A new benchmark

Rating: 10/10 (21 July 2017)

Spoiler Alert only for those who skipped history classes in school.
"The miracle of Dunkirk" was the biggest cliffhanger of the bloodiest war in history. Allied troops exceeding 300,000 were frantically rescued from looming obliteration as the enemy approached them from three sides with sea on the fourth.
However, Dunkirk (2017) is not just another epic on warfare history. It is a psychological thriller on its own. Speaking of outcomes, where most movies bring up victory or defeat, it hits the most profound of all human instincts. It screams "survival".
Nolan has splendidly interleaved three stories on different timelines into a linear array of nerve- racking tension and bite-the-back-of-your-hand stunning visuals. With one of the most realistic sound designs ever put on any movie, the movie immerses the viewer deep into heart-pounding intensity ranging from claustrophobic spaces inside sinking ships, deafening shell explosions on the beach spraying sand and blood, and most significantly the defiant engine roar of the Spitfire fighter engaging in battle with Messerschmitt's in eye-watering (due to not blinking) dogfight sequences.
Contrary to the norm, the movie doesn't focus considerably on the characters. Weirdly, this this turns out as one of the movie's greatest assets as the director explores the tension concerning survival as an individual and as a group against death and monstrosity. The theme circles around every helpless soldier's desire to see home again, to be able to defend it and most importantly be able to muster courage to look into the eyes of their own countrymen.
Performances have been noteworthy but they have contributed to the plot rather than outshining it. Full marks to immaculate directorship.
Throughout the run-time faces of the adversaries aren't shown at all; particularizing that death is more fearful when it comes slow and unseen.
Dunkirk (2017) is a masterpiece on every technical perspective and is the most mature work of Nolan till date. It will keep haunting the viewer many hours after viewing.
Watching it in IMAX format is much more rewarding and has been the greatest cinematic experience of my life.
(5/5)