Dunkirk

     Dunkirk is directed by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) and stars Tom Hardy (Locke), Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies), and Fionn Whitehead. It tells the intersecting stories of three different events all occurring within the same week at Dunkirk during World War II.
     Christopher Nolan's name alone will sell me on his films after he has crafted some of the best films this century. Even with few details released before the release of the film, I was still sold on seeing this movie opening weekend. It sees the reunion of Nolan and Hardy after The Dark Knight Rises and introduces British actor Fionn Whitehead. Nolan and war epic seemed to go hand in hand, so heading into the theater I was beyond ready to be immersed into whatever story Nolan had to tell.
     This film is a powerhouse of cinematic glory, but perhaps not in the way we have become accustomed to. Gone are cutaway scenes of battle hardened men bonding over a campfire, replaced by tension filled moments leaving you on the edge of your seat. Rather than focus on any one certain person or place, Nolan expertly weaves between three events: a land evacuation, a boater coming to the rescue of the evacuees, and a dog fight over the evacuation. Just as one event begins to lag, we are whisked to the action of something a little more exciting.
     Perhaps the biggest complaint I hear about the movie is lack of characters. I understand where this argument is coming from, yet I vehemently disagree. Rather than learn about the backstories of the characters, we are immersed into the world that they live in. The small victories won in such harrowing circumstances are felt within ones own soul. This is not your typical war movie, which is welcomed all the more.
     I am not one to notice the scores of a film, yet I could not help but feel the overwhelming effect of Hans Zimmer's music. It added to the tenseness of certain scenes and the overall emotion felt by the viewer. The ticking of clock can be heard throughout, adding to the unease as we hope our protagonists make it out alive. By not casting big name actors in the roles of soldiers on the beach, we as audience are unsure who will make it back to the mainland.
     Christopher Nolan adds to his impressive resume with perhaps his second greatest movie. War feels real as we are forced to live through some of the most harrowing moments with the characters as they try to survive.

When should you see it?
Opening Night