Film Review #045 - Dunkirk (2017)

Dunkirk (2017) is a historical epic thriller film that tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. It was written and directed by Christopher Nolan and shows the events from different perspectives - land, sea, and air.

This is my 2nd time watching this film as my local cinema offered to watch it in the original version in 70mm projection. The image of the film in 70mm was vivid and vintage, although there was an occasional flickering during the film.

The sound design in 'Dunkirk' is exceptional, reminiscent of the iconic ticking clock in Nolan's Interstellar (2014). This stood out to me the most with Hans Zimmer's score which is a masterpiece. It employs the Shepard tone, brilliantly underscoring the film's themes of fear and tension among the soldiers and the fear of the unknown. The Music and visual storytelling was emphasized a lot in this film and was pivotal. Although there was little dialogue in the movie, the dialogue per se was exceptionally well-crafted. In the cinema hall, the sound was so powerful that it made the entire room rumble, adding to the film's intensity.

What stood out for me was the cinematography, especially the blue-themed color grading and the stunning pilot scene side mount shots. The POV shots from the viewer perspective of the fighter jets were particularly immersive. The sea landscape scenes are breathtaking, captured masterfully by Nolan's cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema.

The casting is another triumph. Fionn Whitehead, portraying Tommy, along with Barry Keoghan as George and Mark Rylance in the role of Mr. Dawson, all deliver exceptional acting performances. I was surprised to see Harry Styles in the movie as he impresses the viewers with his acting chops, and Cillian Murphy showcases his versatility as an actor, delivering a haunting performance as a shell-shocked soldier.

Overall, Dunkirk (2017) is a masterclass in filmmaking, where each technical aspect contributes to a gripping narrative that immerses viewers in the midst of this significant historical event.

Rating: 9/10

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Film Review #030 - Saw X (2023)

Image
Saw X (2023) is the tenth movie in the Saw series. It is a sequel to Saw (2004) and a prequel to Saw II (2005). It was directed by Kevin Greutert and written by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Saw X (2023) marks my first full-length horror movie experience, particularly in a cinema setting. Cinematography: Cinematography was surprisingly good. It has a very unique style of camera movements while it follows the basics of camera shot techniques and mostly there were medium shots and closeup shots. I like the cinematic approach when there is a full shot and camera is going backwards slowly and other scenes forwards. I've never seen this before in the movies. The use of two distinct color palettes was notable, although I found the vibrant colors in the Mexico scene to be somewhat overdone. Locations and Setting: The chosen locations added to the film's stunning visual appeal, enhancing the horror atmosphere. I loved it. Survival Scenes: As a first-time horror viewer, the mor...
Read more

Film Review #70 - The Kill Room (2023)

Image
The Positives: The cinematography truly stands out, employing a mix of medium, long, and over-the-shoulder shots that bring a fresh perspective to each scene. The editing is top-notch, seamlessly keeping pace with the unfolding story. I was particularly impressed by the wide-angle lens shots, adding a unique visual flair. It's always a treat to see Samuel Jackson on screen, and his presence in this film did not disappoint. Uma Thurman's performance, who is known for appearing in Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, was another highlight. The modern costume design deserves recognition as it brilliantly reflects the world of art-buying and selling. The Mixed: Although the film has its strengths, I had mixed feelings about its impact. The plot, while straightforward, and the exceptional acting, particularly Samuel Jackson's standout portrayal of Baker, couldn't completely lift the film above its comedic and clever surface. The film's humor was enjoyable and the absence of clichés ...
Read more

Film Review #67 - Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Image
First Impression: From the start, I must say, I love the characters (also the new ones) in Kung Fu Panda 3. They retain the charm that captured our hearts in the initial movie. It feels like reuniting with old friends, and music and sound design is crucial in evoking that sentiment. It's great, capturing the essence of "Kung Fu Panda 1". The Positives The music is just as captivating as before, reflecting the same quality as we saw in "Kung Fu Panda 1". However, the story is where "Kung Fu Panda 3" truly stands out for me. It seems more refined than the previous KFP 2, incorporating emotional depth and unexpected elements into a visually impressive display. The storyline’s focus on Po’s family issues, rather than just the action, is both profound and emotionally charged, greatly enhanced by Hans Zimmer’s touching music. The Mixed When it comes to visuals, there was a slight hiccup at first with the animation appearing less impressive than the colorful ...
Read more