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Dunkirk  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Dunkirk filmed?

2017

City Locations

Dorset (UK), Dunkerque (France), California (USA)

Location Types

Film Studio, Unusual, Office

Location Styles

Beachfront, Neglected, Dilapidated, French, Georgian, Shipping Yard

About Dunkirk

Dunkirk, a World War II drama brought to life by Christopher Nolan, encapsulates the essence of cinema. Released in 2017, the historical war drama was directed, co-produced, and co-written by Nolan himself. The film features an ensemble cast including Jack Lowden, Fionn Whitehead, Cillian Murphy, Tom Glynn-Carney, Harry Styles, James D'Arcy, Kenneth Branagh, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy.

Released in July 2017, the film portrays the historical Dunkirk evacuation that occurred during World War II. In May of 1940, close to 400,000 Allied troops found themselves marooned on the shores of Dunkirk in northern France, having experienced a devastating loss against the Nazi forces. When it looked certain that the approaching enemy troops would decimate them, an unexpected group of civilian boats set out to rescue them in what became known as Operation Dynamo.

The film was widely praised for its taut screenplay, direction, and extensive use of practical effects. Thousands of extras were employed alongside historically accurate boats from the evacuation period and airplanes.

Both critics and audiences hailed Dunkirk as Nolan's best work yet and one of the greatest war films ever made. It garnered numerous recognitions, including three Oscars.

Dunkirk Locations

Dunkirk was filmed across multiple locations in Europe and the US. The majority of scenes were shot primarily in the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and California. Urk in Flevoland province served as a backdrop for some scenes, while the IJsselmeer Lake was featured in a moonstone scene.

The Plage de Malo-les-Bains and La dune Dewulf Reserve Naturelle beach provided a setting for Operation Dynamo scenes. Train sequences were captured at Swanage Railway station in Dorset. Complex scenes of aerial warfare were included at the Daedalus Airfield, Lee on the Solent in Hampshire. Finally, Warner Brothers Studio allowed more intricate shots to be incorporated into the blockbuster.

Visiting any of the Dunkirk filming locations would offer an unforgettable experience for fans of the historical film. A trip to Urk would provide breathtaking views of tranquil canals and bustling harbor activity, offering an insight into Dutch culture and history.

The Plage de Malo-les-Bains is especially noteworthy, with its miles of sandy beaches providing a beautiful view and endless possibilities for exploration or relaxation. Daedalus Airfield – Lee on the Solent offers a unique insight into one of Britain's most important military sites from World War II with amenities like museums and aircraft hangars open to visitors all year round.

The soldiers notice enemy leaflets falling from the sky scene in Dunkirk

Rue des Fusillés, 59240 Dunkerque, France

English soldiers navigate the streets of Dunkirk, encountering flyers dropped by Germans in a bid to persuade them to surrender. It is in this setting that we are first introduced to Tommy (Fionn Whitehead). As the plot progresses, there's a gripping scene of Tommy fleeing. His escape from the German snipers is facilitated by a French barricade serving as his shield from the gunfire.

The scene was filmed at Rue des Fusillés, 59240 Dunkirk, France, and other nearby locations like 20 Rue Belle Rade and other streets around Dunkerque. These authentic backdrops added to the scene's intensity and made viewers feel like they were right there alongside Tommy.

If you would like to visit the Dunkirk filming location, fly into Lille Airport, which is located about an hour away by car. Take a train or bus ride to Dunkerque to explore its charming streets and alleyways before going to Rue des Fusillés or Rue Belle Rade.

The beach scenes in Dunkirk

Plage de Malo-les-Bains, Digue de Mer, 59240 Dunkerque, France

Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) successfully dodges the shots fired and arrives at the beach. The beach scene is presented as a relentless and tumultuous place, with thousands of British soldiers forming lines along the seashore in anticipation of their evacuation. Simultaneously, the bodies of hundreds of their fallen compatriots are dispersed around them.

Tommy encounters a young soldier, Gibson (Aneurin Barnard), who's in the process of burying another soldier in the sand, prompting Tommy to quickly join him in his task. It is a poignant moment that conveys both despair and hope in equal measure.

The scene was filmed at Plage de Malo-les-Bains, Digue de Mer in Dunkerque, France. It was chosen as a production location because of its authentic appearance and close proximity to the beaches used during Operation Dynamo, the real-life evacuation that occurred during World War II.

Fans now have the opportunity to visit the actual location, spend a day on the beach, and experience the chilling ambiance of both the war and the movie. Start your journey by taking a train from Paris, Gare du Nord station to Dunkerque Train Station to get to this location.

Alternatively, drive directly from Paris which will take roughly 4 hours using the A1 or A16 highway.

Commander Bolton tries saving soldiers scene in Dunkirk

Jetée de Malo, 59140 Dunkerque, France

The sequence filmed at Jetée de Malo presents the discussion between Commander Bolton (Kenneth Branagh) and Colonel Winnant of the Royal Navy (James D'Arcy) concerning the extraction of soldiers from Dunkirk. Commander Bolton and Colonel Winnant are positioned by the docks, strategizing about the rescue and secure repatriation of the troops.

