Dunkirk (2017 film): Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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| director = [[Christopher Nolan]]

| writer = Christopher Nolan

| producer = {{Plainlist|

* [[Emma Thomas]]

* Christopher Nolan

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| music = [[Hans Zimmer]]

| studio = {{Plainlist|

* [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]<ref name="VarietyInsight-2017"/>

* [[Syncopy Inc.]]<ref name="Debruge-2017"/>

* [[RatPac-Dune Entertainment]]<ref name="VarietyInsight-2017"/>

}}

| distributor = [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]

| released = {{Film date|df=y|2017|7|13|[[Odeon Leicester Square]]|2017|7|21|United Kingdom and United States}}

| country = {{Plainlist|

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| language = English

| runtime = 106 minutes<ref name="BBFC"/>

| budget = $~~82.5–150~~100 million{{#tag:ref|The Netherlands Film Fund reported a budget of ${{To USD|108.59|NLD||year=2016|round=yes}} million in May 2017.<ref name="issuu-May2017"/> That July, it was estimated to be as high as $150 million,<ref name="Kelley-Jul2017A"/><ref name="Faughnder-Jul2017"/> with sources at Warner Bros. describing that figure as too high.<ref name="McClintock-Jul2017A"/> Later estimates reported a net production budget of $100 million<ref name="McClintock-Jul2017B"/> or just below that.<ref name="Kelley-Jul2017B"/> In February 2018, producer Emma Thomas said it was made for half the budget as that of ''[[Interstellar (film)|Interstellar]]''<ref name="Utichi-Feb2018"/>—$165 million.<ref name="BOMInterstellar"/>|group=nb}}

| gross = $530.4 million<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/>

}}

'''''Dunkirk''''' is a 2017 [[Epic films|epic]] [[Historical drama|historical]] [[War film|war]] [[thriller film]] written, directed, and co-produced by [[Christopher Nolan]] that depicts the [[Dunkirk evacuation]] of [[World War II]] from the perspectives of the land, sea, and air. It features an [[ensemble cast]] ~~comprising~~including [[Fionn Whitehead]], [[Tom Glynn-Carney]], [[Jack Lowden]], [[Harry Styles]] in his feature film debut, [[Aneurin Barnard]], [[James D'Arcy]], [[Barry Keoghan]], [[Kenneth Branagh]], [[Cillian Murphy]], [[Mark Rylance]], and [[Tom Hardy]].▼

▲'''''Dunkirk''''' is a 2017 [[Epic films|epic]] [[Historical drama|historical]] [[War film|war]] [[thriller film]] written, directed and co-produced by [[Christopher Nolan]] that depicts the [[Dunkirk evacuation]] of [[World War II]] from the perspectives of the land, sea and air. It features an [[ensemble cast]] comprising [[Fionn Whitehead]], [[Tom Glynn-Carney]], [[Jack Lowden]], [[Harry Styles]] in his film debut, [[Aneurin Barnard]], [[James D'Arcy]], [[Barry Keoghan]], [[Kenneth Branagh]], [[Cillian Murphy]], [[Mark Rylance]], and [[Tom Hardy]].

The film portrays the evacuation with little dialogue, as Nolan sought instead to create suspense through [[cinematography]] and [[Film score|music]]. Filming began in May 2016 in [[Dunkirk]] and wrapped that September in Los Angeles, when [[post-production]] began. Cinematographer [[Hoyte van Hoytema]] shot the film on [[IMAX]] [[65 mm]] and 65 mm [[large format|large-format]] [[film stock]]. ''Dunkirk'' has extensive [[practical effect]]s. It employed thousands of extras as well as historic boats from the evacuation, and period aeroplanes.

Distributed by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]], ''Dunkirk'' premiered at [[Odeon Leicester Square]] in London, a few days before its release in the United Kingdom and United States on 21 July 2017. It grossed $527 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing World War II film until it was surpassed by Nolan's ''[[Oppenheimer (film)|Oppenheimer]]'' (2023). ''Dunkirk'' received praise for its screenplay, direction, editing, score, sound design and cinematography; some critics called it Nolan's best work, and one of [[List of films considered the best|the greatest war films]] as well as one of the greatest movies of the 2010s.<ref name="RollingStone-Dec2019"/><ref name="TotalFilm-Dec2019"/><ref name="Perez-Dec2019"/> It received [[List of accolades received by Dunkirk|various accolades]], including eight nominations at the [[90th Academy Awards]]:, including [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] and [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]]. ~~(Nolan's first directing Oscar nomination); it~~It went on to win for [[Academy Award for Best Sound Editing|Best Sound Editing]], [[Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing|Best Sound Mixing]], and [[Academy Award for Best Film Editing|Best Film Editing]].

