic piece that will surely bag many Oscars. I was a tad bit disappointed because something was missing from the movie. I absolutely loved the direction. Nolan shines here and arguably, it's all in his court this time because there is no script to the movie. It's all about how he has portrayed the events through his perspective. I loved the BGM, which is obvious when Hans Zimmer is involved. I loved the acts; so believable. even Harry Styles, a singer gave a flawless act, now that's good direction. I loved the cinematography. Those grand shots with that epic score was phenomenal. I loved the climax scene. It gives you goosebumps literally. I loved how it does not involve back stories of characters, those blood boiling dialogues, war strategies, lead characters coming out like hero or the melodrama that is common with war movies. It is about the rescue and that's what you get to see. Loved his narration in three different perspectives. But still, I missed something.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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9

MattyiceJul 24, 2017

There is little doubt that Dunkirk is an absolutely beautiful movie and a film fanatic's dream. The film is superbly shot, has masterful and powerful sound mixing, and features a fantastic soundtrack from Hans Zimmer. The film is alsoThere is little doubt that Dunkirk is an absolutely beautiful movie and a film fanatic's dream. The film is superbly shot, has masterful and powerful sound mixing, and features a fantastic soundtrack from Hans Zimmer. The film is also well-acted, although dialogue is minimal. The action is gripping and entertaining, while the stakes of entire invasion are insanely high. Additionally, I loved the fact that the story follows an abnormal but intriguing plot structure (it is divided in three parts: land, sea, and air, all with different time frames).

What prevents this film from being a masterpiece that critics claim it is are two aspects. The first is that there is no character development because it does not follow any individual character, which is new and emphasizes the terror of the war over drama, for sure, but takes out some of the individual stakes usually found in great films. The second part is the confusing timeline. While I wasn't confused, the people I saw it with were, because of the way its cut, it could make it complex understanding what's going on and when if you weren't paying attention early on.

While those two cons hold the film back from being a masterpiece, this film is beautiful, fun, and engaging. Absolutely worth seeing, ESPECIALLY IN IMAX.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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8

CrunchyIvanJul 24, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La película es sorda. Muda. Bastante sobria. La música, minimalista. Sin quejas. Delibaradamente ausente. De lo contrario, anularía la supuesta historicidad en la que nos vemos transportados. Por eso, tiraron de efectos interesantes como una especie de ‘drone’ en violín muy rasgado muy rápido con ligera perturbación en el tempo al ascender o en la ejecución de cada nota ligeramente animalizada. Ergo, una elección de tono poco orquestal que da un tono encarnado de guerra. Sin excesivo decoro. Sí hubo, no obstante, una parte más Nolan o Zimmer, con un evidente ascenso emocional que supuestamente debía expresar un clímax que ni fu ni fa. Lo notas porque la orquesta empieza a unirse en notas sostenidas y el violín mantiene unas notas justo cuando la cámara centralea el plano en la cara del general con una emotiva respuesta. Esto era en un contexto en que venían barcos. Un sargento le pregunta al otro sargento más tocho e importante (Kennet Branagh): “¿Quién viene, señor?” silencio, cámara agrandando la cara de emoción de Kennet Branagh : “…Viene nuestro hogar”. Y barcos con banderas británicas, música orquestal muy alta y emotiva.

El punto es que otras escenas sí lograron expresar de manera más efectiva, sin señales de aplauso. Cuando los aviones bombardean, la experiencia como espectador es apabullante, la de literalmente sentirse a expensas de chillidos de pájaros que resuenan en bombas, cadáveres, y silencio. Y zumbidos. La ambientación realmente fue buena. El sonido, de nuevo, minimalista, tuvo sus mejores momentos en los sutiles efectos de ingeniería basados en zumbnidos, ritmos mecánicos, de fondo…ayudan sobremanera a esta intención de Nolan de presentarnos en un entorno lo más realista posible que casara con lo severo de la guerra.

El argumento, igual. Apenas hay. Nolan se ha centrado en transmitir la historia de lo que ocurrió en Dunquerque desde la más realista y mundana perspectiva de cualquier soldado británico. Se aleja de la epicidad barata de la industria, del belicismo, y de su propia filmografía.

Lo más interesante y peculiar en lo que respecta a la formalidad del argumento es la temporalidad narratológica. Es simple, pero efectiva. Bien ejecutada. Un recurso que confunde lo suficiente al espectador y lo relaja y activa de las historias entrelazadas que acontecen las horas de la batalla. De lo contrario, una narración lineal basada en un lapso tan corto de tiempo podría ser aburrido. Pareció acertado, no se notó forzado y fuerza al espectador a hacer un ligero esfuerzo para reorganizar los eventos. Lo que hace es simple: un día de acción lo divide en tres perspectivas separadas entre sí por unas pocas horas. Entonces, cuentas lo que ocurrió hace un día a X personaje, seguido de lo que ocurrió hace una hora a Y personaje, y lo que ocurre ahora a X e Y personaje (por ejemplo). Así, crea un contraste obvio en el que se van juntando las consecuencias, los escapes y salvaciones con los ataques y muertes, dando una textura diferente al relato.

Me gustó. No me gusta clasificar y dar nota a películas que acabo de ver. Pienso que se debe notar en frío. No obstante, mis impresiones ahora son: ha sido un esfuerzo valiente y natural de Nolan, dejando atrás la a veces aburrida epicidad de otras películas como Interestellar u Origen. Aquí ha hecho un esfuerzo realista. Lo situaría probablemente por encima de las dos películas mencionadas.

Ahora una nota numérica sin perspectiva ni sistema de notas.

Nota: 8.

Ejecución cinematográfica impecable, sin esfuerzos dramáticos: imagen a veces perfecta, otras veces, bien. Música cumple con creces, si bien tampoco sobresaliente (lo mejor, los incesantes paisajes sonoros y los medio ragas minimalistas de corte industrial). Argumento: no era el objetivo de Nolan. Lo cual es una virtud que caracteriza la película. Pero el hecho, está ahí. Apenas hay diálogo. Todo lo contado es visto. Y lo visto, no llega a alcanzar tal grandeza ni los acontecimientos llegan a ser trasncendentales, si bien conforman una incesante tensión y emoción.

(El arte de no pensar, wordpress blog)… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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0

mnementhJul 24, 2017

The biggest spoiler to the film is that it sucks. This is without any doubt the worst movie ever made because it tricks you so wonderfully and that's an amazing acehivement in and of itself. The trailer looked cool, right? Nolan is a reallyThe biggest spoiler to the film is that it sucks. This is without any doubt the worst movie ever made because it tricks you so wonderfully and that's an amazing acehivement in and of itself. The trailer looked cool, right? Nolan is a really cool director, right? Zimmer? Wow wow what a soundtrack we're gonna get...

Prepare to be disappointed. I can understand people's cognitive dissonance trying to come up with creative ideas why the movie didn't suck, but there's no question about it, no going around it, the film objectively unquestionably undeniably is a piece of junk. No story, awful directing, horrible editing, terrible trumpet deafening soundtrack... boring as hell - i'm sure all the good reviews are from people who feel asleep and dreamed about a good movie instead. This is the bottom worst of it all. There's rock bottom, 50 miles of **** then this.… Expand

10 of 30 users found this helpful1020

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0

Corwin_of_AmberJul 24, 2017

Worst Nolan film to date. Critics are ridiculous, this film is really poor. No story, no action, nothing. I wish I had known that the ratings are purchased, sure I would not spend my money on this garbage.

14 of 32 users found this helpful1418

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2

teamchaosJul 24, 2017

A movie that can only be endured. No plot. The same ship getting blown up (what? 4 times?). Almost left 1/2 way through but thought it had to get better. It didn't.

13 of 29 users found this helpful1316

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10

The_T-10Jul 24, 2017

When talking about war movies, "Saving Private Ryan", "Apocalypse Now", "The Thin Red Line", and recently, "Inglorious Basterds" and "Hacksaw Ridge" come to mind. "Dunkirk", however, isn't that kind of war movies. This is not your averageWhen talking about war movies, "Saving Private Ryan", "Apocalypse Now", "The Thin Red Line", and recently, "Inglorious Basterds" and "Hacksaw Ridge" come to mind. "Dunkirk", however, isn't that kind of war movies. This is not your average mainstream war movie. In fact, I don't remember if I could see any blood, gore, excessive profanity, or NAZI (Except for those few last seconds of the movie). "Dunkirk" is more of a survival thriller than a WWII flick, but somehow, will always be remembered as an excellent WWII film, for good reasons too.

Nolan proves once again that rating isn't strictly a restriction to produce high-quality masterpiece. Many people were skeptical about a WWII movie with anything less than R-rated. Nolan and crew had the last laugh after all... The cinematography's gorgeous beyond words, the acting feels very genuine, with very very little dialogues and each characters have some depths (traumatic pilot, brave and unwavering weekend sailors, honorable officers, resilient soldiers, naive kids, and desperate young men surrounded by enemies from behind and wild ocean in the front).

Nolan got out from his recent sci-fi, mind-bending mega-blockbusters (The Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar, Inception) to a documentary-like WWII movie, with equally outstanding, if not better quality. "Dunkirk" will, without doubt, be in the top 5 of my favorite war movies ever.

Oh, and should we even mention how great Nolan-Zimmer are when working together?… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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5

BaffledrealityJul 24, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Im sorry but i just don't understand why anyone won't point out, that Dunkirk in the movie, looks nothing like Dunkirk during WW2??? Where is the known ferris wheel? Where are all the countless stranded ships? (1 is shown during the movie) where are all the trucks and burning wrecks? (some trucks are shown during the movie, where they try to make a pier) where are all the destroyed buildings? (modern buildings can be spotted during the movie) Where are all the machinegun emplacements? (countless lewis machineguns were set up around the beach in real life) I cant be the only who noticed this? I'm not saying the movie is bad, im just baffled by the amount of positive critique it gets for being historical accurate, when its nowhere near historical accurate. 338.000 allied troops were evacuated at Dunkirk. roughly 15.000 are shown in the movie. 700 private boats sailed to Dunkirk to aid the evacuation. 15-20 boats are shown in the movie. Eyewitness reports from the real evacuation tells stories of drunk soldiers, singing soldiers, etc. Im sorry but the movie itself just left me with an emotion of feeling underwhelmed. This is NOLAN we are talking about. The man has a budget called "just make the movie, money isnt an issue" Where is the great story? Where is the great characters you really root for, and love? Where is the major part in the movie where we find out (you were my ghost all along = Interstellar reference) Im sorry but this is an average movie for me. The soundtrack is SUBERB! And the whole sound editing is amazing. But the editing of the scenes is just confusing? And the whole Nolan reference to TIME is just too much in this movie. 5 out of 10 for brilliant effects, and sound editing. -5 for bad film editing. Various historical inaccuracies. No story that really captures the audience.… Expand

