Gripping depiction of submarine warfare.

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2001)

U-571 is the semi-historical tale of the capturing of the Enigma Code Machine used by the Nazis during WWII. Suspenseful throughout, though historically inaccurate. Not sure just how much so, but enough to taint the movie (e.g. Enigma was captured by Britain, not USA; Nazi sub commander munches fresh fruit, a distinct rarity on board a sub that has been out of port more than a few days). A little bit predictable in the plot. Submariners say that life on a sub is "hours of sheer boredom, punctuated by minutes of sheer terror." This film depicts the terror well, but misses the boredom. I know, I know, moviegoers don't want to see boredom, but it was (and is) a very real part of the story. I like movies like this because we are quickly losing sight of how hard WWII was, and particularly, how close we came to losing it. If not for the capture depicted in the movie, the war could have had a very different outcome. Unfortunately, history belongs to those who write it, not those who make it. This movie is a fine example of that. Worth a rental.