== Plot ==

In 1940, during the [[Battle of France]], [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] soldiers retreat to [[Dunkirk]] encircled by [[German Army (1935–1945)|the enemy]]. Tommy flees through the perimeter held by French troops to the beach, where thousands await evacuation, and helps Gibson to bury a body. After [[Luftwaffe]] dive-bombers attack, they attempt to board a hospital ship at the single, vulnerable [[Mole (architecture)|mole]] available for embarking on deep-[[Draft (hull)|draft]] ships, by rushing a wounded man on a stretcher but are ordered off. They overhear Commander Bolton, Colonel Winnant and a Rear Admiral discuss the best way to get their army evacuated. The ship is sunk by dive bombers; Tommy saves a [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders|Highlanders regiment]] soldier, Alex. The three board a [[destroyer]], but it is hit by a [[torpedo]] before it can depart; Gibson saves Tommy and Alex as the ship sinks, and they return to the beach.

The [[Royal Navy]] requisitions civilian vessels in England to get to Dunkirk. In [[Weymouth, Dorset|Weymouth]], civilian sailor Dawson, with his son Peter, set out in his boat ''Moonstone'', rather than let the Navy commandeer her. Their teenage hand George joins them on impulse. In the [[English Channel]], they save a shivering [[Shell shock|shell-shocked]] soldier from a ship destroyed by a [[U-boat]]. Realising that Dawson is going for Dunkirk, the soldier panics and Peter locks him up. The soldier escapes, urging they turn back and tries to wrest control of the boat; in the scuffle, he elbows George who suffers a head injury that blinds him; as the soldier dwells on his actions, George reveals to Peter he came hoping to do something noteworthy. Three [[Royal Air Force]] [[Supermarine Spitfire|Spitfires]] fly towards Dunkirk, to provide cover for the evacuation, limited to one hour of operation by their fuel supply. They engage in a [[dogfight]] with an enemy fighter. One of the pilots, Farrier, has his fuel gauge smashed by another fighter. He and the second Spitfire pilot, Collins, determine that their leader has gone down and fly on. The crew of the ''Moonstone'' witness the two RAF pilots protect a [[minesweeper]] from a bomber: Collins’s Spitfire is hit by a fighter and he [[Water landing|ditches]]. Although trapped in his canopy as the plane sinks, Collins is saved by Peter.

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After first-hand accounts of the evacuation revealed how young and inexperienced the soldiers had been,<ref name="BleedingCool-2016"/> Nolan decided to cast young and unknown actors for the beach setting.<ref name="Kaufman-2017"/> He was also adamant that all of the cast be British.<ref name="Maytum-2017"/>{{#tag:ref|Barry Keoghan and Cillian Murphy, however, are [[Irish people|Irish]].<ref name="IrishIndependent"/>|group=nb}} [[John Papsidera]] and Toby Whale were the casting directors for ''Dunkirk''.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}} Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance were in talks to join the ensemble as supporting characters in late 2015.<ref name="Variety-2015"/><ref name="Ford-2015"/> Fionn Whitehead was cast as the lead in March 2016,<ref name="TheWrap-2016"/> while Jack Lowden, Aneurin Barnard and Harry Styles were added shortly after.<ref name="Deadline-2016"/><ref name="Hooton-2016"/> Cillian Murphy joined the following month.<ref name="Stolworthy-2016"/> James D'Arcy, Barry Keoghan and Tom Glynn-Carney were included later that May.<ref name="McNary-2016"/><ref name="SlashFilm-2016"/>

