10 Ways 2017 Movies Definitely Made Us Dumber

In bringing one of the most famous events in WWII history to the big screen, Christopher Nolan was faced with the unenviable task of making it as accurate as possible lest he incur the wrath of rivet counters and know-it-all military fanatics. While Dunkirk succeeds on some levels – notably its accurate portrayal of the mounting tension and fear experienced by soldiers during the evacuation – on others it does not pass the historical accuracy litmus test at all.

One of Dunkirk’s most glaring omissions is its lack of French soldiers, bar a couple of scenes in which they sarcastically wish evacuating Brits ‘bon voyage’ as they man the last line of defence before the beaches or a French soldier disguises himself as British to get on a boat. Neither of which are particularly positive portrayals of the French troops’ involvement.

In fact, watching Dunkirk you’d think the evacuation was an entirely British endeavour – all chin up old chap and stiff upper lips as the English save the day. But in reality, the French troops were instrumental in delaying the advance of German soldiers that allowed so many Brits to escape.

And don’t even start on the near total lack of non-white French fighters from its various colonies or the complete absence of any Royal Indian Army Service Corps soldiers.