Dunkirk

[TobyV]

Went to see the film at the cinema last night (here in Switzerland - they even show it in English with German and French subtitles, in addition to the German dubbed version).

Whilst there isn't much dialogue or "story" or perhaps much opportunity for actors to get nominated for awards, the cinematography, the sound and the music is very intense and on the big screen, maintains suspense and makes you really feel "there", be it being bombed or strafed on a beach, drowning in a sinking ship or flying in a Spitfire.

It was a timely reminder of the situations that those in the armed forces may find themselves in during their careers and the sacrifice that some of them make. Probably there's no one on here old enough to have served in WWII, but I know there are a number of current and former service personnel on here, who may have served in subsequent conflicts and I for one would like to take the opportunity to thank them for their contribution and dedication, which I feel is something it is all too easy to take for granted these days. For the rest of us, like me, who might whinge about office politics, having to work a few extra hours, or the size of this year's pay rise, I think we have it rather easy in comparison.

I'd recommend the film to anyone who hasn't seen it and is interested in seeing it, and would be interested to know what the atmosphere in the cinema is like when you're not surrounded by by people from a politically neutral landlocked country who must surely have a different perspective.

[Nigel H-J]

I could not agree more with your comments Tony, the actual event was nothing short of a miracle where even civilians volunteered to do their bit to help and ensure a complete success in rescuing our troops from Dunkirk, piloting small boats across the channel and facing the whole voyage knowing that there was every chance of collecting a bomb, or being strafed by the enemy and never to return home to Blighty. Such was the spirit of Dunkirk where those that could......... would.

But let us also not forget the sacrifices made by those who stayed on as rear guard to defend others and died doing so, so that their comrades' in arms may return to Britain to carry on the fight.

Regards
Nigel.

[Tomliner]

I'm hoping to see it at the cinema next week if it's still showing.As you say Toby the modern cinematic experience is awesome.
Nigel, some years ago a friend of mine Chris took one of those battlefield tours to Normandy and fortunately we had a very knowledgeable guide. Chris's dad Syd was one of those soldiers tasked with staying back to hold the Germans at bay while the army was evacuated and naturally knew that they were expendable. As it happened he was eventually shipped back and then four years later on D day landed along with the Canadians back in France. He survived the war but has since died.
What brave men they were. Wonder what they would make of the world now.EricT

[nigelb]

I am really looking forward to seeing Dunkirk. I also agree with Tony's and Nigel's remarks about the sacrifices by both military and civilians during WWII. It will be interesting to see how the Colonials here react to the film. I already have heard a discussion on a radio show that leads me to believe many Americans are rather in the dark regarding Dunkirk. One question posed was "Are there any Americans in the movie?" Reminds me of my son-in-law who constantly claims "we saved your rear ends" No, I tell him, the Battle of Britain was long over by the time you lot decided to get off your rear ends and act!

Nigel²

[Nigel H-J]

Hi Eric, that battlefield tour you went on sounded really good, if I were younger and more mobile I would go.

An interesting article here about the film Fact v Fiction.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/201 ... nkirk.html

Regards
Nigel.

[Tomliner]

About a week ago I received an email which quoted part of an article in USA Today saying ' Dunkirk is a great movie but there aren't enough women or people of color in it'.
I thought it must be a wind up but I'm not so sure. EricT

[Nigel H-J]

From the link I posted it did mention that there were four companies of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps on those beaches about a few hundred of them.

Regards
Nigel.

[FlyTexas]

About a week ago I received an email which quoted part of an article in USA Today saying ' Dunkirk is a great movie but there aren't enough women or people of color in it'.
I thought it must be a wind up but I'm not so sure. EricT

That sounds like something our press would say. Here's the quote from the article...
"The trio of timelines can be jarring as you figure out how they all fit, and the fact that there are only a couple of women and no lead actors of color may rub some the wrong way. Still, Nolan’s feat is undeniable: He’s made an immersive war movie that celebrates the good of mankind while also making it clear that no victory is without sacrifice."

And here's the article in its entirety...
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/mov ... 482574001/

Brian

[robbie]

I would like to see the new movie but we don't have any cinema's where I live lol, anyway I don't think they can better the original 1958 "Dunkirk", one of my favorite films along with "The cruel sea"
I've been to Normandy and spent a full day looking around the St Nazare u boat pens, would really like to see Dunkirk but I doubt I'll manage that now

[airboatr]

Yeah "Mr White" complained the movie was too "white".

How dare he have a racist name like that.