Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

Dotbankey A lot of fun.

Taraparain Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

iNickR I remember seeing this in the theatre when it first came out. The sound design is what stood out the most, and still stands out today. I can "listen" to this movie over and over again. The DVD version I saw recently has commentary by director Jonathan Mostow. In it he talks about the value of having theatre-style "6-channel surround format (at home) because it really replicates, as close as possible, the experience of seeing a movie in the theatre." I like watching "older" movies and listening to director commentary, especially when they get technical. Mostow, in his commentary, goes on to say how "with the film to tape transfers now-a-days you can really extract a tremendous amount of visual information out of each frame." (!) "Film to tape."Film, to tape, to glass master DVD, to DVD replication. Ah yes, the turn of the century technology a mere 17 years ago!Imagine, 17 years from now, we'll be mocking 4K UHD when we're sitting at home watching our favourite new-release film with some sort of organic-holographic-display-thing that looks so real it will seem like the actors are right in front of you and you can reach out and touch them; with sound so authentic you'd believe you were right there, with them, in the action. OK, maybe not 17 years, but perhaps 20.

Leofwine_draca U-571 garnered a lot of negative publicity on first release, due to the fact that it's completely historically inaccurate – the Brits were the ones who captured the first Enigma machine, not the Yanks. Still, inaccuracies aside – and let's face it, a LOT of Hollywood films are far from the truth – it's best to remember that this is a movie, nothing more, nothing less, designed to entertain and that's it. And I'm pleased to say that it's VERY entertaining.Submarine thrillers have been fairly rare over the last couple of decades; everyone remembers DAS BOOT, the classic German miniseries, but there are no films so to speak of other than THE HUNT FOR RED October and CRIMSON TIDE. U-571 seeks to re-address that, presenting a taut thriller that mainly takes place in a single location. The good news is that Jonathan Mostow is the director, and he wrings every ounce of suspense, tension, and atmosphere from his confined setting. Mostow is that rare beast – a director who manages to turn even lacklustre scripts into entertaining movies; see TERMINATOR 3 for a case in point. His earlier BREAKDOWN, a fantastic thriller with Kurt Russell, remains a favourite and U-571 is just as entertaining as that movie.Being a Hollywood movie, there are the requisite number of clichés and outlandish situations, but the premise seems fresh and the film is bolstered by some brilliant action scenes that make great use of CGI effects for a change. The cast have no choice but to give it their all; this is an ensemble outing and there's no hiding from the camera. Harvey Keitel is fine as the elder statesman, letting his younger co-stars do the hard work; Matthew McConaughey, an actor I usually dislike, is actually very good as the wannabe-captain. Elsewhere, the well-established likes of Bill Paxton and Elias Koteas fill out character roles, and there are two unusual casting choices: a bit part for cheeky chappy Robin Askwith, best known for his performances in '70s comedies like CONFESSIONS OF A WINDOW CLEANER, and a supporting role for musician Jon Bon Jovi, who is actually pretty decent. This is a frequently edge-of-your-seat film that packs in some great twists. After the initial set-up it keeps pounding away until the ending, and I enjoyed every minute; a minor classic for sure that just looks better and better as the years pass.

comps-784-38265 It's understandable for film makers to use some artistic license to portray real events. To explain something to the audience in simplistic terms rather than go into long winded in depth historical analysis. To shorten something due to the practicalities of film making etc.This film goes way beyond 'artistic license' it is frankly stupid. Whats frightening is that many people will now believe they know some history based on this awful film. It is totally inaccurate, totally implausible and totally unbelievable. The biggest insult is that the 'writers' clearly think we (the audience) are all un-educated, dull witted morons. I have to say this film is so bad, that I think the term 'writer' should be replaced with 'crayon wielding clueless chimp'.

jlthornb51 Academy Award winning motion picture that is an overwhelmingly authentic, incredibly realistic, and simply superb movie that not only is excitingly entertaining but stands as a stunning tribute to those who served the U.S.A. in the WWII Atlantic. What a fabulous film! The director, Jonathan Mastow, is a wonderfully gifted film maker and his script shows magnificently the heroism of the Americans who so selflessly captured the Nazi Enigma machines. In essence, by their brave acts they won the war against the Germans and destroyed the Master Race single handedly. Tremendous special effects and beautiful performances from an all star cast are highlights of this wonderful film but it is the dramatic, tension filled story of the exciting adventures Americans in the North Atlantic that will overwhelm audiences with its power. Certainly in the top ten productions depicting any aspect of the Second World War ever filmed. It is deeply satisfying how recent years have seen this and motion pictures such as Pearl Harbor and Inglorious Basterds pay tribute to true American heroes.