Historically accurate and intriguing film about the first submarine to sink a war ship. The characters are interestingly drawn and the story is well told. I am somewhat surprised that the film is not better known. Maybe it could have been given a better name like "Death Beneath the Waves" or "The Sea is a Sailor's Grave" or something that appeals to the adventurous side of men.
The submarine, the Hunley, is an old boiler which has been rigged to operate as a submarine. It killed two crews prior to the opening of this story and I personally felt my fear of claustrophobia rise up my backbone when these men got in the submarine--it is almost asking to be killed. They had raw courage and complete dedication to face such danger and suffering.
The Union fleet is off the coast blockading the ports of the Confederacy and it is vital that they break the blockade so they can receive supplies. The scenes of besieged Charleston are well done and communicate the horror of the war visited upon the civilians. I really enjoyed the scene of the bombed out theater when it comes under enemy fire and Assante's character saves the day when he rushes forward and has the band play the Bonnie Blue Flag which rallies the crowd. I like Armand Assante's acting; he did a splendid job. I especially liked his facial expressions. It is amazing what people can communicate with glances.
Donald Southerland did a good job as Beauregard, however I had the impression that he was playing a sophisticated Frenchman from Paris and not one from Louisiana. Maybe he could have studied his character a little bit more. For example, one of the crewmen is learning French because "it is the language of love" and he hesitatingly speaks to Beauregard in French and Southerland has a very atypical response. Beauregard being from New Orleans would have spoken to many people who could not speak French or not speak it fluently and he would probably have had a better response than that. It seems to be a typical problem with movies that the French of Louisiana get confused with the French of France.
Likewise the other crew members are presented as real human beings. There is an Irishman who likes to fight and he dislikes the Englishman on the crew. There is a newly-wed man who sends his wife a gift everyday and a 16 year old kid who is the essence of determination. Through time they "gel" together and become a team.
I like the fact that the usual anti-southern image of stupid, backward and inept people fighting against competent, reasonable American types is missing. Both sides believed in their causes--that's why the war was so bloody and lasted so long. It is a tribute to Americans that the wounds from the war have been healed to such an extent. Just compare it to the Islamic world where wounds never seem to get healed.
An intriguing story about creative people thinking outside the box and facing difficult challenges. I think it says something good about us as Americans.
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Top reviews from other countries
mick
Just as spectacular as the first time i saw it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2012Anders N.
Everything went smooth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2020
