Finally, an intelligent and excellent summer movie

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2002)

Director Kathryn Bigelow succeeds admirably in delivering a tight thriller based on the real life drama of a Soviet submarine crew facing certain death. The K-19, flagship of the Russian fleet, is rushed to sea to make a point to U.S. intelligence at the height of the Cold War and nuclear arms race -- that is that Russia can strike back if the U.S. were to instigate a nuclear strike. Unfortunately for the crew, the K-19 really isn't all that ready for the mission, and while cruising beneath the Arctic ice pack, the nuclear reactor's cooling system springs a leak causing the reactor to heat up to explosive levels and exposing the crew to massive radiation poisoning. This could set off the subs nuclear warheads which could sink a nearby American ship and destroy a NATO base invariably igniting World War III. It's edge of the seat excitement, made even more gripping by rounded characters you care about. Somehow Bigelow has taken us beyond our prejudices, making us see the crew not as "evil" Soviet stereotypes, but as men trapped in a desperate situation deserving our concern. Harrison Ford as the submarine commander breaks away from his "Harrison Ford" persona delivering one of his finest acting performances since "The Mosquito Coast." Kudos to the filmmakers for not talking down to the audience and giving us people to care about.