4 of 12 users found this helpful48

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10

Compi24Jul 23, 2017

In this tenth feature-length film from director Christopher Nolan, this particular filmgoer is delivered one of the most complicated theatre-going endeavors I've had the pleasure of experiencing in recent memory. For, what I believed startedIn this tenth feature-length film from director Christopher Nolan, this particular filmgoer is delivered one of the most complicated theatre-going endeavors I've had the pleasure of experiencing in recent memory. For, what I believed started out as a seemingly by-the-numbers triptych of wartime survival that any other director could have just as easily produced, quickly and mesmerizingly contorted itself into something much more unique. Much more unconventional. Much more Nolan-esque. I won't spoil what the moment/technique is, but, boy, did this element prove me wrong and completely negate all ill feelings I had towards the first half-hour or so. Indeed, once "Dunkirk" shows its truly genius hand, it really takes off. From here on in, the movie becomes infinitely more interesting, immeasurably more fun to watch, and eons more rewarding than most other films one will see in the current motion picture market. This masterstroke technique -- which, again, I can't spoil here because of how simply masterful it really is -- is a testament to how intelligent Nolan treats his audience and, in that, he once again proves himself as one of the most valuable filmmakers in the game. This technique, amongst many others, (such as the beautiful performances, images, effects, and score work from Hans Zimmer) ultimately renders "Dunkirk" into the strong rebuke that it is. A rebuke levied against the bow of the belief that war movies are simply "old hat," "tired," or "been there, done that." "Hold my Earl Grey," says Nolan. And by God did he let us have it with this gem. I laughed, I choked up, I gasped, and I smiled from ear to ear many, many times. Truly, a cinematic experience worth seeing (in any theater, but -- honestly -- see it in a big, loud, cutting edge one) and one that I simply will not forget. Ever.… Expand

13 of 25 users found this helpful1312

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7

BigDegs29Jul 24, 2017

Dunkirk is more a visual and auditory treat than a great movie. It tells its story not through dialogue, but largely through powerful visuals: the anguished and fearful looks on the faces of the characters, the hopeless waiting on theDunkirk is more a visual and auditory treat than a great movie. It tells its story not through dialogue, but largely through powerful visuals: the anguished and fearful looks on the faces of the characters, the hopeless waiting on the beaches by masses of people, the frustration of the fighter pilot, the panic of the drowning, and so on.

While it kept me entertained, I think most people are heaping acclaim on the movie simply for this novel way of approaching things. To me, doing things a new way does not automatically a masterpiece make. For some reason, the director unnecessarily played around with the timeline. You'll see a flip from daytime to nighttime and back again between scenes. I think the director dispensed with a coherent timeline in favor of portraying a certain emotional feeling, but it doesn't always work well.

As visual storytelling, it does a great job. On any other level, it's simply decent. If you're interested, go see it in theaters. Unless you have a good sound system, you'd be missing out on half the experience otherwise.… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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10

samb1Jul 23, 2017

Mr. Nolan has shown that details are not always elaboration, sometimes it's just a few strikes from a paintbrush of an artist that explains the whole world.

17 of 28 users found this helpful1711

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10

EleniSpelmenJul 23, 2017

All I want to say to everyone who read it and who didn't like the movie maybe as much as they wanted it - watch this movie AGAIN! Give it a second chance and it will blow your mind how good it is at the second time. Christopher Nolan deservesAll I want to say to everyone who read it and who didn't like the movie maybe as much as they wanted it - watch this movie AGAIN! Give it a second chance and it will blow your mind how good it is at the second time. Christopher Nolan deserves an Oscar just based off of the timeline he used in Dunkirk. That was a genius way of telling the story. And you get it only after the second viewing. The first movie ever when you watch it again and you see not just a few new things - you see 50% new things. And understand that story was so much bigger than you thought. To everyone - watch this movie again and you understand why critics love it so much and what is so cool about this movie.… Expand

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

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9

DukeSilverJul 23, 2017

The movie is more of a visual retelling of the events that occurred in Dunkirk rather than a story that wastes time on cliche love stories or nauseating character tropes. The movie shows you how the events of Dunkirk were just the beginningThe movie is more of a visual retelling of the events that occurred in Dunkirk rather than a story that wastes time on cliche love stories or nauseating character tropes. The movie shows you how the events of Dunkirk were just the beginning of WWII, instead of telling you. Christopher Nolan is one of the few directors capable of understanding that showing is almost always better than telling, and it is apparent in every minute of the movie.… Expand

6 of 14 users found this helpful68

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5

netflicJul 23, 2017

This is not a war drama as the name might suggest but rather a Hollywood-style action movie slightly based on a famous event when in May 1940 more than three-hundred-thousand-strong Allied army miraculously avoided annihilation and managed toThis is not a war drama as the name might suggest but rather a Hollywood-style action movie slightly based on a famous event when in May 1940 more than three-hundred-thousand-strong Allied army miraculously avoided annihilation and managed to cross English Channel from France to safety. Also known as Miracle of Dunkirk or Operation Dynamo.
So, in the first place, it is a movie about survival.
I value war dramas much higher compared to action movies so I might be not an objective judge in this case. There is a lot of bang in this movie, maybe even more than in a regular action movie. Starting from first minutes into the film I noticed how unrealistic it was, and that impression was held thru the end. That lack of realism together with a lack of a story did not allow me to emotionally bond with any character.
I did not feel the scale of the operation, and it was not obvious how critically important that event was for the fate of the war and of the world.
Crirics and audience alike are crazy about the film, talking about the best movie for Oscar, claiming a great experience viewing it.
I admit, cinematography is masterful but I did not see much acting there and was not happy with directing. I guess I am too hard to please... Maybe my expectations were too high.
For entertainment purpose this film has to be seen on a large screen.… Expand

6 of 20 users found this helpful614

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0

iter27Jul 23, 2017

Nothing of substance. A tremendous waste of time and money. I am beyond flabbergasted on how the "Nolan" fanboys can defend such a mess of a movie. Pretentious af.

24 of 49 users found this helpful2425

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9

Jordwilson82Jul 23, 2017

I loved this movie, quite a bit. It was strictly told from the perspective of the british soldiers so that you experience how horrific it was for them. There is no Michael Bay Pearl Harbor drama such as romance or brotherly love. This is aI loved this movie, quite a bit. It was strictly told from the perspective of the british soldiers so that you experience how horrific it was for them. There is no Michael Bay Pearl Harbor drama such as romance or brotherly love. This is a film about the evacuation of 400 000 british soldiers stranded at Dunkirk during World War 2. It is extremely authentic and realistic, visually stunning and the sound and music is fantastic.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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0

hiravJul 23, 2017

The movie is so slow. Watching the trailer you would expect action scenes in the movie but there is almost none. Its all one side is attaching and the other is defending. You almost feel in the beginning the director is setting up the movieThe movie is so slow. Watching the trailer you would expect action scenes in the movie but there is almost none. Its all one side is attaching and the other is defending. You almost feel in the beginning the director is setting up the movie nice for some nice action to follow but midway through the movie you realize that nothing has happened and apparently nothing is going to happen. The movie never picks up. It just fails.… Expand

14 of 30 users found this helpful1416

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10

michaelt8Jul 23, 2017

This movie is an absolute masterpiece from scene one. The visuals an cinematography are perfect. The acting is spot on. Even Harry Styles delivers a terrific performance. This is a gritty real movie that I encourage everyone to see. I willThis movie is an absolute masterpiece from scene one. The visuals an cinematography are perfect. The acting is spot on. Even Harry Styles delivers a terrific performance. This is a gritty real movie that I encourage everyone to see. I will certainly be watching it again in theaters and buying it on DVD.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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3

OfficeNinjaJul 23, 2017

While visually impressive, I found Dunkirk to be a mix of boredom and confusion. There is three different timelines that converge which only makes it confusing, and does not add weight to any of the scenes. It's difficult to tell any of theWhile visually impressive, I found Dunkirk to be a mix of boredom and confusion. There is three different timelines that converge which only makes it confusing, and does not add weight to any of the scenes. It's difficult to tell any of the characters apart, especially with very limited dialog. I'm not sure people love this movie so much, it's a pretty forgettable war movie.… Expand

44 of 79 users found this helpful4435

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10

Rebecca31Jul 23, 2017

A movie that needs no introduction because I’m sure you’ve already heard all about it. So is it as incredibly brilliant as everyone’s saying? Absolutely. From the moment it starts you’ll be on the edge of your seat. The story, the charactersA movie that needs no introduction because I’m sure you’ve already heard all about it. So is it as incredibly brilliant as everyone’s saying? Absolutely. From the moment it starts you’ll be on the edge of your seat. The story, the characters and the constant foreboding music practically reaches out of the screen gripping you and doesn’t let go for the entire film. Christopher Nolan has established himself as a wonderful director and Dunkirk is a must see film. Don’t miss the chance to see it on the big screen, and if you get the chance to see it in 70mm then definitely take it.
A war movie depicting the events from three perspectives. You’re left in a constant state of dread, very much like the soldiers themselves. It also doesn’t go overboard with the violence, in fact there’s very little gore for a war movie but it’s just as terrifying. The tension never stops, never eases. Almost unbearable at times the suspenseful atmosphere is gut-wrenching. I’ve run out of words to describe how amazing Dunkirk is. There simply isn’t any more I can say, just go see it. And if you don’t believe me then you better see it anyway if nothing else but to prove me wrong. One of Nolan’s greatest creations, and it’s up there with the best war movies. Highly recommended.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

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10

frdfdfdffJul 23, 2017

Incredible. This movie has me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Loved every bit of it Just an absolutely crazy cinema experience fdsfsdfsdfsdfsf

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

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9

RyanTheN3RDJul 23, 2017

The movie creates tension insanely well keeping you gripped in and convincing you that you'd rather piss yourself than miss a second. The only time when the movie didn't have me fully engaged was Harry Styles showed up and for 30 seconds IThe movie creates tension insanely well keeping you gripped in and convincing you that you'd rather piss yourself than miss a second. The only time when the movie didn't have me fully engaged was Harry Styles showed up and for 30 seconds I was like "oh this is a movie". Great action, great sound, great direction and great editing. I've seen 20 movies this year, this is my second favorite so far.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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10

npradana96Jul 23, 2017

Dunkirk is a WW II movie with less dialogue, but so intense. Just watch Dunkirk on IMAX then you're gonna feel this movie want to be. Plot, sound, and cinematography in this movie are outstanding!

9 of 21 users found this helpful912

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9

MaxsonJul 23, 2017

I think Dunkirk might be the most intense film this year, and definitely Nolan's most intense work. The sound design is incredible, and the cinematography is beautiful and striking. When you go in to see this movie, don't expect it to be likeI think Dunkirk might be the most intense film this year, and definitely Nolan's most intense work. The sound design is incredible, and the cinematography is beautiful and striking. When you go in to see this movie, don't expect it to be like Saving Private Ryan because that film focuses on the brutality of war. Dunkirk focuses more on survival and desperation. Dunkirk is very different compared to other war movies in my opinion. This film will be a strong contender for the Oscars. Probably for Best Picture and Best Sound Mixing.… Expand

12 of 23 users found this helpful1211

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0

moviestalkerJul 23, 2017

Here's a short guide how to win an academy award: Step 1) Make a movie about the second World War (because nobody ever had *that* idea) Step 2) ???, Step 3: Profit.

