Gripping Action

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2000)

I am not particularly a fan of action movies or indeed "war" stories. However, I really enjoyed this movie and was gripped by the action throughout. Although the story has led to some controversy in Britain, it should be pointed out that at the end of the movie, it is stated that it is a work of "fiction" and that the Royal Marines did carry out effective missions of this nature prior to the US being involved in the war and in similar events. Perhaps it would have been more pertinent to place the story later in the war rather than the time period picked, but at the end of the day, the movie does not credit itself with representing an actual historical event, but is only a story based on events. Personally, I found the story very interesting because I was not aware of such missions being undertaken during the War and whether it was the Royal Marines or the American Marines, to find out that such missions were undertaken is of interest in itself.
Only one other criticism would be that the depth chargers fired at the submarine and that basically skimmed the surface of the sub, would have (I am told on good authority) detonated.
What was intriguing in this movie, although it was presumably shot in something much larger than a submarine, was the feeling that all the action was taking in place in a confined space and I can only admire the directing and editing, which must have been a nightmare.
All in all, if you are not an absolute historical fanatic, and like a good action story, and can live with the usual "all works out in the finale" Hollywood ending, this movie is enjoyable.
A very slickly produced film, with a great cast of actors, dialogue and effects.