Director: Joe Wright
Rating: 10/10

I know that there is a hyped up sex scene between the two leads Keira Knightly and James McAvoy, but that is just the mainstream media being retarded (again), and that should not be the reason to watch this movie. Saoirse Ronan, in a frighteningly effective and disturbing role, plays a jealous young girl with a crush on McAvoy. She stole every scene in the movie. The movie took place before and during the early stages of the Second World War in Europe. I can’t categorize it as a specific type of film except that it is a tragedy about guilt, with its analysis and depth on the level of Fyodor Dostoevsky.

The movie revolves around the Ronan character misinterpreting what she saw between McAvoy and Knightly because of her lack of experience and end up telling a lie that destroyed all three lives. McAvoy went to fight the Germans in World War II. Knightly desperately wanted to see her lover. Ronan became aware of the effect of her lie and became a nurse. She had a chance to make up for what she did during the war, but did nothing.

The acting is absolutely superb. The biggest surprise came from Saoirse Ronan, who proved to be a natural actor, not every 13-year-old girl can make as deep an impression as she did. Keira Knightly proved once again after “Pride and Prejudice” that she is not just gorgeous, but also a capable leading lady. James McAvoy, who should have gotten much more recognition for his role opposite Forest Whitaker in “The Last King of Scotland,” shows off his acting chops for a second straight year.

The acting, however, is not my favorite aspect of the film; it is the imagery of the evacuation of Dunkirk that had struck me. Being a World War II buff that I am, I am happy to see pictures of Dunkirk recreated to such tragic beauty rarely seen anywhere, not to mention in a movie. The series of images are so powerfully bleak they are unforgettable.

I usually leave the movie before the credit ends, but I found myself reading the entire credits in silent contemplation for a couple of films this year, and this is one of them. The movie is great, with the one flaw that it can be a little too dramatic at times, but I am willing to overlook that for all its other qualities. Watch it as soon as you get the chance, this is one of the best films in recent years.