Review of K-19: The Widowmaker (2002) by Hugh D — 28 Aug 2009

Simply one of the best historical dramas I've seen in years. Tense, gripping, moving, exquisitely shot/edited/scored, it is a hugely under-rated entry in director Kathryn Bigelow's unique oeuvre.

Liam Neeson adds yet another historical figure to his extensive resume (Schindler's List, Michael Collins, Gangs of New York, Kinsey, Kingdom of Heaven), and forces Harrison Ford to up his game to Witness/Mosquito Coast levels.

The acting from a diverse set of nationalities is generally excellent, although classic Brits John Shrapnel and Joss Ackland coast slightly in roles they've essayed before, while Ford's much-maligned accent is much, much better than Connery's in Red October, a film that now seems to be so much Clancy Boys' Own adventure posturing when compared to this exercise in seeking historical truth through drama.

A previously unknown nuclear-balance-upsetting moment of the Cold War is given heart and soul, bringing a terrifying moment of history that could have become a devastating turning point to nuclear conflict down to the thoughts, emotions and actions of ordinary, albeit trained military professional, men.

Rarely does this sort of drama achieve the necessary level of tribute to fallen unknowns who did more for the masses than those better rewarded and recorded by the regimes of the day, but for once, a film with big-name Hollywood talent does exactly that.

Ford also gets the best line he's had in decades - if you don't know it when you see it, then you really should go watch Pearl Harbour or Titanic instead, as they'll clearly entertain you more.