Well scripted dramatization.

Rating: 8/10 (3 September 2007)

Here we have a well-told story, complete with star-studded cast, telling from a perspective we usually don't see much of: the Soviet side in the Cold War. That in itself makes for an interesting movie as we see Ford, Neeson, Sarsgaard, even Joss Ackland work out their Russian accents to the best of their ability. But the script makes the most of all the cast as we relive the story of K-19 and how we learn of heroes that never were to be.
It's 1961 and a Soviet nuclear submarine, rushed off before it's sea-ready, is sent on a test-firing mission.
Two conflicts take front and center stage that make for this good movie. One is the clever use of 'good cop-bad cop,' as the former Captain (Neeson) is always at odds with the constant drill-testing from the newer Captain (Ford). Secondly is the suspenseful radiation leaking that takes over the submarine and its crew as the doctor is forced to tell everyone they're doing fine in one of the movies finer, yet terrifying, moments. The movie is longer than it could be, but not as long as some others of the same genre. If you enjoy a good drama tied to real events, K-19 would not disappoint.