Review of Dunkirk (2017) by Jay J — 22 Jul 2017

Ok first off, I am not quite sure this should be compared to any other war movie. The triptych method of telling the story I thought was very affective. I know that most people will have trouble with the phasing plot lines. The criticism of shallow character development is unjustified. It would have bogged the tempo of the movie. The saga of Dunkirk lends itself to being told in this impressionistic cinematic style.

This is a very cerebral movie, thank God for that. It does not pander to half wits and forces you into a state of empathy with the characters.

This movie is not going to be appreciated by the touchy, feelly simpletons. As can be seen in the audience reviews there really are two opinions: if you're the type of movie goer that needs to be spoon fed information and needs that script doctored gobbledygook you're not going to be a happy camper. If you're the type that can read between the lines, understand the importance of a facial expression and understand the complex story telling method you're going to appreciate it. Incidentally, I think the lack of dialog and limited character development was a huge positive for the film. The duration is perfect to the minute.

I did shed a tear though at the end when Farrier's spitfire met it's fate. Somehow I hope Nolan can get Farrier back in a remake of the Battle of Britain.