28 of 66 users found this helpful2838

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10

PotaeSuprakitJul 23, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Potte makes this movie great.
Dunkirk is a great and amazing war movie.
Nolan has an amazingly realistic painting of the evacuation of Confederate soldiers along with the best air dogfights ever released. From the pilot level, three time frames, and foretelling their own novels to the reality of the Allied evacuation of June 1940, this amazing technical ability is an entertainment that stops the heart. This is Nolan's best film to date, a stunning and thrilling masterpiece, and a great return to film.… Expand

12 of 21 users found this helpful129

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8

RobBob99Jul 23, 2017

While I do believe this is Nolan's best movie to date, it's not necessarily my favorite. This is an achievement in filmmaking, especially in today's world. Very little dialogue is spoken, little to no character development is given, andWhile I do believe this is Nolan's best movie to date, it's not necessarily my favorite. This is an achievement in filmmaking, especially in today's world. Very little dialogue is spoken, little to no character development is given, and almost nothing is explained to the audience. Instead, he takes us through a story told visually in such a compelling and unique way. With Hans Zimmer's pounding score and a thunderous sound design, he transports us right in the event of Dunkirk that deservers to be seen on the biggest screen possible.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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8

MohamedHamadJul 23, 2017

Dunkirk delivers an unusual capture of a historic evacuation that passed unnoticed in previous WWII movies. I’d say that Nolan is obsessed with time throughout his career. In Dunkirk, he takes us through three perspectives; land, sea and air.Dunkirk delivers an unusual capture of a historic evacuation that passed unnoticed in previous WWII movies. I’d say that Nolan is obsessed with time throughout his career. In Dunkirk, he takes us through three perspectives; land, sea and air. The movie tells the three perspectives with different timelines; at land, the story spreads over a week, sea for one day and air for one hour. This script emphasize Nolan’s determination on doing things differently than almost all directors. In addition, the three perspectives meet at some points linking the whole jigsaw that he created. The lead character in the movie was the directing technique and Hans Zimmer score. Nolan kept audience on their feet elegantly with almost no bloody violent scenes even when people are blasted off. The intention I’d say not to fall in the trap of “the movie tells the horrific stories of war” but rather this movie “captures an untold story of war differently”.
However, dialogue was scarce and very simple not like any other dialogue in Nolan’s writings. May be was intentional to capture the era. Casting was brilliant but acting was very average except may be for Mark Rylance, Damien Bonnard and Barry Keoghan. N.B. Nolan is a big fan of covering up Tom Hardy’s face.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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2

FerdifiableJul 22, 2017

The IMAX version, at least, is fully endorsed by the International Earplug Association. If you don't have tinnitus before you see this overrated disaster movie, you will when you walk out. Abusively, gratuitously loud, with a soundtrackThe IMAX version, at least, is fully endorsed by the International Earplug Association. If you don't have tinnitus before you see this overrated disaster movie, you will when you walk out. Abusively, gratuitously loud, with a soundtrack designed to loosen your internal organs from your skeletal frame. I might have liked this movie but I couldn't tell; it's impossible to appreciate anything else about Dunkirk when your fillings are being vibrated out of your teeth. I suppose the point was to bludgeon me into knowing that war is hell, but somehow Spielberg managed to convey this with considerably more weight without causing me actual physical pain. Overwhelming the senses is apparently the film industry's way of creating a unique theatrical experience. If so, it's inducing me to the opposite: perhaps if I'd waited to watch at home with some control over my viewing experience I'd have appreciated it more.… Expand

22 of 49 users found this helpful2227

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10

kevinharvey9Jul 23, 2017

NO SPOILERS

This film blew me away, after a slight disappointment of Interstellar (compared to his other work), Dunkirk is an absolute statement by Nolan that he is a master of film making. Everything from the cinematography (beautifullyNO SPOILERS

This film blew me away, after a slight disappointment of Interstellar (compared to his other work), Dunkirk is an absolute statement by Nolan that he is a master of film making. Everything from the cinematography (beautifully shot by Hoyte Van Hoytema), the action, the acting, the editing (a narrative that weaves between 3 different events brilliantly). The opening scene is stunning, with an escape through the streets onto the beach, until the German planes arrive, and when they arrive, it is terrifying. The sound design of the planes, to the bombs dropping, to the images of all these soldiers diving to the ground (and then just getting back up as if nothing happened so used to it they've become), it doesn't let up. See it on the biggest screen you can. This is what cinema is made for.… Expand

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

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10

moviemitch96Jul 22, 2017

Pretty much every film that Christopher Nolan makes is a flat-out masterpiece as far as I'm concerned, and I'm more than happy to say that this film is no different! In fact, I think that this just may be the best war film I've ever seenPretty much every film that Christopher Nolan makes is a flat-out masterpiece as far as I'm concerned, and I'm more than happy to say that this film is no different! In fact, I think that this just may be the best war film I've ever seen (sorry to say it, but step aside 'Saving Private Ryan'). I honestly can't remember another as suspenseful or one that got my heart pounding and gave me goosebumps as much as this one did! From the very opening scene to the film's final moments, it never lets up, giving us an intense and nonstop look at the epic and historical moments and events that unfold throughout the film. The three-way narrative structure (land, sea, and air) is handled seamlessly, and the imagery/cinematography, sound, actors, etc. made this an all-around fantastic and unforgettable experience that fully immersed me in this great and historic moment in history, plain and simple! Overall, not only is this hands down the best film of the summer, but it's well on its way to maintaining its status as my favorite film all year long most likely! Mr. Nolan sir, you never cease to blow me away!… Expand

18 of 30 users found this helpful1812

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10

radewart1792Jul 22, 2017

Great thrilling action and pulsing soundtrack. Unlike any war movie I've ever seen.
See in IMAX! I don't get the complaint that it lacks human emotion, it just presents it differently then people are used to.

16 of 26 users found this helpful1610

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6

Douglas56Jul 22, 2017

As a war reenactment film, Dunkirk is a cut above the average but, despite some rather obvious attempts to 'dramify' the storyline, Nolan ultimately fails to transcend the limitations imposed by a reenactment. And for all its grittyAs a war reenactment film, Dunkirk is a cut above the average but, despite some rather obvious attempts to 'dramify' the storyline, Nolan ultimately fails to transcend the limitations imposed by a reenactment. And for all its gritty authenticity, the film is weirdly unrealistic in its portrayal of the battlefield, especially in the almost total absence of blood and gore. While it is hard for the film-goer not to be moved by the individual acts of heroism that marked the Dunkirk operation, and impressed by Nolan's visual innovations, this viewer was left feeling manipulated, unconnected with the characters and underwhelmed by the dramatic content.… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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6

moviesoulJul 22, 2017

This move is a disappointment. it's a decent movie, and I applaud Christopher Nolan for making a film about such an important historic event, but the complete lack of character development and context prevent this from being a great film. TheThis move is a disappointment. it's a decent movie, and I applaud Christopher Nolan for making a film about such an important historic event, but the complete lack of character development and context prevent this from being a great film. The movie is loud, violent, and intense - an assault on the senses. Nolan wants you to feel what war is like - and he succeeds, but it's tough to take. The characters feel like afterthoughts, and the lack of context makes it hard to follow. How many men are on the beach? How many boats are coming for them? It's never really clear, until the very end when Nolan tries to tie everything together - too little too late. It's great that a movie about Dunkirk was even made, given that Hollywood only seems to want to make sequels and comic book superhero movies - I just wish that Nolan had done a better job of telling the story. He focuses on three very narrow specific plotlines at the complete expense of giving a broader view of what was at stake and how many lives were affected.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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3

SergeantSozJul 22, 2017

I've never given a movie such a low score but I have to this time to help lower the ridiculous overall score. While I appreciate this movie not going over the top, it just doesn't suck me into the story like other war movies. There is zeroI've never given a movie such a low score but I have to this time to help lower the ridiculous overall score. While I appreciate this movie not going over the top, it just doesn't suck me into the story like other war movies. There is zero blood. It shows a guy getting bombed and he remains in one piece. The score was good but all it did was make everyone anxious. I know Zimmer wanted to create a sense of urgency since the film is about an evacuation but even the most simple, boring things, the music is going off the rails trying to rise up some suspense. It WILL drive you nuts. Take the music out of this movie and there's probably 20 minutes or less of dialogue and you're left with the most boring movie ever. I could give it a 5 but honestly I would never watch this twice. I don't know a single name of any of the characters. There's zero development once so ever so why give a crap about any of them. You can barely understand them also. Hacksaw Ridge was too Hollywood and too over the top but at least it was entertaining. This movie's only positive notes is the bone-chilling sound of German fighters about to dive bomb the soldiers. Nolan isn't a bad director but he's a terrible story teller. All of his movies are vague and confusing.… Expand

30 of 61 users found this helpful3031

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6

Meth-dudeJul 21, 2017

It was an actually pretty good movie. The acting was very good, the visuals were fantastic, the movie could get really intense, and it was very realistic. While it could've been better if it was more focused, it's still a fairly good war movie.

