Having watched the new, dreadful Dunkirk last night, I feel compelled to write a review for the "old" Dunkirk, which is one of my favourite war movies.
I must admit though, having watched this film many times, I do feel compelled to fast forward through a lot of the civilian bits. These parts haven't aged well, and tend to drag on the overall story.
However, the story of the army section, cut off from its main unit, and trying desperately to get to the coast, is thrilling and classic story telling. The action is as good as any modern day CGI, with John Mills actually burning his eyebrows off (not sure how to spell singing as in pronounced sinjing) in the scene with him trying to rescue the man from the burning vehicle.
The killing of the sentry, although showing no gore, exhibits great film making to make it every bit as ghastly. Again, modern day directors should take note - implied violence can be just as good, if not better, than gratuitous violence shown on screen.
The little ships mobilising is done extremely well, and this movie, unlike its modern day counterpart, makes sure the viewer gets to know the back story, and shows an epic effort to evacuate the soldiers.
Just like The Cruel Sea, and Carve Her Name With Fame, this is brilliant story telling, at times, making you feel like you are watching a little bit of history unfold.
I must admit though, having watched this film many times, I do feel compelled to fast forward through a lot of the civilian bits. These parts haven't aged well, and tend to drag on the overall story.
However, the story of the army section, cut off from its main unit, and trying desperately to get to the coast, is thrilling and classic story telling. The action is as good as any modern day CGI, with John Mills actually burning his eyebrows off (not sure how to spell singing as in pronounced sinjing) in the scene with him trying to rescue the man from the burning vehicle.
The killing of the sentry, although showing no gore, exhibits great film making to make it every bit as ghastly. Again, modern day directors should take note - implied violence can be just as good, if not better, than gratuitous violence shown on screen.
The little ships mobilising is done extremely well, and this movie, unlike its modern day counterpart, makes sure the viewer gets to know the back story, and shows an epic effort to evacuate the soldiers.
Just like The Cruel Sea, and Carve Her Name With Fame, this is brilliant story telling, at times, making you feel like you are watching a little bit of history unfold.