Disjointed and Fragmented

Rating: 3/10 (22 July 2017)

Disappointing. After seeing it recently, I am surprised by all the positive reviews for 'Dunkirk'.
A Major Historical event but the film did not build a coherent plot around it . Poor story-telling. In an early scene, soldiers are fired upon, but who are they and who is shooting at them? Is it 'friendly fire'? It is unclear.
And, where are the enemy ground forces, how close are they to Dunkirk, are the enemy armies advancing or standing still? We are not shown that.
Also, I expected some portrayal of the reaction by the British command in London. How was the leadership deaing with the very possible loss of 300,000 soldiers, (and of the war!). Nope, not portrayed.
And I don't recall seeing any of Dunkirk's civilian population in this drama, surely they must have had concerns that could have been demonstrated. Or did Dunkirk's civilians manage to flee earlier? What of the men, women and children who lived there? Surely that is part of the story.
An artistic, creative film that derives its substance from a real event needs to have respect for historical accuracy & background. And for the interest of the audience in such context. Otherwise, just make a totally fictional movie & call it 'Donburp', 'Seatown Retreat' or something else.
The music was loud, mediocre and somewhat annoying. The photography was good but the enduring images are of lines of fully uniformed soldiers standing knee deep in the sea (Engish Channel) waiting for their ships to come in. (I hope the extras were paid well; It has been reported that the film had at least $100+ million financing).
Dunkirk is the story of a crisis that had, incredibly, an unexpected positive outcome. It deserved better treatment.