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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10

flash246Jul 22, 2017

One of the most tense movies I've ever seen. Nolan does it again with incredible cinematography and sound mixing. Watching it in IMAX was an amazing experience. Whether its the siren on the German Stuka or the constant ticking soundOne of the most tense movies I've ever seen. Nolan does it again with incredible cinematography and sound mixing. Watching it in IMAX was an amazing experience. Whether its the siren on the German Stuka or the constant ticking sound throughout the movie, the overall sound was simply amazing.… Expand

8 of 19 users found this helpful811

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5

SeriousReviewJul 22, 2017

It is a good movie, but it could have been so much more. First off, roughly 900 vessels were involved in the Dunkirk evacuation and about 10 are shown. I understand not wanting to use excessive CGI, but it really detracts from what should beIt is a good movie, but it could have been so much more. First off, roughly 900 vessels were involved in the Dunkirk evacuation and about 10 are shown. I understand not wanting to use excessive CGI, but it really detracts from what should be a turning point in the film. Numbers like 400,000 men are bandied about in the film, but all of 500 men are actually shown, even from a distance. Furthermore, Nolan sacrifices character depth and any kind of backstory - even going so far as to have most of the characters pretty much nameless - in order to showcase his artistic vision. The upshot is that I found it difficult to emotionally invest in any of the characters. Whilst his gritty portrayal is beautiful and it has its moving moments, of which the opening scene is particularly memorable, in general the film fails to capture the scale of Dunkirk and at the same time manages to underwhelm in character development. It isn't a bad film, but it is often boring and what really sucks is the squandered potential it had.… Expand

34 of 69 users found this helpful3435

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10

ChowdahJul 22, 2017

This is possibly the best "war" movie I have ever seen in my life. This isn't an some stupid Hollywood action movie. This is a movie about sacrifice, the horrors of war, and how people react to it. It's not preachy or in your face with someThis is possibly the best "war" movie I have ever seen in my life. This isn't an some stupid Hollywood action movie. This is a movie about sacrifice, the horrors of war, and how people react to it. It's not preachy or in your face with some political message. It's just a story about several men and their experience around Dunkirk. Amazing film.… Expand

13 of 25 users found this helpful1312

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10

IANMOUNTFORDJul 22, 2017

I believe this film to be the greatest piece of cinema of all time. If you wish to experience,as close as is possible without being there, what battle actually feels like then I recommend you go and see this epic film. Gung-ho, it is not.I believe this film to be the greatest piece of cinema of all time. If you wish to experience,as close as is possible without being there, what battle actually feels like then I recommend you go and see this epic film. Gung-ho, it is not. Heart wrenching, it is not. Hero worship, it is not. Sensationalised blood and gore, it is not... True bravery and fear, it most definitely IS... Realistic, no other film comes close. If I had to sum it up in one word it would have to be "Intense"......Europe has the audacity to be demanding Billions of pounds for the UK to leave the EU. Show this film to those people in Brussels and it may make them stop and realise what a debt they ALL owe to Great Britain for the sacrifices it made in both wars in order to liberate the continent of Europe.… Expand

10 of 20 users found this helpful1010

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5

jondavisJul 22, 2017

This is war porn. No time is spent on developing the characters. You'd be hard pressed to identify who the main character even is and to name the characters at the end of the movie. Yes, the film is visually stunning. But so is a lot of porn.This is war porn. No time is spent on developing the characters. You'd be hard pressed to identify who the main character even is and to name the characters at the end of the movie. Yes, the film is visually stunning. But so is a lot of porn. Very poor storytelling. All plot, no narrative, arc, or emotion. The soundtrack is also poor. It's more noise than music.… Expand

8 of 23 users found this helpful815

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0

Vl_czJul 21, 2017

This is a film about Nolan, but not about war. Operator work and sound are very good, but the story is very boring, and the characters are not interesting.
Dunkirk is the worst film of Nolan. Better once again review the "Saving Private Ryan"

35 of 94 users found this helpful3559

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9

smodcastJul 22, 2017

This movie is kickass. It does an incredible job in its first opening minutes introducing you to what you are about to experience and then doesn't let up till the closing act. Relentless is the word. And Harrowing. A gorgeous piece ofThis movie is kickass. It does an incredible job in its first opening minutes introducing you to what you are about to experience and then doesn't let up till the closing act. Relentless is the word. And Harrowing. A gorgeous piece of cinematic craftsmanship with clever Nolan-esque editing to boot.… Expand

12 of 23 users found this helpful1211

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9

eagleeyevikingJul 22, 2017

Complementing an appropriately sombre atmosphere with visceral action (best seen in IMAX) as well as plenty of haunting imagery, Christopher Nolan’s masterful Dunkirk is an “on the moment” war film that works. The cast is universallyComplementing an appropriately sombre atmosphere with visceral action (best seen in IMAX) as well as plenty of haunting imagery, Christopher Nolan’s masterful Dunkirk is an “on the moment” war film that works. The cast is universally excellent, the tension palpable and the excellence in cinematography is unprecedented. Personally, I can see this becoming an all time classic.… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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10

IAMBATMAN5362Jul 22, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Christopher Nolan has done it again the movie is a masterpiece it doesn't focus on unrealistic characters that want to help each other it shows how much people are afraid and they should run for their selves the movies tension with Hoyte van hoytemas beautiful cinematography and Hans Zimmer's intense score makes the movie even more better and Christopher nolans directing is directing at its best the acting is great especially mark rylance,tom hardy,Fionn whitehead,cillian Murphy and harry styles is great too.the opening scene of the movie is Christopher nolans most different opening yet it starts beautifully and ends beautifully the movies pacing is great all I have to say is it's the best movie of 2017 and Christopher nolans 2nd best movie right behind inception and the 3rd best movie of 2010s behind inception and Django unchained… Expand

6 of 15 users found this helpful69

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3

TankironJul 22, 2017

Un largo y aburrido documental de la 2 que nos cuenta la historia de mucha gente esperando muy deprisa a que les saquen de una playa y de un niño que sufre un accidente, muere y le ponen como un héroe en el periódico de su pueblo....... porUn largo y aburrido documental de la 2 que nos cuenta la historia de mucha gente esperando muy deprisa a que les saquen de una playa y de un niño que sufre un accidente, muere y le ponen como un héroe en el periódico de su pueblo....... por cierto la banda sonora esta hecha con un reloj y una bocina… Expand

9 of 24 users found this helpful915

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2

AreYouSeriousJul 22, 2017

How? How is this getting the 10/10's? Four of us saw this together - age ranging from 21 to 47, and all disliked it. The first few minutes are good, but after that - what a complete bore-fest. No characters that you care about, or gravitateHow? How is this getting the 10/10's? Four of us saw this together - age ranging from 21 to 47, and all disliked it. The first few minutes are good, but after that - what a complete bore-fest. No characters that you care about, or gravitate to. No real story; 3 separate stories that are disjointedly strung together, but are worse for wear by the added time-jumps. The relentless score that literally wears you down. No blood (I'm not one for the gratuitous slo-mo violence of Hacksaw Ridge - far preferred the documentary feel of Saving Private Ryan), but no blood, when they have just been blown up by a bomb, pulled me straight out of the film.

We all felt like it was 4 hours long, as the shots seemed to all look the same, repeating, over and over again. This is the first time in my life where I TRULY feel like the reviews have been bought. I reckon the studio executives watched it and thought "How the hell is this going to appeal to a wide audience? We better buy some amazing reviews, or we'll never get our money back."… Expand

56 of 98 users found this helpful5642

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10

jasharkowalskiJul 22, 2017

I watched the movie last night and still i'm having that rare feeling when you wish the movie lasted longer...first and foremost - there is no a single CGI scene in the epic war movie ! All is real and all is breathtaking ! Next is music -I watched the movie last night and still i'm having that rare feeling when you wish the movie lasted longer...first and foremost - there is no a single CGI scene in the epic war movie ! All is real and all is breathtaking ! Next is music - that Zimmer guy simply won't miss a second to ease the grip, he pushes suspense scenes (and the whole movie is one big suspense scene) close to the edge...this movie is the best Nolan so far, there is no excuse to miss it !… Expand

16 of 26 users found this helpful1610

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10

uejaz86Jul 22, 2017

Without giving anything away I'll give you my verdict:

For me this is like the history lesson I always wanted at school but never ever got. This movie is not just something so incredibly spectacular, it's a movie for the ages.

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

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0

marco34laJul 22, 2017

I'm sorry, this movie was a piece of crap. There's no story, barely any dialogue, no character development, but it does have big AUDIO SCORE THAT BLASTS SO LOUD YOUR WANT TO SCREAM. There were apprx 25 people at the showing I just saw here inI'm sorry, this movie was a piece of crap. There's no story, barely any dialogue, no character development, but it does have big AUDIO SCORE THAT BLASTS SO LOUD YOUR WANT TO SCREAM. There were apprx 25 people at the showing I just saw here in Los Angeles and over the course of the 90 mins... 4 people WALKED OUT.… Expand

37 of 90 users found this helpful3753

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5

CeddybearJul 22, 2017

A beautiful, visceral remake of Saving Private Ryan that seems keen on presenting itself as a cinematic breakthrough. It isn’t, but its cinematography and score will do their best to tell you otherwise. By all means enjoy the ride.

MostA beautiful, visceral remake of Saving Private Ryan that seems keen on presenting itself as a cinematic breakthrough. It isn’t, but its cinematography and score will do their best to tell you otherwise. By all means enjoy the ride.

Most problematic is the absence of fresh thesis. The absence of characters doesn't need to be an issue but the film has less to say than its now 20 year old sibling, which raises questions about humanity vs nation and the significance of individuality in the face of jingoistic death. Dunkirk on the other hand seems content to let you know that war is bad, and call it a day.

Frankly, WW2 remains an exhausted framework through which to absorb the slim themes on display here. Making the cast English hasn't fixed how overdone this whole thing is, and as such the critical outpouring should be taken with a degree of well-earned caution.… Expand

6 of 20 users found this helpful614

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10

FrogadJul 22, 2017

Definitely deserving of praise, a realistic and sombre portrayal of war that I feel most accurately captures the mood, it knows when to go all out and when to stop thus giving a simplistic yet harrowing portrayal. Although you don't know muchDefinitely deserving of praise, a realistic and sombre portrayal of war that I feel most accurately captures the mood, it knows when to go all out and when to stop thus giving a simplistic yet harrowing portrayal. Although you don't know much about the characters backstories after following them on screen for a short while I already began rooting for them, impeccably acted even on his debut Harry Styles did a great job.

Despite not being character driven some of the events are very emotional and there were a few moments where I was on the verge of tears and others where people in the cinema audibly spoke out in reaction to the events.

The film was beautifully shot, it looked so real but the sound was amazing, every bullet, every shell dropping made me move closer to the edge of my seat, my heart was racing from start to finish thanks to Nolan's masterful use of tension which was aided by Hans Zimmer's powerful score. The metronomic ticking sound does not let up. One think I must say is that this film is more of a cinematic experience than a film, part of the magic will be lost on home viewings unless one has a great sound system.

10/10 is the least this deserves, it was deeply patriotic yet showed the dark sides of war and how men can turn on each other. Almost every aspect of this film seemed carefully crafted and intentional. Also in some of the scenes the camera work makes this feel as though the viewer themselves is a character in the events which is impressive how a 2D film is more immersive than any 3D film I've ever seen. An audiovisual treat and a real attack on the senses, brilliant.… Expand

13 of 25 users found this helpful1312

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6

BeekayJul 22, 2017

A new kind of blockbuster. A visceral overwhelming experience that operates more like a carnival ride than a film, a spectacle worthy of admiration which goes against everything you would learn at film school, a complete assault on the sensesA new kind of blockbuster. A visceral overwhelming experience that operates more like a carnival ride than a film, a spectacle worthy of admiration which goes against everything you would learn at film school, a complete assault on the senses that is as brilliant as it is dull. See it in IMAX.… Expand

5 of 20 users found this helpful515

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8

MugeshJul 22, 2017

Another good film by Nolan. The film has great cinematography and story. The film is very intense and takes the viewers into the film. The film is great but yet it did not satisfy my expectation. And ofcourse it is not his best film. It isAnother good film by Nolan. The film has great cinematography and story. The film is very intense and takes the viewers into the film. The film is great but yet it did not satisfy my expectation. And ofcourse it is not his best film. It is worth the time and days waiting for. The film contains an interesting sequence towards the climax of the film. Dunkirk is an over-expected movie. If Die hard Nolan fans like me are expecting to see his master piece, Dunkirk is not the right film.… Expand

3 of 10 users found this helpful37

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10

sicilia013Jul 21, 2017

Masterpiece in all his nature, Nolan did it again, a beautiful and shocking film, if there are bad reviews, don't listen, there's always paid media or just haters.

