Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Why Your Teenager Should See Dunkirk

Last week I took my teenager to see Dunkirk. My husband and I wanted to see it and I asked if he wanted to join. He agreed.

"It's non-fiction, right?" he asked. "World War 2?"

I nodded.

"Lots of people died," Tommy continued matter-of-factly.

I nodded again. My throat squeezed. My Grandpa fought in World War 2. I think of him whenever I see World War 2 movies. I think of all my family members who selflessly fought in the war so we could have freedom today.

Tommy typed something into his laptop. "Did you know that the director of Dunkirk also directed the Batman films?"

Tommy has autism, so his subject matter changes quickly.





When we got to the movie theater, Tommy whispered to me, "Did you know the director of Dunkirk also directed the Batman films?"

"Yes," I answered.

He repeats stuff often.

The movie is well-made. I hate to say it was fantastic, because, well, it's based on a true story and many people lost their lives. I can't really spoil anything because if you Google Dunkirk, you'll see what happened. But you'll leave the theater feeling satisfied and appreciative. I think it is important that teenagers see this movie. And here's why.





1. They'll learn history. So many don't know much about it. Or they'll roll their eyes and claim history is boring. Well, history is what made our country what it is today, so everyone should appreciate it. I'm glad my kids love history and enjoy learning what happened "back in the day."




2. It gets them away from the electronics. My son probably spends too much time on his video games. So anytime I can pull him away is a good thing.


3. It's quality family time! Instead of watching some fluff movie, your teenager will watch an educational movie.



4. There isn't a lot of blood. I know some parents are wary letting their kids see a movie with lots of blood, even though that's war, unfortunately. But this movie was made in a tasteful way. It's not like Saving Private Ryan. I still have haunting images of that movie. But I'm not one of those parents who won't let my kids see violent films. If they can stomach it, they're welcome to watch.



5. It'll help them appreciate our soldiers.
My kids already do because their Daddy is in the Air Force. Their grandfathers were in the military as well. But sometimes people view soldiers as killing machines with no heart. They aren't. They fight for their country. They'll give their LIVES for their country. They work long hours for little pay. They go towards danger while others run away from it.




My teenager said the movie was "good" and he was proud of the soldiers. "I'm not sure if I could do it," he admitted.

Not a lot of people could.


Even if you don't have a teenager, I still recommend this film.

Have you seen Dunkirk yet? Have you watched other war films? I've seen most of them because of my husband. Naturally.


33 comments:

  1. Id totally watch this even without a teen. Thanks for the rec.

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  2. My son loves all things WWII and has autism. I bet he would enjoy this movie.

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  3. I had not heard of Dunkirk before reading your post. I do enjoy seeing historical movies that teach something. I will have to check it out.

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  4. What a great review. I'm glad this movie was worth seeing - I also enjoy historical movies so I will have to add this to my list!

    xo, Pri
    www.paintthetownchic.com

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  5. I've actually never seen the trailer for this movie.. but this post has definitely piqued my interest in it! Sounds like a great time

    Taiwo | www.madeinnigeria89.com

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  6. That's so great it's a big hit for Nolan. He's has some movies flop with the critics.
    Then again, I really enjoyed Interstellar though the critics didn't.

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  7. I'm always so happy when WWII movies are treated it respect and come out well (You should be SO proud of your Grandpa). I'm seeing Dunkirk this weekend with my boyfriend so I'm glad it's going to be worth it. :) Good to hear you both enjoyed it.

    Christie's Take on Life. xx

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  8. My son also has a deep love for WWII and war history. This is so interesting to me that lots of people are commenting how their boys are also fascinated with it. Not the awful stuff that happens during war.....but the tactics and such.

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  9. I am not sure I could be a solider either. How mentally strong you must need to be. I have heard so many positive things about the movie. I think raising awareness about history in a movie is great

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  10. I do enjoy history very much. I don't watch violent movies though, so I'll probably just get a summary of this true story to read.

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  11. I haven't seen the movie yet but I've met with loads of veterans over the years. Some of the boats are still in service around our coastline. I look forward to see how Hollywood treats a story I know so well.

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  12. I would probably set aside a time with my son and daughter to watch the movie. Thank you for sharing a good review of the movie.

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  13. My friend watched it over the weekend and he loved it. I heard great reviews and how it tells a great story of our history.

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  14. Hi Amber! Thanks for the great idea. My kids are adults (who live at home), however, I think this is a movie that we can learn from together. Thank you.

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  15. I can't wait to see this movie, I too, have family members who fought in this war. I'm so glad you liked it, that makes me run out today to go see it.

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  16. I've heard amazing things about this film. I need to see it.

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  17. Its so important for kids to know the history & applaud the soldiers who laid down their lives. Great that you took him to watch this movie.

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  18. This movie sounds interesting. The last war movie I watched and liked is the Pearl Harbour. I'll consider this movie :)

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  19. Appreciating what soldiers sacrifice is number one on my list. It's hard for kids to grasp reality sometimes if they don't experience it in some way.

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  20. I will have to see if my Son wants to see Dunkirk. He loves movies about our history.

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  21. I'm so glad you enjoyed the film! Learning history from films is for sure the most fun way tor teens and not only teens to learn!

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  22. I have heard a lot of good things about this movie, even that it is a favorite for next year's Oscars.

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  23. I recently watched Dunkirk,I strongly support your "It gets them away from the electronics" statement as kids are inclined more towards gadget..which can indirectly effect their health.

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  25. Very true indeed, we need to encourage our teenagers to watch more of these kind of movies that teach valuable lessons. It will go along way in helping the society as a whole.

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  26. Haha that's pretty cool - never heard about it before but I love how you listed the reasons. i def think these days we should get some social media detox starting with the kids

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  27. I completely agree with the reasoning you are giving. I think in today's kids are going away from the things we loved in our age. We knew the history because of GK, because of education, because of conversations in our family/friends. Today's kids are required to know about technology and if they don't then they feel left out. Watching Dunkirk will give them knowledge of history and will give them a reason to appreciate our troops. And will increase interest about related events. I am going this weekend with my teenager to have some good quality family time and other reasons.

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  28. I haven't seen it yet. I'm glad to hear there isn't a lot of blood. Good to know when considering taking kids.

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  29. I heard that Harry in Dunkirk is brilliant which surprises me but I am pleased. Such a sensitive subject matter requires talented actors and I am glad your teen enjoyed it! x

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  30. Dunkirk is for sure on my list. Will try to see it this weekend!

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  31. I've never heard of dunkirk before. Is it in regular theatres?

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  32. I haven't seen it, but I want to keep it in mind for both kids. I have always had a particular interest in WWII just from having grandparents on all sides involved in it - whether escaping Jewish Poland, or fighting. I even took a bunch of college courses on WWII.

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  33. I've not seen Dunkirk yet but I have heard many good reviews, I'll probably catch it as soon as it's on download.

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Thanks for the comment!

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