[[Michael Caine]] had a voice [[cameo role]] as Fortis Leader, as a nod to his role in the film ''[[Battle of Britain (film)|Battle of Britain]]'' (1969).<ref name="Whitty-2017"/>{{sfn|Nolan|2017}} According to D'Arcy and Nolan, Winnant and Bolton act as a [[Greek chorus]] to give the audience context.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}} Whitehead went through a secretive auditioning process lasting several months.<ref name="Rottenberg-2017"/> His character was named after the [[Tommy Atkins|slang term for the ordinary British soldier]].<ref name="Film4-2017"/> Styles was cast for his "old fashioned face", as stated by Nolan.<ref name="NZHerald-Dec2017"/> He won the role after auditioning against hundreds of candidates,<ref name="Maytum-2017"/> when Nolan was unaware of his renown as a singer.<ref name="NME-2017"/> Murphy spoke to Nolan and read about the psychological trauma the soldiers endured, to understand his character's [[PTSD]].<ref name="Houghton-2017"/> Nolan chose Rylance for his work in the theatre and performance in ''[[Wolf Hall (miniseries)|Wolf Hall]]''.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}} As research, Rylance piloted his character's boat every day,<ref name="Maytum-2017"/> listened to audio recordings at the [[Imperial War Museum]],<ref name="Schaefer-2017"/> and read accounts of men like Mr Dawson.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}} Between takes, he encouraged rehearsal through improvised scenes.<ref name="DGA"/> The principal cast members did their own stunts.<ref name="A.V.Club-Dec2017"/> [[John Nolan (British actor)|John Nolan]], uncle of Christopher, played Blind Man.<ref name="Credits"/> [[Will Attenborough]] played the Second Lieutenant who orders Tommy and Gibson off the hospital ship.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-02-06|title=Will Attenborough brings Dunkirk to life on Film-ish|url=https://fubarradio.com/filmish-with-seann-walsh-mark-simmons/will-attenborough-brings-dunkirk-to-life-on-film-ish/|access-date=2021-06-05|website=FUBAR Radio|language=en-GB|archive-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409021519/https://fubarradio.com/filmish-with-seann-walsh-mark-simmons/will-attenborough-brings-dunkirk-to-life-on-film-ish/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Filming ===

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[[File:Supermarine Spitfire Vb ‘R9649 - LC’ (G-CISV - EP122) (35522161724).jpg|thumb|left|One of the Spitfires repainted for the film<ref name="WarbirdsNews-2016"/>]]

[[File:Hispano HA.1112M1L Buchon '-+10' (G-BWUE) (22723895345).jpg|thumb|left|HA-1112 Buchón in 2015, which was used in the film<ref name="WarbirdsNews-2016"/>]]

[[File:Yakolev Yak52TW ‘N699DP’ (26134347593).jpg|thumb|left|The [[Aerostar]] Yak-52TW N699DP in 2016, which was modified to resemble a Spitfire for the film<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/flights-cameras-action|title=Flights, cameras, action|first=Ben|last=Dunnell|work=key.aero|date=14 September 2017|url-access=subscription|access-date=21 January 2024|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128225402/https://www.key.aero/article/flights-cameras-action|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Aircraft were equipped with dual cockpits for filming in flight.<ref name="TheJournal-2017"/> A [[Yakovlev Yak-52]]TW<ref name="in70mm.com-2016"/><ref name="AirSpaceMag-2017"/> was modified to resemble a [[Supermarine Spitfire]],{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}}<ref name="ABCNews-2017"/> and two [[Supermarine Spitfire (early Merlin-powered variants)|Supermarine Spitfire]] Mark IAs, a Spitfire Mark VB, and a [[Hispano Aviación HA-1112|Hispano Buchon]] painted to look like a [[Messerschmitt Bf 109]]E, were also used for the combat scenes, flying to [[Urk]] from [[Lelystad Airport]]. Large-scale radio-controlled model aircraft were filmed crashing into the English Channel.<ref name="Maytum-2017"/><ref name="WarbirdsNews-2016"/> The real Spitfires were provided by the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]],{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}} and owner [[Dan Friedkin]] piloted the one that was filmed landing on the beach in Dunkirk.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/film/2017/08/how-realistic-are-dunkirks-spitfire-flight-scenes |title=How realistic are Dunkirk's Spitfire flight scenes? |last=Murugesu |first=Jason |date=3 August 2017 |website=newstatesman.com |access-date=8 December 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208205301/https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/film/2017/08/how-realistic-are-dunkirks-spitfire-flight-scenes |archivedate=8 December 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2023}} These takes had to be done within forty-five minutes, before the tide came back in.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}} IMAX cameras were attached to the fighter planes using specially made snorkel and [[periscope]] lenses—in the back and the front{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}}<ref name="Maytum-2017"/><ref name="Empire"/>—and large-scale [[mockup]]s were submerged with cable rigs for a crash scene.<ref name="Empire"/> [[Scroggins Aviation]] and Gateguards UK performed period aviation reconstruction.<ref name="Fordham-Oct2017"/> [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil|Aerospatiale Ecureuil]] G-WHST, with IMAX cameras front, and a [[Piper Aerostar]] enabled filming from the air, also with IMAX cameras front and rear. Dogfights over the Channel were shot by an aerial unit based at [[RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus)|Lee-on-Solent Airfield]] and one at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}} Hardy and Lowden spent the final stages of the shooting schedule on a cliffside in Palos Verdes, inside purpose-built cockpit [[gimbal]]s, with limited contact with the rest of the cast and crew.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}}{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=11–54}}<ref name="Empire"/><ref name="Rooney-2017"/> ''Dunkirk'' [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] on 2 September 2016, after sixty-eight days.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}}