11 of 22 users found this helpful1111

All this user's reviews

9

BrianMcCriticJul 21, 2017

Nolan gives us a war film that works not because of characters, but by atmosphere and an incredible sound design. You learn nothing about any of the characters here, but for what Nolan was going for it makes perfect sense. You feel likeNolan gives us a war film that works not because of characters, but by atmosphere and an incredible sound design. You learn nothing about any of the characters here, but for what Nolan was going for it makes perfect sense. You feel like you're there with these men and Hans Zimmer's score is breathtaking. Overall Dunkirk marks a familiar, yet new kind of Nolan film. You see his finger prints all over it especially the finale, but to go with such little dialogue is foreign to him, he still nailed it. A… Expand

17 of 26 users found this helpful179

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2

purexiiiJul 21, 2017

Probably one of the worst movies I've seen. The only thing stopping me from walking out was hope that it would get better - it didn't.

I am dumbfounded how this even gets remotely close to an 9.0/10 average here and imdb. (Botted votes?Probably one of the worst movies I've seen. The only thing stopping me from walking out was hope that it would get better - it didn't.

I am dumbfounded how this even gets remotely close to an 9.0/10 average here and imdb. (Botted votes? Bribery?) Firstly the plot is empty, bland, boring, uneventful - I could go on all day...

The character development is abysmal - non-existent. You feel detached the whole film except for the first minute (which are excellent bar the annoying background title text) and then it goes straight off the cliff into the dump. I was excited and enthralled expecting an amazingly engaging film - boy was I WRONG.

Even watching Tom hardy blast away with his 10% accuracy is uninspiringly dull.

The only good points are 'decent' cinematography(the best of which being the colours and contrasts which i actually enjoyed in some brief scenes), good sound effects, soundtrack is nice but overused and repetitive.

In essence the film over-utilises cinematography and sound to form it's basis while leaving the lacklustre story and characters to support it instead of the opposite i.e developing a strong plot line and delving into the depth and breadth of characters while letting the cinematography and sound support them.

Don't waste your time or money on this cash grab. 2/10 AT BEST!… Expand

43 of 88 users found this helpful4345

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10

rayprdnJul 21, 2017

IMAX fully recommended, extremely intense movie from the beginnning till the end, the sound effect and score is masterpiece. Big applause for Nolan, 'cause he succesfully blow my mind!

17 of 27 users found this helpful1710

All this user's reviews

10

velmaxJul 21, 2017

Masterpiece film making. Nolan has created a technical masterpiece that throws the audience into the dread their witnessing. Brilliant sound mixing and orchestration by Hans zimmer, amazing cinematography and just a flawless film.

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

All this user's reviews

10

MasterRileyJul 21, 2017

Dunkirk is an incredible and authentic war film about the true story of 400,000 allied soldiers being trapped on the beaches of Northern France, surrounded by the powerful German army. As time runs out and the Germans slowly approach, theDunkirk is an incredible and authentic war film about the true story of 400,000 allied soldiers being trapped on the beaches of Northern France, surrounded by the powerful German army. As time runs out and the Germans slowly approach, the allied soldiers come closer to their fate. However what makes the story so great is the miracle that occurs shortly after; when innocent British civilians voluntarily boat over to the beaches rescuing the allied soldiers. In the end they were able to rescue over 300,000 men, making it one of the most miraculous and important moments in human history.

Going into the movie you will most likely already have a basic idea of what happened. What is more important about Dunkirk is how the film uses cinematography, music, characters, and so on to interpret what actually happened. And I can confidently say that the movie executes all these elements masterfully. I had the privilege of seeing Dunkirk in true IMAX 70mm film, a first for me. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had at the cinema. My favourite moment was the opening shot; it goes from blackness to completely filling up that massive screen with crystal clear image quality. I was immediately blown away by that opening shot of the allied soldiers walking down the street. The amazing sound punched in when the first few gun shots fired off; so loud and lifelike they startled me as if I were actually there. The entire movie was shot on film and over 70 percent was done on IMAX cameras. It fits the movie perfectly as the large picture size compliments the spectacle of the beach and ocean environments. If there is one movie you should see in true IMAX 70mm film, it is this one.

Christopher Nolan has done an immaculate job with depicting the war and turning it into a cinematic experience. He chose not to use blood and gore; but rather focuses on elements such as time running out, fear, and claustrophobia to emphasize how terrible the war was. This gives his film a unique tone, making it stand out when compared to other WW2 films. The cinematography is gorgeous; a lot of tracking and closeup shots are used to make you feel like you are in the horrific events with the soldiers. Specifically during boat sinking scenes; when soldiers are drowning the camera will go underwater with them and make the viewer become disoriented much like the characters are. Hans Zimmer's score is simple yet effective, using a ticking clock to emphasize that time is running out. And the other tones he uses help to effectively add to the tension of each scene. The film is also primarily shot on the exact same beach where the real events took place. Many of the original boats and planes from the war were also used for filming. And to avoid using a lot of CGI, cardboard cut outs of soldiers were used to give the illusion of a massive army on the beaches. Christopher Nolan made the movie as real as it could be, and it definitely pays off when you finally sit down to watch it. There is never one point in the movie where you will doubt its authenticity.

The characters of the film take a back seat to the war, as that is what it is really about. However I still found myself quite invested in the main character's journeys throughout the movie. The movie has a unique element to it, as it actually tells 3 stories in 1; a week long story on the beaches, a day long story on the ocean, and an hour long story in the air. Each story focuses on a few key characters and we get to see how they all collide with each other at the end of the movie. So while the war itself is the main point of the movie, you will still find yourself rooting for specific characters as they are all interesting and relatable. In my opinion, Dunkirk is a masterpiece. It is a great reminder of the brave men that fought for our freedom in the war, and is a fantastic cinematic experience.… Expand

11 of 22 users found this helpful1111

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3

ohsiyoJul 21, 2017

Are there 2 different versions of this movie? The movie that all the "experts" are raving about is not the one I saw. Have they all lost a bet to Christopher Nolan or is there blackmail involved? What showed at my theater was not much moreAre there 2 different versions of this movie? The movie that all the "experts" are raving about is not the one I saw. Have they all lost a bet to Christopher Nolan or is there blackmail involved? What showed at my theater was not much more than a glorified movie of the week. There is almost no dialogue, and what little there is is drowned out by the soundtrack which tells us it's not important in the first place. There is no plot, no character development, no acting, confusing characters, and time jerks from dead of night to simultaneous broad daylight. There is no audience connection or identification with the characters or situation. Granted, this is a critical episode in a World War, but the movie is filmed as "a day in the life." The "experts" claim the acting is fabulous, but there is no acting. Tom Hardy sits in the cramped cockpit of a plane with his face covered by a mask the entire time. 400,000 soldiers are stranded on the beach, and we see maybe 500. There is supposed to be a massive rescue flotilla and we see maybe 12 boats. The "experts" describe the movie as "avant garde" and a "masterpiece". What I saw was "meh". Although I found it difficult at times to watch, "Saving Private Ryan" was a war movie with intensity, plot, and characters. "Dunkirk" doesn't come close. And what is "The Mole?"… Expand

33 of 71 users found this helpful3338

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10

PeterAlexanderJul 21, 2017

A masterpiece. Dunkirk is a thrilling, haunting picture of sound and cinematography. With little to no character development, and mostly drowned out dialogue, this movie is truly a spectacle of action, drama and at times, horror. Such anA masterpiece. Dunkirk is a thrilling, haunting picture of sound and cinematography. With little to no character development, and mostly drowned out dialogue, this movie is truly a spectacle of action, drama and at times, horror. Such an intense take on war has never been filmed before, and hasn’t had me so immersed in the cinema for many years. Christopher Nolan has once again created a film that has you drawing for breath by the end.… Expand

74 of 122 users found this helpful7448

All this user's reviews

8

43in2014Jul 21, 2017

The short review: It has many tense moments, all enchanced by great sound effects and a great Hans Zimmer soundtrack, but the film is too slow, has insufficient number of events and has an unsuccessful Momento(another Nolan film)-likeThe short review: It has many tense moments, all enchanced by great sound effects and a great Hans Zimmer soundtrack, but the film is too slow, has insufficient number of events and has an unsuccessful Momento(another Nolan film)-like story-telling style.
> Related media: The film is based on a real event. There's a 1958 film of the same name, but I've not seen it.
> What's it like?: Over 400,000 British and French soldiers trying to hold off Hitler's invasion of France had been defeated and pushed backed to, and are surrounded on three sides at, the port of Dunkirk. What followed is a slow and deadly evacuation to England, made worse by (1) The unexpected speed and success of the German army, (2) The Royal Navy not committing its best ships to the rescue in order to save them for the next battle, (3) The presence of German submarines, fighter planes and bombers, and (4) The limited range of the RAF fighter planes flying out from England.
> Pros:
> 1) There were many long tense moments, all enchanced by great sound effects and a great soundtrack. In reality, the entire evacuation took place over ten days, and the soldiers had to endure the waiting, the German fighter planes and the lack of food and water. The film makes you feel the dread of the wait and fear the possibility of death.
> Cons:
> 1) The film moved too slowly in many scenes. In one aspect, it seemed to want to emphasise the seriousness of some events by slowing things down. In other aspects, it tried to cover the slow movement of mid-twentieth century crafts. The slow trip of a sailing boat on engine power over the English Channel was just about bearable while the slow flight of Spitfire fighters (compared to modern jet fighters) was not that fun too. The director should have told more interesting stories or did better editing to speed up the storytelling.
>
2) The director had used the trope of one of his earlier film, Momento, to arrange his story in a non-linear form. However, it wasn't well done and it felt confusing and unconvincing.
>
3) The director had used the actions of a several lead characters to advance the plot. But as half of the lead actors are not that well known, and there were too many of them to cover, it was hard to feel for the characters. More focus on fewer lead characters would be better. >
4) There were supposed to be thousands of sea vessels of all sizes arriving in Dunkirk during the evacuation, but I saw no more than 20 at one time when viewing from Dunkirk Beach. Surely there was enough budget get more vessels in the water or to use CGI? >
5) Considering his CV and continuing from the previous point, Nolan should have been able to get a bigger budget to have more things happen in this film. I felt more could be done.
> How would the the different age groups rate it?
Children: (not rated for children)
Teens: Average
Young adults: Good
Medium age adults: Good
Old adults: Good
> Rating: 4/5 (no half scores). It's worth to see it in the cinema.… Expand