They choose to employ boats for their return, yet they establish that the mole is the only practical path to the destroyers. A substantial dock is erected on the brink of the mole to record the evacuation scene, a structure that had to be perpetually reconstructed due to damage from the elements.

The location where this scene was filmed is Jetée de Malo, 59140 Dunkirk, France. It is located near Dunkerque Beach and marks the eastern end of its historic port. This beach extends for several tens of kilometers to Newport in Belgium, creating a stunning landscape that perfectly matches the intense atmosphere depicted in the scene.

To get to Jetée de Malo take a tourist bus from Amsterdam or train from other cities and towns in France or Belgium to Dunkirk. Once there, walk to la Plage Malo-les-Bains, which will lead you directly to Jetée de Malo.

Mr. Dawson takes his ship with Peter and George to help soldiers scene in Dunkirk

Weymouth Harbour, 13 Custom House Quay, Weymouth DT4 8BG, UK

In a bid to rescue the trapped soldiers at Dunkirk, the Royal Navy starts commandeering private boats. Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), a seafarer, decides to pilot his ship together with his teenage son Peter (Tom Glyne-Carney) instead of letting navy officers take control. They are joined by their youthful assistant, George (Barry Keoghan), who convinces Mr. Dawson that he can contribute significantly to their mission.

The Weymouth Harbour, which is known for its iconic views across the Jurassic Coast and out to sea, provided a setting for the scene. Visitors can explore the picturesque Old Harbour and enjoy a wonderful golden sandy beach that is perfect for swimming or taking a stroll along its length. The best views across the harbor and onto Jurassic Coast are provided from the sky, aboard a flight on Jurassic Skyline.

Weymouth Harbour is accessible by car or public transport. It’s conveniently located just off the A35 or M3 coast road, and via train, get off at Weymouth Station before taking a short walk down to the harbor.

Farrier lands his plane scene in Dunkirk

Digue du Braek, 59140 Dunkerque, France

The scene depicts Farrier (Tom Hardy), a British Royal Air Force pilot, landing his plane after taking out a German bomber before it can destroy the mole. With no fuel left and surrounded by enemy soldiers, he lights up his plane and sets it on fire to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

The scene is often cited as one of Dunkirk's most emotionally charged and unforgettable moments. It has been described as "a powerful visual symbol" that speaks to the audience's hearts while evoking a sense of honor and sacrifice.

The cinematic sequence was recorded at Digue du Braek, 59140 Dunkirk, France. The Braek dike, constructed in 1965, spans over 6 kilometers, safeguarding the industrial structures. It offers an unparalleled and striking panorama of the Dunkirk and Grand-Synthois port and industrial landscape.

To reach this location, take a train from Paris, Gare du Nord station to Dunkerque Station. From there, get a taxi or bus to take you directly to Digue du Braek.

Weymouth Train Station scene in Dunkirk

Swanage, Station Rd, Swanage BH19 1HB, UK

The Moonstone fishing boat returns to Weymouth harbor, and Tommy and Alex (Harry Styles) get on a train heading for London. Alex is under the impression that their defeat will be met with contempt upon their return.

He spots a newspaper carrying a statement from Winston Churchill about the evacuation. Unable to bear the anticipated ridicule, he asks Tommy to read it out loud. As Tommy reads the statement upon their arrival at the station, a man comes up to the window and hands Aelx two beers.

The scene was filmed at the Swanage Railway Station in Dorset, England. This historic station was constructed in 1885 and operated until 1972. The British railway services were discontinued along this route. However, it reopened in 1982 to become an operational heritage railway after renovations.

The site offers visitors an opportunity to experience what it was like taking a train during World War II, with its vintage locomotives and classic carriages featured throughout the station grounds.

Buses or trains from nearby cities, including London, Southampton, or Bournemouth, can get you to the Swanage Railway Station. Bournemouth Airport is the nearest to the location, with direct flights coming in from various destinations across Europe.

Conclusion

Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is a gripping and captivating film that tells the story of one of the most poignant moments of World War II. The film features strong performances by all its actors and a script that successfully captures both the intensity and emotion of the events surrounding the evacuation of Dunkirk.

The cinematography in this movie was also excellent, with Nolan taking advantage of all the possibilities offered by IMAX cameras to create immersive scenes that draw viewers into the action. But the production locations are perhaps what makes it an even more endearing viewing experience.

Other noteworthy locations include the sea-set scenes that were filmed in IJsselmeer. The large water body near Urk, a Dutch fishing village, providing realism to the boat scenes. The Warner Brothers Burbank Studios in California, USA also served as the backdrop for some of the scenes.

Overall, Dunkirk is an excellent addition to Christopher Nolan's body of work and makes for a great contribution to the movie industry. It serves as a reminder that films do not have to rely solely on extravagant CGI sequences or big-name stars to make an impact. Ultimately, it is definitely worth watching for anyone up for a compelling war drama with beautiful visuals and engaging characters.