U-571 (2000)

Taut and gripping, U-571 follows the exploits of a fictional team of World War II U.S. submariners who undertake a secret mission to capture a German Enigma machine to decode German documents. Writer-director Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown) tells an intense, economical tale, reminiscent of the best classic war films, while infusing it with modern sentiments.

Spring 1942: A crew of young submarine sailors are on a much-needed 48-hour liberty when they're suddenly called together and engaged in an expedition. At the helm are Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren (Bill Paxton), Lieutenant Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey), and Chief Klough (Harvey Keitel). Other pivotal crew members include Tyler's Annapolis pal Lieutenant Pete Emmett (Jon Bon Jovi, proving his acting mettle) and Lieutenant Hirsch (Jake Weber), who, along with Marine Major Coonan (David Keith), organizes the mission. As much of the movie takes place in a submarine during WWII, there are inevitable comparisons with the technical masterpiece Das Boot, but Mostow's masterfully shot tale can hold its own.

McConaughey's Tyler is believably earnest as he comes to grips with the reality, tragedy, and consequence of being in command. While this explosion-filled film consistently maintains its tense pace (as did the underrated Breakdown), it also presents with surprising restraint a genuine human story--and the remarkable journey of an unexpected hero. --N.F. Mendoza Amazon.com

Good story, poor editing

I liked the storyline for this DVD, but did not like the editing. I saw the original movie when it was released, and this is not the original. Some of the characters have been changed, and the editing is poor. For the original DVD I would give 5 stars, but for this (the non-region 2 DVD) edited version I would give 1 star but I like the story so I give it 2 stars. December 30, 2008

A great movie experience

I'm a big fan of submarine movies and this is one of my favorites. No matter how many times I watch it, the suspense always gets to me. The pace of the film is excellent, always keeping you involved.

Regarding some critics here that question the historical accuracy, it's a "fictional" story based loosely upon the exploits of many brave men during WWII, American and U.K., but focusing on an American submarine crew. At the end of the film, credit is given to many (if not all) crews that captured Enigma code materials during WWII, including the U.K. crews. Maybe these critics didn't stick with the film long enough to see credit given to the real people that this film is honoring. If you watch the bonus features included on the DVD, you will hear from the director/writer about how the story was developed, the research that was done, and the submarine training that the cast received. He in no way is trying to say that the events in the movie actually happened. He just wanted to do an exciting WWII submarine movie and pay tribute to the brave men who served on submarines in WWII. I believe he said that he wanted to create a film that would allow people to "experience" what the characters in the film are experiencing and ask the question "would I be brave enough to do this?". In my opinion, he absolutely succeeds.

I have only seen this film on standard DVD so I can't comment on the Blu-ray version.

One additional point discussed by the director... the German submarine crew is played by an all-German cast of actors rather than a bunch of American actors speaking German. It may seem like a minor point, but it really adds to the movie experience.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who likes a good, suspenseful submarine flick. If you are looking for a documentary or a morality film full of speeches and/or politically correct nonsense, look elsewhere. December 12, 2008

A great, fictional war story

Another superb title for the short-lived run of HD DVD. The detailed sets look great (some scenes more than others) in Hi Def and the movie sounds tremendous as well. I recommend it for those building a HDDVD library. My system: Toshiba A35 player, Samsung 58A550 Plasma TV, Pioneer Elite SC-07 receiver) November 30, 2008

The Worst War Film of All Time

There is no doubt that America was/is a great ally to the UK and their contribution in WW2 was outstanding. However, this movie stretches to the extreme Hollywood's self given right to bend the truth as it depicts Bon Jovi and his US forces chums capturing the first Enigma machine, this despite the fact that it was actually the Royal Navy who captured the first Enigma on April 15th 1940. This was of course three years before the USA joined the European conflict. Shame on you Hollywood. November 17, 2008

u-571

Before this movie I didn't even know they call subs, u-boats. I always wanted to ride in a sub. After this movie though, no thank you! I think I will stay above the water. very intense, gives daas boot a run for the money. Definitely watch this movie. Also in hd dvd, cannot get a better experience!!!! October 17, 2008

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