Christopher Nolan has never dabbled with films pertaining to real-life events before so most of us were waiting for Dunkirk to release with bated breath. I knew Nolan was going to make a war-film that I would remember for a very long time. In this film, Nolan builds that element of uncertainty so well that your thought processes would resonate with that of all the characters that were stranded in Dunkirk. I saw the movie in a hall with supremely loud speakers. I think it helped my cause because I flinched every time a gun was fired or a bomb was dropped. The explosions in this film were INTENSE. You might as well close your eyes and hear this film instead of seeing it. You will still enjoy it. So if it’s feasible for you try watching the film twice and then go back to the theatre a third time to hear the film instead of seeing it.
The wide angle shots are impressive. The dogfighting footage was so good that I actually thought I was sitting in a flight simulator. Because the story is told from different perspectives, I thought there was a teeny-weeny amount of narrative discontinuity which actually worked in the film’s favour. While I felt Harry Styles’ character didn’t have much to do, I loved Mark Rylance’s role. Debutant Fionn Whitehead looks so promising. And as far as Tom Hardy is concerned, I can assure myself that this man has a penchant for wearing stuff over his mouth especially when Nolan directs him. He wore a mask when he played Bane and he wears his helmet in this film. He was muzzled in George Miller’s latest Mad Max film. Tom Hardy’s consequential distorted voice in this film seemed irritating at first, but felt sublime as the film progressed.
Perhaps the only problem I had with Dunkirk was its short length. Otherwise like all Nolan films this film warrants multiple viewings. AND last but not the least, don’t forget to watch this film on a big screen. If your town or any place in the vicinity has an IMAX theatre go there and see it. For those of you who live in Christchurch your best bet would be to watch it on the Xtreme Screen at Hoyts Riccarton. If you want a better experience go to Auckland and see it on the IMAX screen at the Event Cinemas on Queen Street. If you feel even more adventurous, fly to Melbourne and watch it on the IMAX screen out there. I think as of now Melbourne has the largest IMAX screen in this side of the world. I’m eagerly waiting to see if Nolan actually ends up directing James Bond next.
My Rating: 4.2/5*