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=== Music ===

{{Main|Dunkirk (soundtrack){{!}}''Dunkirk'' (soundtrack)}}

Hans Zimmer began working on the score in 2016,<ref name="Hall-2016"/> continued for eleven months, and eventually created a 100-minute demo.<ref name="GoldDerby-Dec2017"/> For intensity, the script was written to accommodate the [[auditory illusion]] of a [[Shepard tone]], which had previously been explored in Nolan's 2006 film ''[[The Prestige (film)|The Prestige]]''. This was coupled with the sound of Nolan's own [[pocket watch]], which he recorded and sent to Zimmer to be [[Synthesizer|synthesised]].<ref name="Guerrasio-2017"/><ref name="TheDailyTelegraph-2017"/> Zimmer also heightens the tension with subtle [[Jean-Claude Risset|Risset rhythms]] throughout the entire movie—seemingly endless increases in tempo<ref>{{Cite web |last=Titeux |first=Nicolas |title=Shepard and Risset audio illusions {{!}} Nicolas TITEUX, sound designer, sound mixer and composer |date=15 November 2020 |url=https://www.nicolastiteux.com/en/blog/shepard-and-risset-audio-illusions/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |language=en-US |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124114401/https://www.nicolastiteux.com/en/blog/shepard-and-risset-audio-illusions/ |url-status=live }}</ref> (however, these effects were removed for the official soundtrack release). Additional music was provided by [[Lorne Balfe]], Andrew Kawczynski, Steve Mazzaro and [[Benjamin Wallfisch]].<ref name="Nordine-2017"/><ref name="Ryzik-2017"/>

"Nimrod" from [[Edward Elgar]]'s ''[[Enigma Variations]]'' is part of the theme,<ref name="Lane-2017"/><ref name="Burr-2017"/> which was slowed down to six [[beats per minute]] with added bass notes to avoid it sounding sentimental. Instrumentation included a [[double bass]] and fourteen [[cello]]s played in high register. King relayed to Zimmer the sound of a boat engine, which served as a reference for the tempo.<ref name="Ryzik-2017"/> Zimmer visited the Dunkirk set for inspiration, taking back a jar of sand,<ref name="Philip-Jan2018"/> and chose not to view raw footage whilst composing.{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}} The music was recorded at [[AIR Lyndhurst Hall]] with mix engineer [[Geoff Foster (audio engineer)|Geoff Foster]].{{sfn|Mottram|2017|p=59–135}}<ref name="AIR"/>

