Dunkerque

The story of the famous evacuation of British forces from the beaches of Dunkirk in May/June 1940. Seen through the eyes of a squad of infantrymen, and their leader, Corporal Binns, in particular, as well as civilians who helped evacuate the soldiers. Also covers the high-level decisions as well as the individual sacrifices that were made.

History will record the Battle of Dunkirk as a British/Allied defeat, as the Germans ultimately captured the pocket and inflicted over 60,000 casualties on the Allies. However, over 300,000 Allied troops escaped, living to fight another day. This, and the method to evacuate them - the large scale use of civilian craft of all shapes and sizes, bolstered British morale and ultimately kept Britain in the war.

The inspirational nature of the event is captured well in this movie, as are the actions during and leading up to it. Quite gritty in showing the bravery involved, sacrifices made and against-the- odds nature of the event.

Good performances by the main actors - John Mills as Corporal Binns and Richard Attenborough as John Holden. Supporting cast are a mixed bag, varying from solid to serious over-acting.

Overall, a great depiction of a momentous event.

See it – A surprisingly great war film, this movie tells two different stories. One is about a group of British soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, desperately trying to make their way to the French coast. Meanwhile, on the other side of the channel, English civilians bravely prepare to help with the mass evacuation at Dunkirk. Near the end, the two stories converge "Tarantino style." There aren't many household names in this one. Richard Attenborough headlines a cast of British actors that have recognizable faces but are relatively unknown to Americans. There is quite a bit of combat in the middle stage of the film as the British soldiers dart from hedge to farmhouse to avoid capture by the Jerries. The pace of the movie slows toward the end, but this is a historically accurate and memorable retelling of real heroes who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. 3 out of 5 action rating.

I've just watched the Christopher Nolan 2017 'Dunkirk' and that offering is mediocre at best, you feel very little for the characters, nor are you told much back story.

Mr Nolan's version is not a patch on this 1958 classic where you really get a feel for the scale and depth of the military disaster and miracle evacuation

Many war films made shortly after the war, have a gritty depth & realism.

Many of the actors had been participants, they could march, salute, handle the weapons and wear a beret correctly. Because many had done it for real.

Also a lot of original aircraft/ships/vehicles were still available to use. So in many respects the old war films have an authenticity difficult to match today. (As illustrated by the 2017 mediocre film 'Dunkirk')

This follows corporal 'cor blimey' john Mills as he and his small section are separated from their unit. Their attempts to try and rejoin their unit through the chaos of the retreat to Dunkirk.

It also follows the civilians helping in the 'little ships' and the operation to save the British/French armies stranded at Dunkirk.

It is an epic tale and over the years I have watched it several times. A Sunday afternoon classic epic tale of heroism in a total disaster that nearly meant annihilation. Without the evacuation by 'the little ships' it surely would have meant Hitler conquering all of Europe

8/10

Dunkirk is one of the best war movies I have ever seen. It was nice to see Sir John Mills in one of his best if not-THE best roles he ever was in. The makers of this fine film did a most excellent job in portraying as accurately as possible; the terrible events that made up Dunkirk.

The cast was excellent and I am of the opinion that Leonard Maltin (a film critic) really does not know what he is talking about--especially when it comes to this fantastic classic movie. The cast was also superb.

This movie centers around the events that made up Dunkirk and was very accurately portrayed. It was because of this film that one learns that Mr. Lightholler (of Titanic fame) risked his own neck and boat in order to make that trip across the English Channel and to help out in the evacuation of British and French Soldiers; off Dunkirk Beach.

Somebody PLEASE release this film on DVD. I have not had the pleasure of seeing this film in many years and would sure love to see it again.

Dunkirk is one of the best war movies ever made.

John Mills puts in a great performance as Tubby Binns, as does Bernard Lee as private boat owner "doing his bit" for the country. I thought some of the best scenes were around the battle with the artillery battery in the woods. Some good special effects and totally believable scenes. The futility of war is also shown to good effect when the Stukas arrive and bomb the battery.

One thing that really amazed me, was the inclusion of a "real" German halftrack during the scene where the bridge was being demolished. For a '50's war movie this is a special treat, much better than seeing the usual American halftracks with big crosses on their sides.

All in all, one of my favourite war movies, one that somehow captures the ambiance of those terrible times.