2 of 18 users found this helpful216

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9

Brent_MarchantJul 21, 2017

How refreshing it is to see a big-budget action-adventure film that truly lives up to all of its pre-release hype. This expertly made World War II saga presents a stirring account of this epic historic event, with a superb, ever-suspensefulHow refreshing it is to see a big-budget action-adventure film that truly lives up to all of its pre-release hype. This expertly made World War II saga presents a stirring account of this epic historic event, with a superb, ever-suspenseful narrative that's backed up by masterful cinematography, editing, special effects and sound technology, as well as an edgy, skillfully applied original score. What's more, unlike many other war movies, this offering effectively depicts man at both his worst and his best in the same film, quite an accomplishment to be sure. Director Christopher Nolan has clearly knocked it out of the park with this one.… Expand

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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6

GreatMartinJul 21, 2017

“Wings” won the first Best Picture Oscar in 1929 and since then 16 other war movies have been honored with that award. I have never been a fan of the genre, in fact missed seeing “Braveheart” and the 3 war themed movies that Clint Eastward“Wings” won the first Best Picture Oscar in 1929 and since then 16 other war movies have been honored with that award. I have never been a fan of the genre, in fact missed seeing “Braveheart” and the 3 war themed movies that Clint Eastward made plus skipping the Oscar winning “The Hurt Locker” so I approached “Dunkirk’ skeptically hearing excellent word of month.
Christopher Nolan is a better director than screenplay writer. There are a lot of intense war scenes including some that will have you on the edge of your seat but emotionally you don’t become involved with the few characters he does concentrate on. In most cases very few have names, no or very little background. As an example in one scene a young man you get to know briefly dies and you sort of shrug your soldiers.
The cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema offers many haunting, striking images while the music by Hans Zimmer sometimes adds to the horror of war while at other times distracts from the sounds of war that have a rhythm of its own.
Nolan intertwines 3 story lines at first dividing them calling the first part “The Mole” representing the war on land as we follow Fion Whitehead and takes place over a week, part two is a day at sea as we join civilian Mark Rylance, his teenage son Tom Glynn-Carney and the latter’s friend Barry Keoghan along with a soldier they rescue from the sea Cillian Murphy while the third is an hour in the air seen through the eyes of pilot Tom Hardy. The director/screenwriter goes back and forth between the different parts and times and though it may add to the film it really isn’t necessary to give the time most thought.
Many people under 50 may not know the story of what happened at Dunkirk and they might not quite follow what it is all about but no matter what age you have seen the horrors of war before.
In 106 minutes “Dunkirk” moves quickly and while it doesn’t get boring, neither does it get you involved to feel what victory or defeat meant in the case of this particular epic part of World War 2.
I will probably be proven wrong but I don’t believe it is Oscar worthy!… Expand

7 of 22 users found this helpful715

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10

MadVikingJul 21, 2017

This isn't your typical hero WW2 film, it's a WW2 film that's gritty, nameless and direct. The actors feel more like actual soldiers than actors, and they do their job magnificently on the terms set forth by Nolan. It's not a film to tell theThis isn't your typical hero WW2 film, it's a WW2 film that's gritty, nameless and direct. The actors feel more like actual soldiers than actors, and they do their job magnificently on the terms set forth by Nolan. It's not a film to tell the history of Dunkirk, it's a film to show the history of Dunkirk. It's not pretty, it's not fancy CGI and heroic deeds. And in that way, the film 100% succeeds on the premises it sets. It simply put as good at portraying the events at Dunkirk, as "Band of Brothers" is at telling how **** WW2 was.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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9

shpostalJul 21, 2017

I was looking forward to "Dunkirk" because it's a good WWII story of courage and idiocy (Winston Churchill refusing to provide adequate Navy ships to help rescue his soldiers - one of the worst world leaders in history. He was theI was looking forward to "Dunkirk" because it's a good WWII story of courage and idiocy (Winston Churchill refusing to provide adequate Navy ships to help rescue his soldiers - one of the worst world leaders in history. He was the "mastermind" behind the appalling slaughter of 50,000 British armed servicemen in 1915 at Gallipoli, on the tip of the Turkish side of the Dardanelles, a narrow channel that links the Mediterranean and Black Seas. They were trapped by Ottoman forces on a tiny spit of beach and could not advance but only be picked off like clay pigeons, and Churchill flatly ignored the Navy's pleas to withdraw and criticized them even after the horrible death toll, preferring to stay even longer. So it doesn't surprise me he was responsible for this terrible strategy that fortunately did not have the cataclysmic results. No, Churchill instead appealed to the citizenry to go to a French beach under heavy Luftwaffe and submarine attack to rescue 300,000 British, French and Belgian soldiers trapped like sitting ducks waiting to withdraw from the Nazi blitzkrieg which in early 1940 was unstoppable. The movie "Dunkirk" is a fine representation of the events of this heroic effort by civilians with no arms to defend themselves or the soldiers they ferried back to Britain under heavy air attack. It is not a remake of "Saving Private Ryan", nor is it nearly as shocking. The film focuses on several things going on simultaneously, and does a remarkable job of capturing the danger and again, heroism of people who should not have had to risk their lives because Churchill was once again behaving like a buffoon. No mention of his piss poor judgment is made here, but as a factor in the real life evacuation, it's a detail that can't be ignored. Only a mention of getting one destroyer at a time is brought up, and is only briefly criticized, but that's a minor point. The only top name actor is Tom Hardy, whom we only see through flying goggles right up to the movie's conclusion, but he still manages to be his usual stellar self. The cinematography is excellent and the story is moving. This doesn't involve gore, or long drawn out scenes of attacks and defense, although enough is there to tell the story properly. Otherwise, "Dunkirk" is a fine movie about a tale of heroes that not many people outside WWII history buffs may be aware even happened.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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10

sr4151_Jul 21, 2017

I'm speechless. Dunkirk is a masterfully crafted film. To make such a large scale film with such precise level of detail is Nolan's greatest achievement to date. The acting is superb all across the board (Styles is the biggest surprise here)I'm speechless. Dunkirk is a masterfully crafted film. To make such a large scale film with such precise level of detail is Nolan's greatest achievement to date. The acting is superb all across the board (Styles is the biggest surprise here) though Rylance stands out (possible nominations). Zimmer's soundtrack guides the pace of the film, and it's both harrowing and beautiful. The editing and cinematography are stellar as the film covers a wide range of scenes: from areal battle views to underwater, drowning scenes. Nolan is able to make us feel as though we are there, confused and terrified of what is to come; it doesn't even need to show you the enemy or bloody scenes...
I will say it's a stressful film; it's grim and dull. I laughed once and it was of irony. It's not a film for everyone, and it's not as fun to watch as many of Nolan's other films.… Expand

6 of 14 users found this helpful68

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10

cyanide4suicideJul 21, 2017

Chris Nolan is one hell of a director. With Hans Zimmer's score, he creates a tense and thrilling movie of survival told through three differing viewpoints. A visual masterpiece.

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

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10

zlatanmazuidiJul 21, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. it is the best movie of this sdecade and to the comment of numcrun 2 , rex reed is only jealous, nothing else, you know if you are so intelligent, then you have to be a director, ( and i suppose, that your movie would have a a rating of 10(metacritic-critics rating) and would have no content contrary to this movie, which is the next Platoon, Apocalpyse Now, Full metal jacket of our generation. If you would have read Joseph Conrad's book, you would no longer write such comments(as also the other jealous guys here).… Expand

25 of 52 users found this helpful2527

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10

E-DogJul 21, 2017

Dunkirk is a masterpiece of cinematography, acting, writing, score and editing. This is easily one of Christopher Nolan's greatest films and one of the greatest war films of all time.

17 of 27 users found this helpful1710

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1

TalvarJul 21, 2017

The film is nothing more than a DVD release story line. Very poor showing for something that was hyped by "professional" reviews. If you are expecting an epic war movie (which i believe the true story line could show) then you will beThe film is nothing more than a DVD release story line. Very poor showing for something that was hyped by "professional" reviews. If you are expecting an epic war movie (which i believe the true story line could show) then you will be disappointed. Some big name actors do not perform, largely down to the poor directing. Save yourself the cinema ticket.… Expand

28 of 65 users found this helpful2837

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8

Cameronius_113Jul 21, 2017

Dunkirk was released in 2017 and was directed by Christopher Nolan. The film is a representation of the events that occured in Dunkirk during the second World War when hundreds of thousands of British soliders were trapped on the island'sDunkirk was released in 2017 and was directed by Christopher Nolan. The film is a representation of the events that occured in Dunkirk during the second World War when hundreds of thousands of British soliders were trapped on the island's beaches whilst waiting for help to come.

Christopher Nolan is a director well-known in the filmmaking industry today for being very ambitious and making films huge in scope; this film is a prime example. The film never tries to change itself to suit another audience or sub-genre and sticks to its own agenda of telling the story of the events that actually went down and how they occured, which is why some audience members may not be huge fans of this film.

The film isn't like most other war films such as Saving Private Ryan which incorporate many drama elements into them to make a more involving story; this film chooses to focus on the scale of the event rather than focusing on the characters of the film, focusing on characters being typically what most war films do and how the situation they are in is affecting them. The characters of this film are not a big part and there isn't much dialogue in the film either, which may put off some audience members for not being able to connect with characters. However, I do very much appreciate the fact that the film was never overly-dramatised or included needless exposition for the characters as they are not the focal point of the film, which is the main thing that sets this film apart from other war films I have seen.

As I've mentioned multiple times, the film is very ambitious in showing the scale of this event: the film has three different storylines occuring simultaneosly (one on land, one on sea, one on air) which helps to show how the event affected many more than just the soldiers stranded on the island. Also, the film is visually fantastic as well as the sound too; every single time a bullet shot or a plane flew by, I as an audience member felt in the moment of what had happened. The music in the background also added to the intensity of the film, one notable part of the score was a clock ticking throughout which added to the sense of urgency in each scene. There never really is a second in the film where anything stops to take a breath.

What I appreciated the most about Dunkirk was how it was rather experimental in parts, and has tried things that many other war films have never done before. The fact that the event itself was chose as the focal point was the key to creating an immersive cinematic experience and it was an "experiment" that overall proved to be very effective. It never turns over to show the political side to the story or add unnecessary character drama as, as Nolan himself as stated, it would "make the film bogged down" so it never felt over-crammed or messy, which is something difficult to avoid when telling a story with multiple aspects and sides to it. Thankfully the film wasn't overly long either, having a runtime of just 105 minutes when compared to other films of Nolan's such as The Dark Knight Rises (which has a runtime of around 165 minutes) and therefore it never dragged on or felt stretched out or boring.

Overall, Dunkirk is a film that may not be appealing to most audience members due to it taking a risk in its focal point, however I very much appreciated a change in style and this is a war film that I will definitely always remember and hopefully others will too. I would highly recommend this film, however only to the right audience.