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== Reception ==

=== Box office ===

''Dunkirk'' grossed $188 million in the United States and Canada, and $337 million in other countries, for a worldwide total of $525 million, against a production budget of $100–150 million.<ref name="BoxOfficeMojo"/><ref name="TheNumbers"/> Globally, it became the highest-grossing World War II film (not adjusting for inflation) at the time, surpassing ''[[Saving Private Ryan]]''{{'}}s $482 million,<ref name="Brace-12September2017"/><ref name="Mithaiwala-2017"/> until it was surpassed by Nolan's own ''[[Oppenheimer (film)|Oppenheimer]]'' in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title='Oppenheimer' Passes 'Dunkirk' to Become Highest-Grossing World War II Movie of All Time |url=https://collider.com/oppenheimer-highest-grossing-world-war-2-movie-record/ |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=Collider |language=en |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811212717/https://collider.com/oppenheimer-highest-grossing-world-war-2-movie-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the United States and Canada, industry tracking for the opening weekend ranged from [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']]'s $30–40 million<ref name="Kelley-2017"/> to ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]''{{'}}s $35 million,<ref name="Deadline-2017"/> while ''[[BoxOffice (magazine)|BoxOffice]]'' speculated an opening weekend of $55 million,<ref name="BoxOffice-2017"/> and [[IndieWire]] $50 million and $500 million worldwide.<ref name="Brueggemann-2017"/> ''Dunkirk'' made $19.8 million on its first day, including $5.5 million from preview screenings. It went on to finish first at the box office with $50.1 million, marking the third-largest opening for a World War II film (behind ''[[Captain America: The First Avenger]]''{{'}}s $62.1 million and [[Pearl Harbor (film)|''Pearl Harbor'']]'s $59.1 million), as well as the fourth-largest of Nolan's career.<ref name="D"/> In its second weekend, it grossed $26.6 million (a drop of 44.3%), beating newcomer ''[[The Emoji Movie]]'' to the top spot.<ref name="D"/> The film grossed $17.1 million in its third weekend, second to newcomer ''[[The Dark Tower (2017 film)|The Dark Tower]]'' ($19.2 million),<ref name="D"/> and was again second in its fourth week, behind ''[[Annabelle: Creation]]'' with $10.9 million.<ref name="D"/>

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=== Critical response ===

Some critics called ''Dunkirk'' Nolan's best film to date<ref name="McMillan-2017"/> and one of the greatest war films ever made.<ref name="RT"/><ref name="NordineThompson-2017"/><ref name="Telegraph-5Aug2017"/> On the review aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of 92% based on ~~461~~472 reviews, with an average rating of 8.7/10. The website's critical consensus reads "''Dunkirk'' serves up emotionally satisfying spectacle, delivered by a writer-director in full command of his craft and brought to life by a gifted ensemble cast that honors the fact-based story."<ref name="RottenTomatoes"/> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a [[weighted average]] score of 94 out of 100 based on reviews from 53 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name="Metacritic"/> According to [[MRQE]], it has an average rating of 86/100, based on 128 critics.<ref name="MRQE"/> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, while [[PostTrak]] reported filmgoers gave it an 88% overall positive score, with 63% saying they would recommend it.<ref name="D"/> ''[[The Guardian]]'' ranked the film at No. 13 on their list of "The 50 top films of 2017".<ref>{{cite web|title=The 50 top films of 2017 in the UK: the full list|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/05/the-50-top-films-of-2017-in-the-uk|website=The Guardian|date=5 December 2017|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820062035/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/05/the-50-top-films-of-2017-in-the-uk|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Independent]]'' named it the 7th-best film of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 20 best films of 2017|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/best-films-2017-list-movies-critics-20-rated-ranked-call-me-your-name-get-out-moonlight-good-iime-a8118726.html|website=The Independent|date=19 December 2017|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120105039/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/best-films-2017-list-movies-critics-20-rated-ranked-call-me-your-name-get-out-moonlight-good-iime-a8118726.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine included the film on its "Top 10 movies of 2017" list.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Top 10 Movies of 2017|url=https://time.com/5045566/top-10-movies-2017/|newspaper =[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=7 December 2017|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422094738/http://time.com/5045566/top-10-movies-2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Peter Bradshaw]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'' awarded the film five out of five and called it Nolan's best to date, saying that he "surrounds his audience with chaos and horror from the outset, and amazing images and dazzlingly accomplished set pieces on a huge 70 mm screen, particularly the pontoon crammed with soldiers extending into the churning sea, exposed to enemy aircraft".<ref name="Bradshaw-2017"/> [[Todd McCarthy]] of ''The Hollywood Reporter'' also lauded the film, calling it "an impressionist masterpiece" that was "deeply moving" but without "manufactured sentimentality or false heroics". He also praised the score, which "enormously strengthens the film" and "incorporates both sound and music to extraordinary effect".<ref name="McCarthy-2017"/> Peter Debruge of ''Variety'' praised the plot (although calling Zimmer's score "bombastic"), writing: "[Nolan has] delivered all the spectacle of a big-screen tentpole, ratcheting up both the tension and heroism through his intricate and occasionally overwhelming sound design".<ref name="Debruge-2017"/> [[Manohla Dargis]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' described the film as a "tour de force of cinematic craft and technique" and lauded Nolan's elastic approach to narrative.<ref name="Dargis-2017"/> She named ''Dunkirk'' "the best film of 2017".<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Movies of 2017|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/movies/best-movies.html|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 December 2017|access-date=20 August 2021|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206092820/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/06/movies/best-movies.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mick LaSalle]] of the ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' called it a "triumph" and "masterpiece", commending Nolan's unique approach to directing a war film.<ref name="LaSalle-2017"/> ''[[The Economist]]'' labelled ''Dunkirk'' "a remarkable film" and a new classic.<ref name="TheEconomist-2017"/> [[Richard Roeper]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' gave the film four out of four and said it was one of the best war movies of the decade, describing it as "tight, gripping, deeply involving and unforgettable{{nbsp}}... triumph in filmmaking".<ref name="Roeper-2017"/> Chris Nashawaty of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the film an "A", calling it the best of 2017: "By the end of ''Dunkirk'', what stands out the most isn't its inspirational message or everyday heroism. It's the small indelible, unshakeable images that accumulate like the details in the corner of a mural".<ref name="Nashawaty-2017"/>

