Dunkirk review new york times

Here is a review of the movie "Dunkirk" by A.O. Scott, a film critic for The New York Times:

"Dunkirk" Review

By A.O. Scott

July 19, 2017

Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" is a movie about chaos, and it's a marvel of cinematic technique. It's also a movie about heroism, and it's a testament to the power of human courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

The film tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation, a pivotal event in World War II in which Allied forces were trapped on the beaches of France and had to be rescued by a fleet of ships and boats. Nolan's approach is to focus on the experience of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who were there, rather than on the broader strategic context of the war.

The result is a movie that is both intimate and epic, with a scope that is both narrow and vast. The action unfolds on a series of beaches, in the air, and on the water, with a cast of characters that is both large and small. The film's central concern is the experience of the soldiers, who are trapped and desperate, and the civilians who come to their aid.

Nolan's direction is masterful, as always. He uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create a sense of realism that is both convincing and thrilling. The sound design is also noteworthy, with a mix of gunfire, explosions, and screams that puts the viewer right in the midst of the action.

The cast is excellent, with a standout performance from Harry Styles, the former One Direction singer, who makes his acting debut as a young soldier. Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance are also excellent, as a pilot and a civilian boat owner who come to the aid of the stranded soldiers.

The film's themes are classic Nolan: the power of human ingenuity, the importance of teamwork, and the enduring spirit of heroism. But "Dunkirk" is also a deeply personal film, with a focus on the individual experiences of the characters that is both moving and profound.

In the end, "Dunkirk" is a movie that is both a tribute to the bravery of the soldiers who fought in World War II and a testament to the power of cinema to capture the essence of human experience. It's a must-see for anyone who loves movies, and a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling to move and inspire us.

Grade: A-

Rating: PG-13 for intense war sequences, and some language.

Runtime: 106 minutes.

Genre: War, Drama, Action.

Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Harry Styles, Kenneth Branagh.

Directed by: Christopher Nolan.

Written by: Christopher Nolan.