8.1/10… Expand

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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7

TrevorsViewJul 21, 2017

Now I presume the modern-day art house/blockbuster wizard will at last earn his first Oscar nomination for directing his tenth feature film, Dunkirk. He deserves it, as he creates a true cinematic spectacle set around a subject made for aNow I presume the modern-day art house/blockbuster wizard will at last earn his first Oscar nomination for directing his tenth feature film, Dunkirk. He deserves it, as he creates a true cinematic spectacle set around a subject made for a true “guy’s night in.” Unlike other WWII films focused on the inner journey, Nolan utilizes the IMAX screen’s visual splendor to grasp the British soldiers’ first-person perspective whilst treading through turmoil to get back home.

For you longtime Nolanites, you should be pleased to hear that the Dark Knight director achieves what he promised us in his passion project: a well-researched claustrophobic thriller. Everything he has never been very good at in the past, such as expositional dialogue, is left out, while his true strengths, such as bending the rules, remain. He relies on action, rather than philosophical ramblings, to communicate his message. This project also demonstrates the best of his actor direction; the number of soldiers he directs unnerves you to watch as they line up at the beach and unanimously gaze upon the terror above. His finished product almost resembles real recolorized news footage.

These somehow endless events unravel in three separate narratives, each overlapping over different lengths of time. One takes place on the mole over a week, one takes place on the sea over a day, and one takes place in the air over an hour. (Think: Magnolia with a smaller cast) Each subplot feels truthful in authenticity as they unravel in real time, the clock pressing upon each one. The stories appear disconnected, then soon merge together into a graceful singular conclusion.

Each of these men, whether on the ground, on the sea, or in the air, are not meant to be understood on a personal level, particularly with the older soldiers. Nolan’s intention is in fact less for you to connect with the fictionalized war heroes, and more to see how the cost to fight affected everyone involved. Despite whatever little we learn of these men caught in the anarchy, we still believe them as traumatized souls as we watch them gaze upon death at every corner, even in the dry, empty French town behind them.

Aside from the lack of a memorable character study, you still see the soldiers support each other in the heat of their conflicts. Sadly though, a much present father-son relationship misses its open chance at adding some needed heart to give us a breather from the mayhem.

For the intended effect, Nolan’s heart-stopping experience must only be watched on the biggest screen out there, with the best quality speakers in the world. In the theater, the ear-splitting gunfire and jet engine hum rattles you from the inside all the way to beneath your seat. As for the visual elements, the impressive dogfights tumble sideways and upside down over the vast ocean. Then on the ground, the seafoam sprays onto your 3D glasses, disorienting your vision as the ship of soldiers loses buoyancy. Inside the interiors, the camera comes in uncomfortably close to the heated action, leaving no space left to squirm in your seat; it gives such a contrast against the massive exteriors, it makes you ponder each sequence’s behind-the-scenes process.

The intensity here would be wasted without the urgent music by the legendary Hans Zimmer. His score never stops ticking as the time for the bomb to go off gets nearer, which he achieves by stressing the stiff, harsh sounds of strings. You rarely realize the score’s effective prowess, as you’re too focused on the revulsion to notice. Heck, you could use Zimmer’s new Oscar-worthy piece to motivate your study sessions!

Yet like any great director, people will always find more critiques to press against Christopher Nolan’s greatest success. He deserves the already voiced criticisms about the little representation toward anyone besides British men, and he deserves further criticism about lacking a distinct “so what” to what is another WWII feature. But as a whole, Dunkirk stands as Christopher Nolan’s most thoughtful film to date; it impacts you enough to further research and discuss that dreadful day. Understanding the tragedy of violence is precisely what today’s generation needs to understand, and Nolan just put us back on the right path.… Expand

3 of 16 users found this helpful313

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10

therealevertonJul 21, 2017

Simply amazing. Good lord it is harsh, of course, but it is bloody amazing. Very well shot, the tension is built up magnificently and it really does make you feel the desperation. No film is perfect, you just get the best you can and this isSimply amazing. Good lord it is harsh, of course, but it is bloody amazing. Very well shot, the tension is built up magnificently and it really does make you feel the desperation. No film is perfect, you just get the best you can and this is proper film making.

Honestly, had a tear. If you can IMAX this do so.… Expand

11 of 25 users found this helpful1114

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5

mahcussmahtJul 21, 2017

Like if the history channel had an unlimited budget to make a historical recreation. There are no characters - the people are just scenery. There's not much story or plot. It's epic and beautifully shot, but I genuinely feel it's beingLike if the history channel had an unlimited budget to make a historical recreation. There are no characters - the people are just scenery. There's not much story or plot. It's epic and beautifully shot, but I genuinely feel it's being overrated. As a film, it's sort of dull. As a historical recreation, it's solid.… Expand

20 of 55 users found this helpful2035

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10

WiscoJoeJul 21, 2017

A masterpiece, pure and simple. A perfect mix of craft, technology, emotion, and ethical considerations. Quite possibly the best-made and most enthralling film in Nolan's already legendary filmography. It's rare when a film reveals itself asA masterpiece, pure and simple. A perfect mix of craft, technology, emotion, and ethical considerations. Quite possibly the best-made and most enthralling film in Nolan's already legendary filmography. It's rare when a film reveals itself as a cinematic classic on first watch. Savor the moment.… Expand

9 of 23 users found this helpful914

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10

timaoJul 21, 2017

Best movie of the year! This suspenseful thriller Dunkirk, will bring some hard ware home, come award season! Best Picture, Score and Director! Thing is, Nolan never ceases to disapoint in his films, and best of all this is an intense historyBest movie of the year! This suspenseful thriller Dunkirk, will bring some hard ware home, come award season! Best Picture, Score and Director! Thing is, Nolan never ceases to disapoint in his films, and best of all this is an intense history lesson! Tom Hardy wears masks so good and the cast were all aces. This movie will have one picking up history books after you leave the theater!… Expand

21 of 34 users found this helpful2113

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10

corinthiansJul 21, 2017

Dunkirk is many things: it's a technical masterpiece--cinematography, sound, and its clock-ticking score; it's an intense thrill ride that feels like it is never going to stop; it's a brilliant innovation in regards to the way it tells itsDunkirk is many things: it's a technical masterpiece--cinematography, sound, and its clock-ticking score; it's an intense thrill ride that feels like it is never going to stop; it's a brilliant innovation in regards to the way it tells its story; and it's a heart-wrenching journey into the psyches of the countless troops who are trapped in war and just want to go home. Any movie would be considered great if its director did one of these things, and Nolan does them all. It's a film that requires you to think in order that you can feel.… Expand

17 of 27 users found this helpful1710

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10

ChrisMiller35Jul 21, 2017

The film creates this bleak engrossing apocalyptic world that leaves you spell bound for 100 mins. In the end it's a film about heroism without the blood and guts of all other war movies.

16 of 28 users found this helpful1612

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10

archit18Jul 21, 2017

In 2005 Nolan reinvented the SUPERHERO Movie Genre with Batman Begins (and more so with The Dark Knight in 2008). He did wonders with 2014’s Interstellar (despite some flaws), Now we are in 2017 with yet another game changing ChristopherIn 2005 Nolan reinvented the SUPERHERO Movie Genre with Batman Begins (and more so with The Dark Knight in 2008). He did wonders with 2014’s Interstellar (despite some flaws), Now we are in 2017 with yet another game changing Christopher Nolan Movie – DUNKIRK, The Movie Title as well as its history might be a mystery to many except people from Britain or France or some history buffs. It was something new to me; the only thing that attracted me to this project was Nolan.
I am overjoyed to say that I was able to catch this movie before it’s official release in India and was blown way with the ambitions this movie has, From the opening scene you’re on the beaches of Dunkirk with the 4,00,000 soldiers. There are no front and centre characters in the movie, it is not a movie about that but it is a movie about their struggle to reach Home despite the fact they could actually see it but couldn’t reach it because more often than not whenever they tried, they died. Land (1 Week) , Sea (1 Day) and Air (1 Hour) are three intercutting stories that take place. This style of Nolan really works because of his direction and Lee Smith who did the editing. The way they cut to the 3 different stories is perfect; everything works the way they want to. I won’t say too much about the whole story of the movie because one should experience this in theatres.
Dunkirk was shot with approx. 75% through IMAX cameras & yes it was worth it. Hoyte van Hoytema is The Cinematographer of Dunkirk Movie that did an incredible job to capture some GORGEOUS shots; he with Nolan made it possible for the audience to be immersed when the action was in the air with Spitfires. This movie deserves to be seen in the best possible theatre you can go to.
Some people might have an opinion that a movie needs to make us really care about characters so that we are able to feel what they feel, If you are one of them this movie doesn’t has that. It doesn’t shows you Soldiers talking about them having a family or a child to make us relate to them but it flows with a strong yet a simple idea which is for a Human to reach Home. Dunkirk’s cast includes some famous actors of Britain and some newcomers. Everyone does Justice to his role; everyone embodies the best one can to be a soldier in pursuit to SURVIVE. Among many The Shivering Soldier (Cillian Murphy) to Farrier (Tom Hardy) to Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) and also Alex (Harry Styles) impressed me with their acting.
Finally coming to the score, as always Hanz Zimmer knocks it out of the park with yet another moving and suspense filled music that instrumental from the start of Dunkirk. The Ticking Clock sound makes this movie an edge of the seat thriller. Can’t say enough about the score it is amazing. Thus Nolan redefines this Genre as well of which we will see in the upcoming movies with this Genre. Dunkirk is brilliant might be Nolan’s best after The Dark Knight. A Masterpiece in any reality.… Expand

11 of 26 users found this helpful1115

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9

McGillotineJul 21, 2017

Within every world war 2 film there is a need for the director to paint the second world war as a **** war and indeed it was, the most destructive conflicit on earth, millions dead both on battlefield and homefront, and if you soak up enoughWithin every world war 2 film there is a need for the director to paint the second world war as a **** war and indeed it was, the most destructive conflicit on earth, millions dead both on battlefield and homefront, and if you soak up enough propaganda from both films and history class was a true battle between good and evil. Nolan in the beautifully directed Dunkirk wastes no time at all getting to the heart of what he believes truely matters in a war film and that is war itself in a mature film that finally treats the audience as intelligent people by not wasting time with characters who droll on about how bad the war is (which isnt always as a bad thing) but instead cutting the proberbial bullshi*t and giving the audience three intense perspective from air, sea and land as Nolan illustrates how things move from bad to much worse.

Now in this review im not really going to talk about the acting in the film, because as a far as character goes there isnt much, which is perfect in the case of this film, hell some characters who last throughout the entire film are nameless. By not creating individual identities for each of these character they ultimately become blank templates for the audience to latch their own personalities onto, which is great because you feel every heart drop, every pound of terror becuase you do not know what is going to happen next.

