SummaryDunkirk opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. [Warner Bros.]
Directed By:Christopher Nolan
Written By:Christopher Nolan
Dunkirk
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
94
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.2
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Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
98% Positive
52 Reviews
52 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
2% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Jul 22, 2017
100
Although Dunkirk is not as labyrinthine as Nolan’s “Memento” (2000) or “Inception” (2010), its strike rate upon our senses is rarely in doubt, and there is a beautiful justice in watching it end, as it has to, in flames. Land, sea, air, and, finally, fire: the elements are complete, honor is salvaged, and the men who were lost scrape home.
Jul 18, 2017
100
It’s one of the best war films ever made, distinct in its look, in its approach and in the effect it has on viewers. There are movies — they are rare — that lift you out of your present circumstances and immerse you so fully in another experience that you watch in a state of jaw-dropped awe. Dunkirk is that kind of movie.
User score
Universal Acclaim
84% Positive
2968 Ratings
2968 Ratings
9% Mixed
326 Ratings
326 Ratings
6% Negative
223 Ratings
223 Ratings
Oct 16, 2025
10
Greetings from Lithuania.
First of all - "Dunkirk" (2017) is not the best war film ever made in my opinion. By far. I don't think that there ever will be a better war movies then "Apocalypse Now" (1979) or even "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Platoon" (1986) or "The Thin Red Line" (1998). It is not even the best Christopher Nolan movie at the moment (the crown goes to "Interstellar (2014)). That said, "Dunkirk" is something absolutely unique, stunning, kinda mesmerizing movie going experience. It is not perfect, sometimes even a bit confusing (because of the time lines, but its not "overdone") movie, but the one which absolutely has to be seen in a movie theater.
The best thing about "Dunkirk" is the craftsmanship and the biggest star of "Dunkirk" is without a doubt Christopher Nolan. The script in here is not a great one, and like i said i was a bit confused at some moments, but the storytelling here is so powerful itself that it tells everything. Music is simply astonishing. Hans Zimmer (again) does something absolutely unique with Nolan movie - it transcendence the whole experience. Cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema is a masterpiece. Sound design and sound mixing are so good, so sharp that it adds more to this movie then just a sound - it makes you kinda grab your seat. So here are the 4 Oscar nominations for sure - best director, music, cinematography (probably a winner) and sounds (sure winners). Acting was good given the roles, but nothing very memorable except for a great Mark Rylance and Fionn Whitehead which i really liked in this role.
Overall, "Dunkirk" is not a bloody or gore war movie. Its "horror" is terror. The situation itself and how it is presented in this movie made me think couple of times about the war that this is a true terror. This is not an "easy" movie going experience because you have to pay attention during a whole movie and it doesn't have sharp characters to which you can relate - its about a situation at the moment - right here right now. There are "time line" sections / intersections that makes you think about what you are seeing. And it is done so unique, so ambitious that i probably haven't witnessed this kinda movie before. "Dunkirk" is not a mainstream "war movie", basically it is a thriller set in a WW2. But its crafted so uniquely that it can not be missed. A sure classic, if not for everyone.
Sep 28, 2025
10
A legendary spectacle in the making, this is quite possibly the most daringly innovative and unconventional war film made about a pivotal historic moment by quite possibly the most impactful director of the 21st century. Stunningly edited, decently acted with some of the production design work I've ever seen. And the way the plot unfolds... it stole my breath away.
Jul 17, 2017
100
There may be money on the screen, but cash alone can’t guarantee this kind of pulsating, cinematic magic, delivered by a director at the height of his powers, mustering the very best at their craft.
Jul 17, 2017
100
This is a powerful, superbly crafted film with a story to tell, avoiding war porn in favour of something desolate and apocalyptic, a beachscape of shame, littered with soldiers zombified with defeat, a grimly male world with hardly any women on screen. It is Nolan’s best film so far.
Jul 17, 2017
90
Dunkirk wants us to sense what made this moment so pivotal without reducing it to an individual tale. And at that, it succeeds richly.
Jul 17, 2017
80
The action is the attraction. If that means some of the film feels a little distant and chilly, it’s in the admirable service of avoiding simplistic drama or easy sentiment.
Jul 19, 2017
38
In devoting so much time to the dull, counterproductive mechanics of the action assembly, Dunkirk dispenses with nearly all other elements of drama.
Jun 30, 2025
10
Right next to "Saving James" in the Hall of Fame of the best anti war movies of the last 50 years, i would mean. Whether 100% authentic or not. Doesn´t matter here, cause drama and emotion beats it. I especially like the kind of quick and straight progress which generates and undertow and atmosphere till the last credit of the film is running over the screen. 10/10
Mar 25, 2024
6
Ce film est long pour pas grand chose :
il raconte l'histoire d'un retrait des troupe anglaises des plages de dunkirk (2 heures trop longue pour moi )
Néanmoins la réalisation est exeptionnel
Mar 17, 2022
6
you losers only watched it because harry styles is in it but the movie itself wasnt 10/10 worthy maybe like 7/10 at most
Aug 31, 2018
3
A film that has nothing to say about the events of Dunkirk, war in general, or the people affected by it. The time-shifting device is needlessly confusing, and serves no narrative purpose but to give you something to think about, since the story and characters won't.
May 25, 2018
3
I have never been a fan of war films. If the plot is good enough, I would still give it a go. This film took itself too seriously. It feels like a historical book. No notable interesting characters. I could not get into this. Sorry.
Production Company:
- Warner Bros.
- Syncopy
- Dombey Street Productions
- Kaap Holland Film
- Canal+
- Ciné+
- RatPac-Dune Entertainment
Release Date:Jul 21, 2017
Duration:1 h 46 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:At the point of crisis, at the point of annihilation, survival is victory.
Website:
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 3 Wins & 8 Nominations
Golden Globes, USA
• 3 Nominations
Satellite Awards
• 1 Win & 11 Nominations
