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Characters Characters

All the characters are fictional

Not historic

While the characters are fictional, the film draws inspiration from real accounts of bravery and self-sacrifice during the evacuation.

Story Story

The main storylines are fictional

Not historic

The three main storylines, on land, air and sea, are fictional.

The evacuation of Dunkirk

True

The film depicts the historical event of the Dunkirk evacuation, where hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers were trapped by German forces.

The Mole

Good depiction

The film accurately portrays the use of the East Mole as a makeshift pier for the evacuation, crucial for embarking troops onto larger vessels.

Civilian boats

True

The film highlights the significant role of civilian boats, requisitioned or volunteered, in ferrying soldiers from the beaches to larger ships.

Aerial combat

Good depiction

The aerial battles between the RAF and Luftwaffe are realistically depicted, showcasing the desperate struggle for air superiority.

Setting Setting

Stuka attacks

Good depiction

The film accurately portrays the terrifying attacks by German Stuka dive bombers, known for their sirens and precision bombing.

Sinking of ships

True

The film shows the sinking of various ships, including destroyers and civilian vessels, highlighting the dangers faced during the evacuation.

Stranded soldiers on the beach

True

The film captures the desperate situation of soldiers stranded on the beach, facing constant air attacks and the threat of capture.

The role of the French army

Unfortunate omission

The film largely overlooks the contribution of the French army in defending Dunkirk and allowing for the evacuation.

The scale of the evacuation

Good depiction

The film effectively conveys the massive scale of the operation, with thousands of soldiers awaiting rescue and hundreds of ships involved.

The emotional impact

Good depiction

The film effectively captures the fear, desperation, and resilience of the soldiers and civilians involved in the Dunkirk evacuation.