Dunkirk (2017)
One of the most re-watchable war films.
Presentation:
Hoyte Van Hoytema and Nolan team up for again for an Imax Kodak 2383 experience. The film is told in 3 perspectives, land air and sea. The visuals are stunning and although it's not particularly violent, you can still feel the brutality. Hoytema employs great handheld camera work that immerses you into the battlefield. It's hard to make war not look exciting, but Nolan/Hoytema make it look beautiful at the same time. I think this or 1917 is the best looking war film and it’s likely this one.
Conclusion:
On first viewing, I left the film underwhelmed. There's not too much direct conflict and instead captures the psychological and internal struggles of war that are often overlooked. You'll appreciate the film more and more with each viewing and the gritty realism. It's a side of war you don't typically see, a retreat, which is not the path you'd normally want to tell a story about but Nolan makes it captivating. This is one of the best looking war films and you really see many aspects and perspectives that get lost in the noise and spectacle. An intimate war film showcasing gritty touches of humanity. Although it can be dark, Nolan gives us a reason to still fight for it.
Recommendations
Is it better to suffer injustice than do it?