DUNKIRK

DUNKIRK:  Director Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece, an intimate epic that will most likely be an Oscar nomination as Best Picture of the year, even though that ceremony is a good eight months away. I can't imagine that many films to come will live up to this standard of riveting storytelling. By May, 1940, Germany had advanced into France leaving Allied forces stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk praying for a miracle.   This is the heroic story of how they were rescued against all odds. With a stellar cast including Mark Rylance, Kennerh Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy and the British rock star Harry Styles (from the boy band 'One Direction'). Without exception, the performances are first rate.  If I had to categorize this movie, I would not list it as a war film but a thriller....edge of your seat stuff which is aided and abetted by a great Hans Ziimmer score (also Oscar worthy)  The music increases the tension throughout but still has sweeping beauty in certain moments.  It is grand scale and a grand film.