Students at San Luis Obispo High School can relate to the dread that comes with having to learn the history of World War II in class, but in director Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film, “Dunkirk,” he adds excitement to the historical escape of four hundred thousand British and French soldiers by civilian ships in 1940. Through amazing cinematography and special effects, Nolan brings the events of Dunkirk to life.

 “Dunkirk” follows three different perspectives instead of the traditional one, focusing on the struggles in the three different locations of the battle: land, air, and sea.

 “I thought that the way they told the story non-linearly was interesting, and the movie was pretty historically accurate,”said AP European History teacher Kate Stephens. “I also loved the way the suspenseful soundtrack kept me on the edge of my seat.”

  Nolan shows the desperate fight for survival by placing a pilot, soldier, and the captain of a civilian ship in dangerous scenarios. His main focus was on the visual and sound effects, leaving the viewer completely immersed in the story with little to no dialogue.

 “I like that the movie focused more on the cinematography and sound effects than dialogue,” said freshman Grace Byde. “The lack of dialogue really amplified the suspense for me and made me feel as if I was there.”

 The film premiered on July 13, 2017 at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, and won three out of its eight 2018 Oscar nominations. It includes up and coming actors Fionn Whitehead and Jack Lowden, and the familiar faces of actors Tom Hardy and Harry Styles.

 “Dunkirk” is the movie to watch if you’re in the need for a suspenseful film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

 Stream it today or watch it on Blu-ray and DVD.