A great movie with some minor imperfections holding it back

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2017)

Every great director has to make a war film at some point. It's like a rite of passage to go down in the books as truly great. And finally it was Christopher Nolan's turn with 'Dunkirk'. I'll admit to being a little disappointed when it was announced this would be his next film, because it isn't playing to his biggest strengths. He's at his best when he's making a complex action thriller that is smarter than any other film out there, and requires multiple viewings to fully appreciate it. A war film is really just that, a war film. They're all different, but at the heart of them they're all pretty much the same (maybe with the exception of Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglorious Basterds' which does stand out as genuinely unique). So I was disappointed by his choice of next film (we only get one from him every two years as it is), but was I disappointed with the end result? I'd have to say yes.
Now don't get me wrong, 'Dunkirk' is an extremely fine film, but it pretty much proved my initial assumption 100% correct. It felt like anyone could have made this film. It's often been said that Nolan's one weakness is directing action, well there's a hell of a lot of action in this film. Maybe not action sequences as such, but still action. And while none of it came across that badly, nothing particularly stood out in that respect either. Also with the story being based around truth, his usual brilliance as a story-teller was somewhat hampered. He couldn't deliver twists and turns and moments of share brilliance that will leave your jaw gaping like usual. Those were the only real let-down aspects for me.
As for the good stuff, man can he create some great characters. My personal favourite on this occasion was 'Mr. Dawson' played by Mark Rylance. Firstly, an exquisite casting choice. Secondly, just a trademark Nolan character. Brilliant in every way. Someone you instantly like, care for and have to know their fate. Also in typical Nolan fashion the pacing is incredible. The film never stops for a second. The 106 minute run time (admittedly short by Nolan's standards) absolutely flies by.
When I review a Nolan film I hold it up to the highest standard, and so any negatives are simply because I know he is capable of perfection (he has achieved it in the past in my opinion with 'The Dark Knight'). Make no mistake, 'Dunkirk' is an exceptional film. But it is not as good of a product as this man is capable of delivering.