Review of Dunkirk (2017) by James P — 23 Jul 2017

[10/10] -- 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 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.