First time review

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2003)

Well, this is my first time reviewing a movie in IMDB. I apologise if I inadvertently make some mistakes in my comments.
I came to be interested in U571 because of Director Jonathan Mostow (I haven't figured out how to pronounce his last name: Mos Tow or Mos Tao as in "Moscow") Anyway as we all know he directed the latest Terminator sequel, and the movie got good reviews.
I can't recall the last submarine story I've seen, but Crimson Tide comes to mind, and The Hunt for Red October, though I can't really remember their stories.
U571's cast also attracts me. We have Bill Paxton, though his role is quite minor, Matthew McConaughey (I still have difficulty spelling his last name right!), Harvey Keitel, David Keith among others. And of course, Jon Bon Jovi. His character didn't last long I guess, but it's good to see him in a movie. Keeps me wondering was that really him, as I'm sure many of his fans will too.
The Story (Possible Spoilers) I don't know much about war history, so this kind of movie helps give some insight into the war. Though the story is fictional, the Enigma does exists and the British did capture it.
The story is tense in that it's about infiltration and covert ops, like a mission impossible (which is possible anyway). Capturing the Enigma is one thing, and being stranded in an enemy vessel with no way to radio for help is another.
Scenarios whereby you're so close to an enemy without them realising yet who you are, always puts you at the edge of your seat. The slightest wrong move and all hell breaks loose and your cover blown.
Though our heroes are expert submariners, the enemy vessel's control is all in German. And there are only two of the team that can read the language. That's the first hurdle they have to cross.
One thing I'm quite annoyed is that how come the Uboat keeps getting depth-charged? Couldn't they have steered away from the Destroyer's path or something? I'm no war expert, so pardon my ignorance.
Finally, it is amazing to see how just one well-directed torpedo could damage an entire destroyer as such.
Was it my imagination? Or did I notice a resemblance in the sound track for the film to Saving Private Ryan? ;)
I look forward to Terminator 3 once it hits the shelves!