[[Robbie Collin]] of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' gave the film five out of five, lauding it as "a work of heart-hammering intensity and grandeur".<ref name="Collin-2017"/> [[Peter Travers]] of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' awarded it his first four-star rating of 2017 as "maybe the greatest war film ever", adding: "There's little doubt that [Nolan] has, without sentimentality or sanctimony, raised [the [[survival film]]] genre to the level of art{{nbsp}}... with the resonant force of an enduring screen classic". He also called it the first major [[Academy Awards|Oscar]] contender of the year.<ref name="Travers-2017"/> [[Michael Medved]] awarded it four out of four and called Hardy's performance "outstanding", and the action "seamless", declaring: "This is not only the best WWII movie since ''Saving Private Ryan'', it is very simply one of the greatest war movies ever made".<ref name="Medved-2017"/> [[Matt Zoller Seitz]] of [[RogerEbert.com]] gave it a score of three and a half out of four, despite not liking the film, stating that he "loathed parts of it and found other parts repetitious or half-baked. But, maybe paradoxically, I admired it throughout, and have been thinking about it constantly".<ref name="ZollerSeitz-2017"/> [[Jacques Mandelbaum]] of ''[[Le Monde]]'' praised the film's realism, but was disappointed that it ignores the part played by French troops.<ref name="LeMonde-2017"/> [[Kevin Maher (writer)|Kevin Maher]] in ''[[The Times]]'' gave it two out of five, saying: "[''Dunkirk''] is 106 clamorous minutes of big-screen bombast that's so concerned with its own spectacle and scale that it neglects to deliver the most crucial element—drama." He also suggested that ''Dunkirk'' felt like a ''[[Call of Duty]]'' video game.<ref name="Maher-2017"/> David Cox of ''The Guardian'' felt the film had historical inaccuracies, a paucity of female characters, small scale, a thinly characterised cast and lack of suspense.<ref name="Cox-2017"/> In the ''[[London Review of Books]]'', [[Michael Wood (academic)|Michael Wood]] compared it to the films of [[Luis Buñuel]] and commended Zimmer's soundtrack as an effective match to the film.<ref name="Wood-Aug2017"/>

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[[File:Hispano HA.1112M1L Buchon 'Black 2' (G-AWHK) (36053481566).jpg|thumb|200px|[[Hispano Aviación HA-1112|Hispano Buchón]] masquerading as a [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Bf 109E]], wearing a temporary paint scheme for the film<ref name="WarbirdsNews-2016"/>]]

