Explosive Blank

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 2019)

Upon seeing the first trailer for Dunkirk I was captured. I was careful to observe the release date so not to miss the premier. I entered the theatre with a heart full of convicted patriotism and pure thirst for a blockbuster, critically acclaimed mega movie, whose film poster would be worthy of a high-valued portion of real estate on my game room wall. As if to be a frantically filled cannon, loaded in the heat of battle, the film fell short of its target.
Christopher Nolan is a cinematic master. This film is absolutely stunning to perceive. Bullets hissing past an unassuming victim of the onslaught. Masterful explosions erupting like a glorious volcano. The sound of panic in the air as enemy planes target the beach. It transports you right into the war zone within the first 10 minutes of the screening. This is where the movie nails it. However, apart from that, I have several issues with it.

The film is from the perspectives of three positions: Air, Mole and Sea. The editing at certain points feels lazy and not very consistent. It cuts from a dramatic scene or intense action scene very quickly without warning or notice.

The film is told in a non-linear way. This makes us watch certain scenes twice, through different perspectives. Although this could've been done in a very interesting way, it's very difficult to keep track of whose perspective we're watching at times. Even when certain semi-important characters die, it took me a while to even realize this happened.
This is where my third and final problem comes into question. The characters lack depth. You don't care about the main character, or any of the other soldiers that are dying. If I'm watching a film about war, I like to bond with the characters I'm seeing on screen. When the final scene of certain war films takes place, there is a strong emotional connection for the viewer. If there is no attachment to a character, the viewer won't feel said connection.
All in all, Dunkirk could've been amazing. Dunkirk should have been amazing. I left the theatre with an emptiness and desire for a film that would deliver power and conviction that was even more present than before.