The writing in this film is of a gold standard. When finishing a film im always quick to point out stupid decisions made by characters in a film, from walking straight into death to straight up making the most baffling choices possible because plot. However Dunkirk is great in creating rational decisions in an otherwise irrational world, for example people wanting to stay above deck so they dont drown when their boat is sunk by german u-boats. This greatly helps the progression of the plot as i can connect more so with the situation at dunkirk as a whole rather then a few people who were at dunkirk.

Working hand in hand with stunning visuals is the soundtack by hanz zimmer whose eary music deliever on building a tension filled atmosphere in which from the first beat we can tell something is going to go terribly wrong before the threats comes into focus serving as a testiment to great filmaking of the 21st century. Practical effects do not go unnoticed too with a lack of CGI serving a refreshing idea that helps deleiever both scope and realism to a war genre that has been constantly oversatuated with special effect to make war look as awsome as possible.

Go see dunkirk if you are a lover of history or a lover of film and you will not be disapointed.… Expand

10 of 22 users found this helpful1012

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9

Jess_HillJul 21, 2017

A phenomenal experience that is utterly relentless and superbly crafted, this is a film to see at the cinema. Nolan's masterful use of sound and score enhances the exquisite tension that permeates the entire film, and the sublimeA phenomenal experience that is utterly relentless and superbly crafted, this is a film to see at the cinema. Nolan's masterful use of sound and score enhances the exquisite tension that permeates the entire film, and the sublime cinematography is breathtaking to witness, with perhaps some of the best visual sequences of the last decade played out in a manner that is sure to delight WWII enthusiasts. With a sparse script, and a storyline focused across three converging timelines, this wasn't the updated Saving Private Ryan that I was expecting, but rather, a deft exploration of a WWII military failure told with striking clarity and complemented by some fine performances. An exceptional film. 9.01/10… Expand

7 of 18 users found this helpful711

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10

ShahFaceJul 21, 2017

what a fantastic movie.definitely best movie of the year. Unlike anything I've ever seen and I mean it. See this in the biggest screen and best sound possible. Everything was just done to perfection especially the editing and sound design.what a fantastic movie.definitely best movie of the year. Unlike anything I've ever seen and I mean it. See this in the biggest screen and best sound possible. Everything was just done to perfection especially the editing and sound design. The incoming german planes and gunfire were truly terrifying. Also, to people who said this has no emotion I was god damn emotional by the end which was accompanied by Zimmer's amazing score. Im still shaking from what I saw.… Expand

11 of 25 users found this helpful1114

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5

Roy_HobbsJul 21, 2017

After reading the reviews, I had high expectations for this film, but in the end was completely underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, but certainly not as good as what I had expected. Overall, I found the fractured way the story was told, dialogueAfter reading the reviews, I had high expectations for this film, but in the end was completely underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, but certainly not as good as what I had expected. Overall, I found the fractured way the story was told, dialogue that I couldn't always decipher and an on-going struggle (this was probably just me) to figure out who was who (many of the characters were similar looking to me) took away from my overall enjoyment of this film.… Expand

26 of 64 users found this helpful2638

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9

TheApplegnomeJul 21, 2017

This is an experience like no other. Powerful imagery and emotional symbolism made one almost weep, because the scope of this war-epic is phenomenally crafted. It’s a dark film for sure, but it serves as a glimpse of light over and over, withThis is an experience like no other. Powerful imagery and emotional symbolism made one almost weep, because the scope of this war-epic is phenomenally crafted. It’s a dark film for sure, but it serves as a glimpse of light over and over, with a forever returning theme of truthfulness to humanity. This, combined with the realism and empathetic feel to the setting that C Nolan masterfully has achieved – will make even the dullest being emotional.

Dunkirk is very different from Nolan’s previous achievements, mainly due to the very lack of character inside through dialogs. But, amazingly, we can still relate and understand their thinking through the surreal events and clever filmmaking. The scope is real. You feel the seriousness. You feel trapped, just like the young soldiers. This is done almost without any dialogs. The silence between the characters says it all. The ones that stand out from the pack of men are Commander Bolton, Mr. Dawson and Tommy; this is where most of the focus lies and where we get most character depth. The non-linear structure helped with this, it almost trapped the audience in a loop with different perspectives on the event of Dunkirk. And the whole movie is all about the event, not the specific characters. You feel like you’re in it so you care for the situation and the characters, even though you might not remember their names fully. All of this is very rare and not often seen on film. It really works in the film’s favor, and yes even more inside to characters could never hurt a film like this one. But this isn’t a flaw in this film. To relate to characters in this extent with so little talking – is an Oscar-worthy achievement.

To follow these characters in Dunkirk is an exhausting and adrenaline-packed experience with realistic action that you will not question. The realism is stunningly shaped. It might be one of my most surreal film experiences ever. Hans Zimmer’s score boosted the experience by tenfold, it got this “ticking” feel to it, almost like a heart beating faster and faster throughout the film – Zimmer is a propulsive force that never stops to amaze. The camerawork is just as stunning; you fly like an aircraft and feel the full gravity of the situation! It’s a smooth, stylish and artistic direction from C Nolan and ‘Interstellar’ cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema.

Some minor flaws do exist. The action is at a few places very identical as to what already has been seen in previous scenes, so it took the “wow-feel” down a bit. Some individuals will without any doubt attack the “too realistic” WW2 feel, because it’s not bold enough for them. But to create this movie isn’t about being bold. It’s about creating something real. And it is, very!

It’s an epic experience filled with realism but also small acts of heroism, kindness and forgiveness. Dunkirk is as action-packed as ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and stunningly realistic as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ but with a bigger slam to it. It reveals the true nature of war, the men behind it and what the bigger picture of it can be.
Dunkirk is a visual and emotional experience that will take the gasp out of you. Period.

Personal rating: 92/100 
Critical rating: 96/100… Expand

30 of 54 users found this helpful3024

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10

DadrikJul 21, 2017

Nolan's best movie, a crazy and incredibly tense ride through one of the turning point of WWII, put together in an almost silent way (very few dialogue in this movie)
Incredible movie, incredible soundtrack as well

19 of 34 users found this helpful1915

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10

HuaJul 21, 2017

Dunkirk was not a film in the conventional sense. For me it was a tense, realistic, riveting experience. Imagine yourself being transported into that climactic point of the Dunkirk evacuation. Sure, through traditional storytelling techniquesDunkirk was not a film in the conventional sense. For me it was a tense, realistic, riveting experience. Imagine yourself being transported into that climactic point of the Dunkirk evacuation. Sure, through traditional storytelling techniques in film, learn the backstories of characters, etc., but what you do learn and experience is the terror, the fear, the hope, the emotions these human beings felt -their struggle for survival. It's literally like Nolan shot footage of people back then doing what they would've been doing in those incredibly harrowing moments. This film celebrates those who risked everything while fighting for us, it shows us but a glimpse of what they went through and what they felt. It is without question the most realistic war film ever made (and, of course, is a must-see in IMAX). And finally, Tom Hardy's character and his whole story (every scene he was in till the end of the movie) was the biggest standout for me. Fionn Whitehead was brilliant too. … Expand

7 of 20 users found this helpful713

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9

sashaCZ1Jul 21, 2017

I had goosebumps during some scenes. Some of the scenes were very intense. I liked the acting a lot. Hans Zimmer's soundtrack added a lot to the tension. It's an experience where you fight with the soldiers to survive. But it's a pityI had goosebumps during some scenes. Some of the scenes were very intense. I liked the acting a lot. Hans Zimmer's soundtrack added a lot to the tension. It's an experience where you fight with the soldiers to survive. But it's a pity Christopher Nolan didn't add any plot twist like in Inception and Interstellar. Overall, it's a must-watch and probably the best movie of the year for now. 9/10… Expand

5 of 14 users found this helpful59

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10

aaronjtaitJul 21, 2017

Wowsers. This is an amazing cinematic experience. Nolan tries to go some way towards showing the confusion, horror and madness of war. One of his best.

12 of 27 users found this helpful1215

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10

DiwieKiwieJul 21, 2017

Saw this movie on 70 mm film on wednesday. We don't have IMAX where I live unfortunately. But nonetheless it was still a majestic experience. This is without a doubt the greatest cinematic experience I've had. The scope was big and the soundSaw this movie on 70 mm film on wednesday. We don't have IMAX where I live unfortunately. But nonetheless it was still a majestic experience. This is without a doubt the greatest cinematic experience I've had. The scope was big and the sound was deafening without losing clarity(they have one of the best soundsystems in that cinema in my country). I wasn't really prepared for this movie. It's unlike any other Nolan film before or even war movie. No grand speeches, no politics, no flagwaving, no propaganda. Just survival, nothing more, nothing less. It's all about the experience. You're in there with the anonymous soldiers. You don't have time to have heartfelt conversations while you're being torpedoed, bombed and shot at. It's all about the terrifying, unrelenting suspense that never lets go. This is Cinema at it's finest. Go see it on the biggest and loudest cinema available!… Expand

12 of 27 users found this helpful1215

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5

numcrun2Jul 21, 2017

Don't believe the hype. I saw it in Imax and a lot of the dialogue was indecipherable (Rex Reed makes the same point). There is surprisingly little dialogue and a lot of unnecessary time shifting. There are some decent action scenes sure, butDon't believe the hype. I saw it in Imax and a lot of the dialogue was indecipherable (Rex Reed makes the same point). There is surprisingly little dialogue and a lot of unnecessary time shifting. There are some decent action scenes sure, but the plot is a bit thin (yes I know it's a true story) and it's just OK overall. Rex Reed's review very closely matched my own views.… Expand

22 of 59 users found this helpful2237

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9

EpicLadySpongeJul 21, 2017

Is this even possible for a movie to score this high nowadays because I believe Dunkirk broke the record for possibly best movie of the year if other movies being released on this year aren't as powerful or memorable as this movie right here.Is this even possible for a movie to score this high nowadays because I believe Dunkirk broke the record for possibly best movie of the year if other movies being released on this year aren't as powerful or memorable as this movie right here. No seriously, how am I supposed to find flaws in this amazingly-made movie? This remark on history is stronger and more powerful than I thought it would be.… Expand

32 of 57 users found this helpful3225

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10

FranzHcriticJul 21, 2017

Christopher Nolan has surpassed himself with what I can almost say is a masterpiece. Even with its little dialogue, I found myself captivated from the time the movie started till the credits rolled. With the visuals, acting, and raw realism,Christopher Nolan has surpassed himself with what I can almost say is a masterpiece. Even with its little dialogue, I found myself captivated from the time the movie started till the credits rolled. With the visuals, acting, and raw realism, 'Dunkirk' may be one of the best, if not the best, film of 2017.… Expand

36 of 65 users found this helpful3629

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10

johnem95Jul 21, 2017

"Dunkirk" earns the title of "masterpiece". It's a masterclass in suspense, a history lesson, and an inspiring story of heroism all rolled into one perfect package. See it on the biggest screen possible.

31 of 56 users found this helpful3125

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Dunkirk

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