The film was shot in the UK. The famous historical event on the beach of Dunkirk, France, was filmed in the small British town of Redcar. On the North Sea coastline, the film crew placed wreckage of a broken ship, and several coastal houses were repainted to match the World War II era. The Tallis family's on-screen home became Stokesay Court. It was chosen for its appearance and the fountain in the backyard to match the plot of the novel on which the film is based. All tours currently conducted at the estate invariably focus on the film's production. The income from tourist groups greatly helps the owners maintain the house.

Filming Locations:

The Tallis Family Home

In the Film

Scene where Cecilia approaches the fountain to fill a vase with water. Robbie approaches, offering his help, and accidentally breaks the vase. A shard falls into the fountain, Cecilia undresses and jumps in to retrieve it.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in England, at the country house Stokesay Court. According to architectural historian John Newman, the building is the most magnificent Victorian mansion in Shropshire. The house was built between 1889 and 1895 for entrepreneur John Derby Allcroft. Nowadays, you can visit the house as part of a tour group and see the very fountain from the scene.

Dunkirk Beach

In the Film

Scene where Robbie and his fellow soldiers run onto the beach and see thousands of soldiers. They approach an officer to ask what to do. The officer replies that the soldiers are waiting for ships to be sent for evacuation. Robbie is eager to go on leave to his beloved, but the army's situation is quite difficult.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Redcar Beach, located in Cleveland, England. The beach stretches 12 km along the North Sea coast. It includes a fairly wide sandy strip, which is quite convenient for 'positioning' a multi-thousand army.

Church

In the Film

Scene where the grown-up Briony walks down the street towards the church. She goes inside. A wedding ceremony of Lola and Paul is taking place. When the clergyman finishes his speech, the newlyweds turn and walk between the rows to exit. As they approach Briony, Lola lowers her eyes, and she and her husband quickly pass by.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at St John's Church on Smith Square in London. During World War II, the church was destroyed. It was sold to a charitable trust. The church was restored, the interior layout slightly changed, and today it is used as a concert hall.