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Dunkirk
Movie

Dunkirk

2017 • Action, Drama, History

Woke Score
1
out of 10

Plot

May/June 1940. Four hundred thousand British and French soldiers are hole up in the French port town of Dunkirk. The only way out is via sea, and the Germans have air superiority, bombing the British soldiers and ships without much opposition. The situation looks dire and, in desperation, Britain sends civilian boats in addition to its hard-pressed Navy to try to evacuate the beleaguered forces. This is that story, seen through the eyes of a soldier amongst those trapped forces, two Royal Air Force fighter pilots, and a group of civilians on their boat, part of the evacuation fleet.

Overall Series Review

Dunkirk is a relentlessly focused, immersive war epic centered on the survival of trapped British and Allied forces. The film's narrative prioritizes the overwhelming tension and chaotic reality of the evacuation, utilizing a three-part timeline structure to emphasize the communal effort over individual character development. The story is a straightforward account of duty, courage, and desperation among soldiers and the civilian mariners who risked their lives for the rescue. The film is devoid of contemporary social or political commentary, sticking closely to the historical scope of the events, which involved a predominantly white, male military force and their rescuers. The focus remains on the universal human themes of fear, solidarity, and the will to survive, concluding with an unambiguous celebration of British national resolve and the 'Dunkirk spirit.'

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The casting is overwhelmingly white and male, reflecting the historical composition of the British Expeditionary Force on the beach in 1940. The plot is focused entirely on the existential struggle for survival and professional duty, not on identity or immutable characteristics. Character actions define their moral worth, embodying the principle of universal meritocracy.

Oikophobia1/10

The entire film is a celebration of British national character, resolve, and heritage, concluding with the reading of Winston Churchill's famous speech. The cinematography is steeped in nationalistic imagery, such as the view toward the White Cliffs of Dover. Institutions like the nation and military duty are treated as noble forces, not sources of corruption or shame.

Feminism1/10

The main cast is exclusively male, which is historically authentic for the front-line soldiers, pilots, and civilian boat captains depicted. Women are only seen briefly as anonymous nurses on rescue ships, performing complementary and vital roles without being shoehorned into 'Girl Boss' or Mary Sue archetypes. Masculinity is portrayed as protective and dutiful, even when showing the men in a state of terror and vulnerability. There is no anti-natal or anti-family messaging.

LGBTQ+1/10

The film contains no LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative strictly adheres to the historical and military context of the event, focusing exclusively on the dynamics of life and death on the battlefield. Sexuality is private and not a factor in the plot or character definitions, aligning with a normative structure.

Anti-Theism2/10

There is no overt hostility toward religion or Christianity. The story's ultimate success, the 'Miracle of Dunkirk,' is framed as a triumph of human solidarity and tenacity. While the film avoids overt appeals to a divine power, instead favoring a humanist focus on collective action, it acknowledges a clear, objective moral truth where self-sacrifice and courage are transcendent virtues. It does not contain Christian characters as bigots or portray faith as evil.