A SUB MOVIE WITH SOME DEPTH !

Rating: Null/10 (14 January 2003)

Lets start by saying that as far as action movies go, K 19 "The widow maker" is not a revelation, however it does stand out from alot of the crap thats out there at this time. This movie tells the story of the unfortunate, and unnessasary torture, misery, and grief that a submarine crew had to endure for their communist country, and worst of all...it's a true story. I have never or ever had to wonder what radiation poisoning would be like, but i have to say after veiwing this film, i would never want to have to find out. Thats right, i said have to, for these poor men who have been taught to do anything and everything for their country, had no choice. While aboard Russias first nuclear submarine that cannot pass inspection, two commanders and their crew go out to sea to test a missle. Once at sea and submerged, a seal on the nuclear reactor breaks, leaking radiation into the sub. Crewmen are then lined up like lambs to a slaughter and told to go in groups of two and try to reseal the reactor, not staying in the reactor room for more than three minutes at a time. The reactor they are told must be resealed before it gets to hot and explodes. After the first two members go in, the other crew members begin getting ready for their turn. When the first group of two come back out after three minutes, only then do the other crew members see first hand the horrors of radiation poisoning. The acting by all involved is strong throughout the entire movie. Harrison Ford and Liamm Neeson give great performances, and its fun to watch these two great actors battle each other. However, the russian accents were dreadful. This type of movie has been done much better...(see Das Boot ), but this is still a worthwhile effort by all involved. Kathryn Bigelow keeps the action taut and tight. Do yourself a favor, rent this movie and see for yourself just how far people will go for their country, whether it's right or wrong.