Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk tops poll of UK’s favourite second world war films

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"Dunkirk Voted UK’s Favorite World War II Film in Recent Poll"

Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk tops poll of UK’s favourite second world war films analysis cover image The Guardian 8.4
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/10/christopher-nolans-dunkirk-tops-poll-of-uks-favourite-second-world-war-films
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TruthLens AI Summary

Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk has emerged as the UK's favorite World War II film, according to a recent poll conducted by Deltapoll for the War Movie Theatre podcast. The film stands out for its gripping portrayal of the 1940 evacuation of over 330,000 Allied troops from the French coast, featuring a cast that includes Harry Styles, Cillian Murphy, and Barry Keoghan. Dunkirk's victory in the poll comes at the expense of other acclaimed classics such as The Dam Busters and The Bridge on the River Kwai, which were also considered favorites among film enthusiasts. Following Dunkirk, Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1998, secured the second position, while The Great Escape from 1963 claimed third place. The top five was rounded out by The Dam Busters and Battle of Britain, both of which have remained staples in the genre of war films.

The poll highlights the enduring appeal of both modern and classic war films, showcasing a blend of narratives that capture heroism, moral dilemmas, and adventure. Journalist Robert Hutton, who co-hosts the War Movie Theatre podcast, noted the significance of war stories in cinema, emphasizing their ability to convey human drama alongside action. He remarked on Dunkirk's success as a reflection of its critical acclaim and popularity over the past decade. Hutton expressed a sense of nostalgia for the classic war films of the 1950s and 60s, lamenting the absence of certain iconic titles from the list. The final tally of the top ten films includes not only Dunkirk and Saving Private Ryan but also other notable entries such as The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, and Schindler's List, highlighting a rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling set against the backdrop of World War II.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article examines the results of a poll that revealed Christopher Nolan's film "Dunkirk" as the UK's favorite World War II film. The selection of films in the top rankings reflects a blend of modern cinema and classic war movies, indicating a cultural appreciation for storytelling surrounding historical conflicts.

Cultural Significance of War Films

The choice of "Dunkirk" as the top film highlights its impact within contemporary cinema, particularly in how it resonates with audiences today. This success may also suggest a nostalgia for the heroism and moral complexities often portrayed in war films, as noted by Robert Hutton, co-host of the War Movie Theatre podcast. The comments made by Hutton about the enduring nature of war stories in cinema reveal a broader cultural narrative—how societies use film to process history and commemorate past events.

Comparison with Other Films

The ranking of films such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Great Escape" alongside "Dunkirk" suggests a mix of both modern and classic cinematic achievements. While "Dunkirk" represents a recent interpretation of wartime experiences, films like "The Dam Busters" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai" hold significant cultural weight and nostalgia for older generations. This juxtaposition may foster conversations about how war films have evolved over the decades.

Public Sentiment and Perception

The poll results itself serve to gauge public sentiment towards World War II films, indicating a strong preference for narratives that capture the drama and humanity of war. The fact that half of the top ten films are from the 1950s and 1960s suggests that audiences have not only a fondness for these classics but also a recognition of their storytelling prowess. Such preferences may reflect a desire to connect with historical narratives that resonate with personal or national identity.

Potential Broader Implications

This focus on war films and their rankings could have implications for the film industry, influencing future productions and the types of stories that are told. As audiences engage with these films, it may shape how new narratives are developed, particularly those focusing on historical events.

Economic and Political Context

While the article does not directly address economic or political ramifications, the popularity of films like "Dunkirk" could reflect a societal fascination with themes of resilience and unity in the face of adversity, which may resonate in current political climates. The film industry often mirrors societal concerns, and the success of these films may be indicative of a public craving for narratives that offer hope.

Manipulative Elements

The article does not appear overtly manipulative; however, it does emphasize the cultural significance attributed to war films, potentially steering public sentiment towards a romanticized view of history. The language used is celebratory, focusing on the positive aspects of storytelling within the context of war, which may gloss over the more complex and painful truths of such events.

The reliability of the article is fairly strong, as it presents data from a poll conducted by Deltapoll and includes insights from a knowledgeable commentator in the field. While it aims to celebrate cinematic achievements, it also encourages a thoughtful reflection on the narratives that shape public understanding of history.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/10/christopher-nolans-dunkirk-tops-poll-of-uks-favourite-second-world-war-films

Christopher Nolan’sDunkirkhas been voted the UK’s favourite second world war film, beating classics such as The Dam Busters and The Bridge on the River Kwai.

The 2017 film, starring Harry Styles,Cillian Murphyand Barry Keoghan, portrays the 1940 evacuation of more than 330,000 Allied troops from the French coast.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) placed second, followed by The Great Escape (1963) in third, with The Dam Busters (1955) and Battle of Britain (1969) completing the top five.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Saving Private Ryan follows a specialUS detachment searching for a missing soldierafter the Normandy invasion. The Great Escape tells the story of a group of Allied prisoners attempt to escape a Nazi camp.

The poll, conducted by Deltapoll for the War Movie Theatre podcast, pitted modern war films against older movies, considered classic by many fans. Other entries in the top 10 included The Longest Day, A Bridge Too Far, Pearl Harbor and Schindler’s List.

The journalist and author Robert Hutton, co-host of the War Movie Theatre podcast with fellow journalist Duncan Weldon, said: “Cinema has always been looking for great stories, and war provides everything, heroism, moral conflict, adventure, romance.

“Even as the second world war was being fought, it was inspiring some of the greatest films of the last century, such as In Which We Serve or Went the Day Well?, which deliver moments of human drama and comedy as well as action.

“Afterwards, it became a way for us to tell ourselves stories about what had happened, and then a generation later, with Saving Private Ryan, it became a way to commemorate.”

OnDunkirktopping the list, Hutton said: “It’s not surprising that Dunkirk is top of the list, it’s the most successful war movie of the last decade. But it’s noteworthy that half the list is from the golden era of war movies in the 50s and 60s. Four of them were made within eight years of each other.

“I’m a little sad that John Mills, who seemed to be permanently in uniform on Sunday afternoon TV in my childhood, doesn’t get a film in this list.

“And I’d have liked to see at least one of the great Alistair MacLean commando movies, Where Eagles Dare or The Guns of Navarone, in there. But mainly I’m appalled to see Pearl Harbor on the list, which ought to be a war crime.”

The full top 10 list, according to the War Movie Theatre podcast poll, was as follows:

Dunkirk (2017)

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

The Great Escape (1963)

The Dam Busters (1955)

Battle of Britain (1969)

The Longest Day (1962)

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Schindler’s List (1993)

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

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Source: The Guardian