Well-Crafted and Acted, Unapologetic War Movie

Rating: 8/10 (24 July 2017)

"Dunkirk" is a powerful and uncompromising war movie. Christopher Nolan presents a hard-hitting account of "Operation Dynamo," the evacuation of Allied soldiers from France while the German military pounded the French army on the doorstep. Films like this hit the mark when they successfully pull their audience into the fray, making us feel the pain and desperation of those on the screen. "Dunkirk" does just this and it does so without apologies and without sappy warm-hearted scenes geared to placate the masses. This film is dark, claustrophobic, loud and nerve racking--often at the same time. The dialogue is minimal, yet the message is communicated clearly and effectively. This is one of the better recent Hollywood productions of any genre.