Dunkirk Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, and More
by Janani | Updated Jul 22, 2023
Dunkirk
"Dunkirk" is a 2017 historical war thriller film directed, written, and produced by Christopher Nolan, centered around the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II from different perspectives - land, sea, and air. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles in his film debut, Aneurin Barnard, James D'Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy.
Nolan aimed to create suspense primarily through cinematography and music rather than heavy dialogue. Filming took place in Dunkirk and Los Angeles from May to September 2016, utilizing IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film stock, along with numerous practical effects. The production included thousands of extras, historic boats from the evacuation, and period airplanes.
The movie premiered on July 13, 2017, in London and was subsequently released in the UK and US on July 21. "Dunkirk" proved to be a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing World War II film with a worldwide earning of $527 million. It received critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, editing, musical score, sound design, and cinematography.
Many reviewers considered it one of Nolan's best works and hailed it as one of the greatest war films ever made. The film earned eight nominations at the 90th Academy Awards, with Nolan receiving his first directing Oscar nomination. Ultimately, it won Oscars for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Film Editing.
Dunkirk Ending Explained
As the climax of Dunkirk unfolds, the male protagonist and his fellow soldiers achieve a remarkable feat by making it back to the British port safely, thanks to a civilian ship that aids in their rescue during the harrowing evacuation. With a sense of relief, they find themselves back on familiar ground, ready to continue their journey back to the garrison by train.
As they stand on the platform, weary but grateful, a touching encounter awaits them. An elderly man, standing nearby, selflessly distributes blankets to the returning soldiers. His gesture of compassion is evident, but he keeps his gaze lowered, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Among the soldiers, the protagonist, named Tommy, catches the old man's attention. Slowly and tenderly, the elderly gentleman reaches out and gently touches Tommy's face.
This poignant moment resonates deeply with Tommy, and perhaps with others who witness it. It symbolizes the profound gratitude and support that the soldiers receive from their fellow countrymen.
Despite the trauma and challenges faced during the intense evacuation, this simple act of kindness reaffirms the resilience and humanity that endure even in the darkest of times. It serves as a touching reminder of the unbreakable spirit that binds people together during moments of crisis and reflects the enduring impact of Dunkirk's heroic tale.
In the movie, Alex believes that the old man and others view them as insignificant deserters, leading him to accept the cynicism directed towards them. However, a blind man stands by the soldiers, providing support in their time of need.
As the film concludes, there is a heartwarming scene where everyone cheers joyfully for the safe return of the soldiers. While Alex had been mentally preparing for the worst and living in constant embarrassment, he is pleasantly surprised by the people's happiness and gratitude as their protectors return home safely. This renewed sense of appreciation gives the soldiers hope for the future, knowing they now stand a chance in the upcoming war.
Dunkirk Movie Cast
Here is the list of cast and character names of the Dunkirk Movie.
Cast Name
Character Name
Fionn Whitehead
Tommy
Tom Glynn-Carney
Peter Dawson
Jack Lowden
Collins (Fortis 2)
Harry Styles
Alex
Aneurin Barnard
Gibson
James D'Arcy
Colonel Winnant
Barry Keoghan
George Mills
Kenneth Branagh
Commander Bolton
Cillian Murphy
Shivering Soldier
Mark Rylance
Mr. Dawson
Tom Hardy
Farrier (Fortis 1)
Michael Caine
Fortis Leader (uncredited)
Elliott Tittensor
Highlander 2
Will Attenborough
Second Lieutenant
Dunkirk Movie Plot
During the Battle of France in 1940, Allied soldiers find themselves surrounded by German forces and retreat to the beaches of Dunkirk for evacuation. Tommy, a young British soldier, becomes the sole survivor of a German attack.
At the beach, he meets Gibson, who is burying a body, and together they encounter Alex, a Highlanders regiment soldier. Amidst Luftwaffe dive bomber attacks, they attempt to board a hospital ship but are forced off. They overhear Royal Navy Commander Bolton's plan to rescue the troops, but the ship they are on gets sunk, leaving them back at Dunkirk.
Meanwhile, in England, a civilian sailor named Dawson, with his son Peter and teenage hand George, sets out in his boat Moonstone to help with the evacuation, avoiding Navy requisition. Along the way, they rescue a shell-shocked soldier from a U-boat attack, and despite his panic, they continue their journey toward Dunkirk. However, during a scuffle, George is injured and rendered blind.
In the air, three Royal Air Force Spitfires head to Dunkirk to provide air cover for the evacuation, facing limitations due to their fuel capacity. Farrier, one of the pilots, assumes command after their leader goes missing. Despite his shattered fuel gauge, he continues his mission to protect the evacuating troops.
Back at Dunkirk, Tommy, Alex, and Gibson seek refuge in a beached trawler while waiting for the tide to rise. Gibson's true identity is revealed, and he tragically drowns while trying to escape German gunfire. Farrier, determined to help despite the odds, shoots down enemy planes and successfully aids the evacuation. However, his plane is damaged, and he ends up landing in enemy territory, choosing to prevent his aircraft from falling into their hands.
In the end, over 300,000 men are evacuated from Dunkirk. Royal Navy Commander Bolton stays to ensure the safe evacuation of the French troops. The shell-shocked soldier, now back in Weymouth, witnesses the aftermath of George's death and exchanges a meaningful glance with Mr. Dawson.
Tommy and Alex return home, where they are greeted with cheers and gifts from the public. The movie concludes with Tommy reading Churchill's address on Dunkirk, inspiring the nation to continue the fight against Germany.
Dunkirk Movie Trailer
Dunkirk Ending Explained - FAQs
Dunkirk is a 2017 historical war thriller film.
"Dunkirk" was directed, written, and produced by Christopher Nolan.
The film portrays the Dunkirk evacuation, a crucial event during World War II, from the perspectives of the land, sea, and air.
Filming for "Dunkirk" commenced in May 2016 in Dunkirk itself and concluded in September of the same year in Los Angeles for post-production.
Christopher Nolan opted for little dialogue in the film, relying instead on cinematography and music to build tension and suspense.