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.

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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."

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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.