The characters and the storyline are fictional; Commander Bolton is a [[composite character|composite]] of several real men, including Commander [[James Campbell Clouston]] (the lack of an actual depiction of Clouston drew criticism following the film's release, and attention was drawn to honour him for his role in the evacuation)<ref name="Alexander-2017"/><ref name="montrealgazette">{{cite news |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/inspiration-for-summer-blockbuster-dunkirk-an-unsung-montreal-hero |title=Inspiration for summer blockbuster Dunkirk an unsung Montreal hero |first=René |last=Bruemmer |newspaper=[[Montreal Gazette]] |date=2 August 2017 |accessdate=2 August 2017 |archive-date=2 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802204951/http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/inspiration-for-summer-blockbuster-dunkirk-an-unsung-montreal-hero |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2017/08/unsung-hero-of-dunkirk-evacuation-a-mcgill-student |title=Unsung hero of Dunkirk evacuation a former McGill student |date=7 August 2017 |website=McGill Reporter |publisher=[[McGill University]] |accessdate=4 September 2017 |archive-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904152103/http://publications.mcgill.ca/reporter/2017/08/unsung-hero-of-dunkirk-evacuation-a-mcgill-student/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/09/21/this-war-hero-was-forgotten-in-canada-and-portrayed-as-a-brit-in-dunkirk-now-hes-finally-getting-his-due/ |title=This war hero was forgotten in Canada and portrayed as a Brit in 'Dunkirk.' Now he's finally getting his due |newspaper=Washington Post |date=September 21, 2017 |access-date=22 June 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209122216/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/09/21/this-war-hero-was-forgotten-in-canada-and-portrayed-as-a-brit-in-dunkirk-now-hes-finally-getting-his-due/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Levine|2017|p=151}}</ref> and Captain [[William Tennant (Royal Navy officer)|Bill Tennant]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://amp.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/07/20/what_s_fact_and_what_s_fiction_in_dunkirk.html |title=What's Fact and What's Fiction in 'Dunkirk' |last=Broich |first=John |date=20 July 2017 |website=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |access-date=25 March 2018 |archive-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313051604/http://amp.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/07/20/what_s_fact_and_what_s_fiction_in_dunkirk.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dawson is inspired by [[Charles Lightoller]], athe ~~survivor~~second officer of the ''[[~~RMS~~Titanic]]'' and the most senior crewmember who survived the [[Sinking of the Titanic|~~Titanic~~sinking]], who took his [[Sundowner (yacht)|yacht ''Sundowner'']] to the evacuation.<ref name="Levine, Joshua 2017">{{cite book|author=Levine, Joshua|date=2017|title=Dunkirk|publisher=HarperCollins}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecufilmfestival.com/en/movie-review-dunkirk/|title=Movie Review: Dunkirk -|author=|date=8 August 2017|accessdate=2 March 2018|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102200130/https://www.ecufilmfestival.com/en/movie-review-dunkirk/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Lord">{{cite book |title=The Miracle of Dunkirk |last= Lord |first=Walter |authorlink= Walter Lord |year=1984 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |isbn=0-14-005085-X |pages=225–227 }}</ref> The character of Collins is analogous to the experiences of Spitfire pilot Jack Potter, with Collins's ditching partly inspired by that of [[Eric Barwell]] in his [[Boulton Paul Defiant|Defiant]]. Some media outlets suggested Farrier was inspired by [[Alan Deere]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/07/tom-hardy-s-dunkirk-hero-based-on-a-real-life-kiwi.html | title=Tom Hardy's Dunkirk hero based on a real life Kiwi | newspaper=Newshub | access-date=22 June 2023 | archive-date=22 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622080645/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2017/07/tom-hardy-s-dunkirk-hero-based-on-a-real-life-kiwi.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11895657 | title=Meet al Deere, the real Kiwi hero of Dunkirk | date=26 June 2023 | access-date=22 June 2023 | archive-date=11 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911034539/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11895657 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/16058210.memorial-revealed-for-wallasey-born-dunkirk-hero-jack-potter/ |title=Memorial revealed for Wallasey born Dunkirk hero Jack Potter |publisher=Wirralglobe.co.uk |date= March 2018 |accessdate=26 May 2020 |archive-date=25 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625082225/https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/16058210.memorial-revealed-for-wallasey-born-dunkirk-hero-jack-potter/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Levine|2017|p=358}}</ref> When the beach scenes were shot, the weather was worse than during the real evacuation; Nolan explained that this helped to understand the danger faced by the [[pleasure boats]].<ref name="Savignac-2017"/> In one scene, a non-commissioned officer gives a salute without wearing his [[military beret]], which a veteran pointed out as inaccurate protocol.<ref name="TheJournal-2017"/> Noses of German planes were not actually painted yellow until after the evacuation; this was done to differentiate the German planes. Contemporary shots were used for aerial views of the town, whereas Dunkirk was in ruins by the time of the evacuation. The design of the [[airborne leaflet propaganda]] was similar to those used in 1940, although the originals were not in colour.<ref name="Broich-2017"/> The destroyer that is bombed and sunk represents ''[[HMS Keith]]''.<ref~~>{{cite~~ ~~book|author~~name="Levine, Joshua~~|date=~~ 2017~~|title=Dunkirk|publisher=HarperCollins}}<~~"/~~ref~~>

