When I heard the great Barry Norman died recently, one of my first thoughts was that it is a shame he will not get to see this version of the story of the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. That was not only because it was one of my two most anticipated films of 2017 (along with Detroit) but more pertinently, the previous recounting of these events was depicted so well by his father in the 1958 film version. Leslie Norman’s film was a very traditional telling of the bravery of all involved. This is a more ambitious and audacious movie that works on every level.
Director Christopher Nolan brilliantly interweaves three, almost concurrent stories set leading up to and during the evacuation. The bulk of the film concentrates on the soldiers congregating on the beach, particularly a young private, Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) who was the last survivor of his platoon and is looking for a boat to leave on.
The other stories involve three Spitfire pilots, including Tom Hardy’s Carrier, who are flying to the scene to take on the German planes firing on the troops and a civilian vessel heading for France, skippered by Mr Dawson (Mark Rylance). Although, taking place over three different timelines, things never become confused, and enough back story is laid out in a way that avoids any clumsy exposition. As each plot strand reaches its conclusion, the tension is cranked up to almost unbearable level.
This is a film that demands to be seen on as big as screen as possible, preferably Imax if you have access to it. The sound, especially of the bullets, is frighteningly realistic, and the airborne fights are absolutely stunning. Bubbling under all the action is Hans Zimmer’s score, arguably the best of his exalted career.
The performances by all of the mostly fresh-faced cast are very good. I was aware that Harry Styles was in the film, but as I had no idea what he looks like, I didn’t spot him when he turned up and, in fact, he was totally appropriate for the role. However, it was the more experienced actors who made the greatest impression one me. Mark Rylance brings a quiet dignity to his role of an extraordinary man with a tragic back story that is subtly introduced. Even better, though, was Kenneth Branagh as Commander Bolton. He appears in just a few scenes but is able to convey more in an expression and how he carries himself than most actors could with reams of dialogue.
It was so gratifying that my high expectations were met, and then some. A film of the year contender.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10