Thehibikiew Not even bad in a good way

Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Orla Zuniga It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

adrian-43767 British cinema had its most distinguished period after WW2, notably between 1945 and 1970, during which time it produced masterpieces that ranged from comedies (KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS, other Ealing comedies; supernatural/psycho horrow films such as DEAD OF NIGHT, THE INNOCENTS; love stories like BRIEF ENCOUNTER; and war films like DAM BUSTERS, CRUEL SEA, COLDITZ STORY. BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, FIVE FINGERS, WE DIVE AT DAWN, GUNS OF NAVARONE, ABOVE US THE WAVES).I am fond of the latter. I first saw it on TV in Swaziland, Africa, and was promptly impressed by the British stiff upper lip, as portrayed by a fantastic cast that includes such solid actors as James Robertson Justice, John Mills, Donald Sinden, John Gregson, among others - including some four or five German-speaking actors, notably the Tirpitz commander, who are totally convincing.B&W photography is highly competent, but understandably limited because this was not a high budget film. Direction by Ralph Thomas is very tight and coherent, with scenes in the submarines particularly effective, highlighting all the potentially deadly hazards.Screenplay also a tad limited, but credible. Ending is an example of simplicity and effectiveness, with John Mills quietly but perceptibly bitterly, reflecting on his upcoming detention in a camp. Strongly recommended if you are interested in 1) British film making; 2) Solid acting; 3) WW2.

deschreiber This is a very decent war movie, although the reason for it is a little unusual. There's virtually no character development, no conflicts between the men, no girlfriends, no back story for anyone whatever, and the acting is unexciting, involving little more than the sailors going about their duties, joking light-heartedly in the usual way, and occasionally looking worried when they are in danger. The first part of the story, involving preparations and the trip from Britain to their target in a Norwegian fjord has only a few obstacles in the plot to add a little drama, but all quite pretty tame stuff, really.What really gives interest to the film is the use of real naval facilities and equipment, real boats, lots of location shooting, minimal filming in studios, minimal use of models. It all gives a great sense of authenticity to the story as well as making for great visuals. I think this is the main reason the film overall is so satisfying.Once the subs are in the fjord with the Tirpitz, the drama gets much better, as we are pretty sure not everyone will come out alive. The last 20-30 minutes is much by far the most gripping part of the film.However, I don't see why we couldn't have been given subtitles for the Germans speaking German. There was quite a bit of speech in German, and it would have been interesting to know exactly what they were saying, instead of just getting the general drift from watching what they do. And the ending was a little odd. Huge explosions went off under the battleship, yet it seemed to have little effect. Certainly it wasn't sunk, yet we weren't told just how much damage was done. The movie just ended. According to Wikipedia, "Tirpitz was heavily damaged. While not in danger of sinking, she took on over 1,400 tons of water and suffered significant mechanical damage, including shock to the roller bearings in "D" turret aft. Tirpitz could not leave her anchorage until April 1944." We really should have been told about that, since it represented the extent of the success of the whole operation. Finally, I couldn't help noticing that a sailor who went out into the frigid September water of a Norwegian fjord didn't seem to feel the cold, and the group who escaped from their submarine on the bottom and floated up to the surface appeared soon after on the deck of the battleship in the same clothes, again without a shiver from the cold and, amazingly, with their clothes quite dry.

ian1000 Made during the austere 1950s (for us in the UK) with the usual British humour to lighten the grim events. Wonderful to see James Robertson-Justice not as a grumpy surgeon but as a grumpy admiral who manages to smile when he realises his ship has been 'attacked' by the heroes of the tale (to prove their merit). I wonder how accurate that part is? The incredible bravery of the men in the midget subs is well rendered, and one can forgive the film makers of the time - so soon after the war - for the German stereotypes on the Tirpitz, yet their Captain salutes the "brave men" who have arrived to attack his boat.A wonderful British war movie!

toonnnnn A film about an atack on the German warship TIRPITZ a story that is well told,with tense and tragic moments.The story shows how ordinary men can perform extraordinary taskes when their country is at war.Wether the story really happened like this I do not know but once you start watching this film grips you,I would like to know what happened to the guys who are involved I hope they went on to lead fullfilling lives because they are true heroes.