==See also==

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<ref name="Variety-2015">{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=28 December 2015 |title=Christopher Nolan to Direct Action Thriller 'Dunkirk' for Warner Bros. |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/chistopher-nolan-mark-rylance-movie-1201662561/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228215958/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/chistopher-nolan-mark-rylance-movie-1201662561/ |archive-date=28 December 2015 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Fandango-2017">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Erik |date=30 March 2017 |title=Exclusive Interview: Christopher Nolan on Why 'Dunkirk' Is Like Nothing You've Ever Seen Before |url=https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/exclusive-interview-christopher-nolan-on-why-dunkirk-is-like-nothing-youve-ever-seen-before-752098 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519063315/https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/exclusive-interview-christopher-nolan-on-why-dunkirk-is-like-nothing-youve-ever-seen-before-752098 |archive-date=19 May 2017 |website=[[Fandango ~~(company)~~Media|Fandango]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Ford-2015">{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=28 December 2015 |title=Christopher Nolan to Direct WWII Film 'Dunkirk' With Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/christopher-nolan-direct-wwii-film-851289 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231022717/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/christopher-nolan-direct-wwii-film-851289 |archive-date=31 December 2015 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

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<ref name="SlashFilm-2017">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Jacob |date=2 May 2017 |title=Christopher Nolan Probably Hates This 'Dunkirk' NBA TV Spot |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/dunkirk-nba-tv-spot-is-awful/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503020624/http://www.slashfilm.com/dunkirk-nba-tv-spot-is-awful/ |archive-date=3 May 2017 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Coyle-2017">{{Cite web |last=Coyle |first=Jake |date=14 July 2017 |title=Tick-Tock: Christopher Nolan on the rhythm of 'Dunkirk' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/force-strong-director-christopher-nolan-48639705 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170715064242/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/force-strong-director-christopher-nolan-48639705 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Jacob-2016">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Jacob |date=8 June 2016 |title=Christopher Nolan Will Reportedly Crash a Vintage WWII Plane For 'Dunkirk' |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/christopher-nolan-dunkirk-plane/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170104181944/http://www.slashfilm.com/christopher-nolan-dunkirk-plane/ |archive-date=4 January 2017 |website=[[/Film]]}}</ref>

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<ref name="Maher-2017">{{Cite news |last=[[Kevin Maher (writer)|Maher, Kevin]] |date=18 July 2017 |title=Cacophony of war sinks star-studded blockbuster |page=23 |work=[[The Times]] |issue=72278 |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>

<ref name="RottenTomatoes">{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=dunkirk_2017|type=m|title=Dunkirk (2017)|access-date=19 ~~February~~July ~~2021~~2024|archive-date=5 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171205225802/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dunkirk_2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite Metacritic|id=dunkirk|type=movie|title=Dunkirk (2017)|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171206161106/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/dunkirk|url-status=live}}</ref>

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<ref name="D">{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=23 July 2017 |title='Dunkirk' Takes Warner Bros Past $1B; 'Girls Trip' Record Opening For Malcolm D. Lee; Reasons Why 'Valerian' Crashed |url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/dunkirk-valerian-girls-trip-weekend-box-office-opening-1202132847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170723214016/http://deadline.com/2017/07/dunkirk-valerian-girls-trip-weekend-box-office-opening-1202132847/ |archive-date=23 July 2017 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ABCNews-2017">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Angela |date=21 July 2017 |title=Director Christopher Nolan tells what inspired 'Dunkirk' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/director-christopher-nolan-tells-inspired-dunkirk/story?id=48772403 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722062320/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/director-christopher-nolan-tells-inspired-dunkirk/story?id=48772403 |archive-date=22 July 2017 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Sullivan-2017">{{Cite magazine |last=Sullivan |first=Kevin P. |date=13 July 2017 |title=What Dunkirk owes to Mad Max: Fury Road |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/07/13/dunkirk-mad-max-fury-road/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170722234108/http://ew.com/movies/2017/07/13/dunkirk-mad-max-fury-road/ |archive-date=22 July 2017 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>

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[[Category:2010s historical action films]]

[[Category:2017 action thriller films]]

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[[Category:2017 films]]

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[[Category:2010s British films]]

[[Category:2010s French films]]

[[Category:English-language action thriller films]]

▲[[Category:~~2017~~English-language war drama films]]

[[Category:English-language historical films]]