Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece.
Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.
Nolan’s script is perfect, he focuses on an array of characters who had different duties in the war and this ensemble style works subliminally. Fionn Whitehead, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Jack Lowden, James D’Arcy and Kenneth Branagh are the core cast and they all offer strong performances. Surprisingly though Harry Styles is a standout performer - his first cinematic performance is excellent.
Nolan’s direction is the best it’s ever been. Nolan’s work has always been super-hero sci-fi and his first foray into more dramatic cinema is the best thing he’s ever done. His sound design alone is enough to enthral an audience member. There should be some serious Oscar love for this movie come February next year.
The movie is emotional, without being overly violent and makes you empathise for each and every one of its many characters. It shows you the horrors of war with little dialogue and proves that to make an impact you don’t have to deploy shock value.
Overall an achievement in cinema.
5 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinemas