The Enemy Below
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.24 You Save: $7.74 (52%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Enemy Below
Movie Review: Why You Want to Watch This Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Many other reviews will go on about the obvious regarding this movie. It is indeed a classic WWII movie, has an incredible cast, is filled with drama which is not heavy-handed but gripping, and is definitely dated compared to movies like U-571 or Das Boot. If you're willing to accept the film for its time, it's an excellent work.
I put in in the same category as A Bridge Too Far: a war movie with a decidedly anti-war stance. Both captain's see the war very differently but share the common frame of reference of having it intrude on their personal lives. While it is a battle of wills between the able destroyer captain and the cunning submariner which is carried on anonymously, neither surrenders their humanity. Neither one wants to be fighting the war, but each is determined to do it the best of his ability, and just as easily set that dogged determination aside when they are thrust together at the end. It is a tribute to an excellent screenplay that this movie is not preachy or self-righteous, but shows how men adjust to a time of war and try to carry through everything that happens, but can survive it by holding on to their core values no matter what.
Movie Review: Humanistic WW2 drama
Summary: 5 Stars
Curt Jurgens plays wily but war weary German U boat commandant Von Stolberg on patrol with his crew in the South Atlantic. His critical mission is to transport a captured English code book back to his base. He encounters an American destroyer commanded by newly appointed Capt. Murrell played by an authoritative and determined Robert Mitchum.
What ensues is a nerve wracking, tension filled game of cat and mouse between Jurgens and Mitchum in the Dick Powell produced and directed "The Enemy Below". The movie's effectiveness in part is based on a minimum of propaganda and a focus on the strain and determination of the combatants. Each captain and crew is pulling out all stops to complete their mission and thwart their opponent.
The climax results in a mid ocean collision destroying both vessels, where both crews colloborate to rescue the survivors. This wartime epic is realistically presented as enemies are seen as compassionate rather than robotic automatons carrying out orders without question.
This flick garnered an Oscar for its special effects which is rightly deserved.
Movie Review: A Memorable Submarine Drama
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a huge fan of World War 2 submarine movies... and this is one of the best. This is not really an action film, but rather a psychological cat and mouse game between Mitchum and Jergens. It is superbly written, well acted and has an authentic feel throughout. We learn, through conversation, about the men, their backgrounds and how they think. The destroyer in the film was real, and the interiors (not copied in detail, but approximated due to security reasons in 1957) adds to the realism. How many films of this genre show the bridge of the ship or action on deck with superimposition on the background... not this one.... you see the actors with explosions in the water behind them in real time. Amazing for the time. The transfer of this film is fresh and crystal clear, widescreen, and the score by Leigh Harline (who wrote for Disney early in his career and later wrote the theme from "Gunsmoke") is rich and perfectly timed to the action.I recommend this film as among the best of this genre.
Movie Review: Here's to you my friend and you my friend
Summary: 5 Stars
During World Was II a U-boat and a destroyer are in a cat-and-mouse situation to the end. The question is who the cat is and who is the mouse? They use standard clichés and extraordinary tactics; however there is not need for anything supernatural or far fetched to hold your attention. It is a battle of wits and wills between the Commanders of both vessels. We are there as they both sweat out time or take chances.
For the most part everyone is speaking English so you will not have to strain your eyes to read the small print at the bottom of the screen. Being made before CGI we will watch some battles and scenes made with the use of models.
Yes you have seen this story portrayed again in such classics as "Das Boot" (1982). What is more interesting is even the same dialog is played out in the movie "Star Trek II - The wrath of Kahn" (1982)
You will find this movie worth repeated viewing.
Movie Review: the best way to understand DEs
Summary: 5 Stars
When I want to understand my father's part on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific in WWII, I can look at faded photos in a crumbling album, or read accounts of sea battles, but it all seems so incredibly far away and unreal. I am so grateful that Hollywood took the time and care in 1957 to make this movie about the battle of a DE and a U-Boat, filmed in large measure at sea on an actual DE. I can see how the decks gleamed in the sunlight, hear the sounds of a General Alarm and of men racing to battle stations, see depth charges, 20 MM and 3" guns, "hedgehogs", sonar and radar sweeps, compasses, officers' quarters and enlisted men's cots stacked three high.
In the original book the DE was British, and the ending considerably sadder than in this movie made 12 years after WWII, but the movie is remarkably free of sentimentality none the less. I am so glad it was made. See it.