DUNKIRK

Cert Running time

Watch the celebrated “little ships” of history set sail again in this spectacular Second World War action epic. And the surviving real ships from the battle of Dunkirk are pressed once more into service alongside real Spitfires by writer/ director Christopher Nolan.

They add a tremendous authenticity to his vision of war, which is serious, respectful and thrilling as 340,000 Allied troops are bombarded by the German air force while praying for evacuation from the bleak shores of the French port. Their miracle escape arrives via the civilian fleet of little ships which sailed into danger to rescue them.

Oscar winner Mark Rylance is impressively restrained as the captain of one of the boats. Tom Hardy is ace as a pilot tasked with protecting the ships from the air, and seeing the magnificent Spitfires in full flight is incurably romantic in a film grounded in mortal danger.

In his acting debut, One Direction’s Harry Styles never looks out of place as one of the British soldiers desperate to get off the beach. And this in a cast which includes the mighty talents of Kenneth Branagh, James D’Arcy and Cillian Murphy.

There’s no grandstanding heroics but a steady determination to get the job done, plus sympathy for the shellshocked, and understanding for those so desperate to survive.

This is Nolan’s finest film and the director of Inception allies astonishing technical ability with inventive storytelling as he places us right in the line of fire. With up to 6,000 extras, Nolan demonstrates the ability of legendary director Richard Attenborough to marshal large crowds on screen.

A typical time-twisting narrative adds perspective, poignancy and a great amount of tension. Plus he’s teamed up again with composer Hans Zimmer, who delivers another incredible soundscape.

Go with the flow of this immersive, emotional masterpiece – it’s a 21-gun salute to the Dunkirk spirit.