Director Christopher Nolan has managed to personalise one of history’s most famous evacuations in his latest hit Dunkirk.
He artfully weaves three stories bringing to life the fear and desperation of the soldiers being stranded on the beach as the Luftwaffe shoot at them as if they were ‘fish in a barrel.’
Told through the eyes of RAF pilots Farrier (Tom Hardy) and Collins (Jack Lowden) who are fighting the skies, a group of soldiers who band together in a desperate attempt to make it home, and civilian sailors who are sailing to Dunkirk to rescue as many men as they can, Nolan’s story is a masterpiece.
There is no gore but the horror is palpable; the haunting look in the soldier’s eyes as they refuse to go below decks for fear of being trapped in case they are torpedoed, the turning of the tide resulting in the dead bodies floating up onto the beach, the dark grey waters of the channel all add to the sheer terror of Dunkirk.
Perhaps the most moving part of the movie is civilians Mr Dawson, his son Peter and their friend George, who are in a considerably small boat as they sail past a large warship, determined to do their bit.
Nolan’s movie is haunting and brilliant.
There is no pomp and circumstance, there is no patriotic fervour but a story of a time long gone but not forgotten.
He brings to life the bravery and courage of everyday men without being patronising.
Christopher Nolan has proven himself yet again, even with the casting of former member of One Direction Harry Styles, you don’t want to miss Dunkirk.
Also starring James D’Arcy and the legendary Kenneth Branagh as Commander Bolton who stayed behind for the French soldiers.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Rated: PG-13
In cinemas now
