Film: “Dunkirk” (2017). Directed by Christopher Nolan

To call "Dunkirk"'spectacular is an understatement.

The story of the evacuation of 300,000 Allied soldiers from France in May 1940 by a fleet of pleasure boats from the U.K. is a legend in itself; Christopher Nolan's gorgeous (and sloooow-moving) interpretation smacks it right upside your head.

The film's genius is telling the story through the eyes of three different participants: (1) the young soldier (Fionn Whitehead); 2) an RAF pilot (Tom Hardy) and (3) one of the rescuers, played with uncharacteristic restraint by Mark Rylance. Kenneth Branagh is also on hand playing a British officer, along with Harry Stiles from OneDirection. A 40s bomber crew, literally.

DP is Hoyte van Hoytema (interstellar) and his color palette reminds me of the gorgeous, innocent '50s home movies my father used to shoot. Be advised and forewarned: much of the film is unbelievably graphic--oceans on fires, capsized battleships, drownings, the works. Some of the scenes are even bloodier than the opening of "Saving Private Ryan." But those who do not remember history (or know it) often find their way into the Oval Office--with disastrous effects. Your finest hour(s) this week. (Monday)