Nolan Does it again

Rating: 10/10 (21 July 2017)

Christopher Nolan's new cinematic war thriller literally takes your breath away, as the masterclass director returns in an intense powerful experience.
On the beaches of Dunkirk, the British soldiers wait to return to England, but ambushed by German attacks, must fight for survival to get home. In a triptych storyline, we see the events on land for one soldier Tommy played by (Finn Whitehead), in the sea, arriving support their troops Mr Dawson (Mark Rylance), and in air in a British cockpit with Farrier (Tom Hardy) This is a grand event for my relationship with cinema, as Dunkirk had the privilege to be my first IMAX experience, for which the journey is so worth it. With Nolan's 65mm format, Dunkirk is not a film its an experience or better yet it is happening. In such a massive screen at the BFI IMAX, it becomes a powerfully immersive experience that places you right in the middle of Dunkirk, surrounded by the booming sound of the guns and bombs. So many moments you will find yourself holding your breath, the 1hr 47 mins run time is an fierce gripping venture.
The magnificence of Christopher Nolan always surprises, as my favourite director, Dunkirk has been a very anticipated feature for me and so many and finally with its release Nolan has amazed as always. Carrying the spectacle of Intersteller (2014) but down to a Belgim, Nolan proves how really gripping, smart, and cinematic film can be. I know that an IMAX experience asks a lot, with the journey to London and higher price, but when a film like this comes along it is very worth your while.
Dunkirk is not just a cinematic presentation but also a remembrance to all the soldiers at Dunkirk, emitting a spectacular tone of British pride, Nolan demonstrates his passion and respect for the event, which through certain moments brings out a sensational joy to the heart. With a lack of a script, Nolan resembles silent cinema, and this is where the film is strong, with marvellous beautiful sequences of silence or just sound and no speech creates the real cinema of the film.
Hoyte van Hoytema's clutching cinematography is fantastic, from the tense silence at the beach, to the sinking ships, and the rather wonderful landscape shots above Hotema's only drags us further into the film. With a classic Nolanesc feel to way of the camera, we o have a documentary feel to film adding that extra authenticity. The most mesmerising shot war films since Saving Private Ryan (1998).
The real technical talent is Hans Zimmer's astonishing score. So many times Zimmer's collaboration with Nolan has given birth to many brilliant tunes, and Dunkirk brings the best one yet. From the tension building sound of the ticking, to the unsettling but absorbing groans of the sea, and ships, Zimmer creates pure war poetry and indeed horror.
As for the ensemble cast, Nolan places all members exactly where they should, especially Kenneth Branagh's pier commander is exactly perfect for the film. Tom Hardy showing off his eye acting talents with his plane mask on, experience gained from his role as Bane no less. But a well done is deserved to Finn Whitehead in his debut film with a real perspective of the disaster.
Christopher Nolan proves once again why he is the greatest director of all time, in an explosive cinematic experience. Inception and the Dark Knight will always be his masterpieces, but Dunkirk is a wonderful piece of work. I do strongly recommend an IMAX viewing if possible, or just a cinema experience. 10/10