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Matthew McConaughey leads a U.S. submarine crew into hostile waters to board a stranded World War II German sub carrying an Enigma cipher machine, technology that the U.S. could use to decipher German communications. But once the Americans arrive at the scene, another German vessel destroys their submarine, forcing them to navigate their way out of deadly waters on the busted German sub, dodging enemy depth charges along the way.
U-571 is a tight wartime thriller directed by Jonathan Mostow (Breakdown, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) that manages to keep the action going from nearly beginning to end. Character development is well calibrated for this sort of film, with McConaughey wrestling with the prospect of making life and death decisions — ultimately choosing who among his men will live or die. The terrific supporting cast includes Harvey Keitel as McConaughey’s supportive, no-nonsense second-in-command, and Bill Paxton as his superior officer. Singer Jon Bon Jovi shows some acting chops as one of the crew members. Other notables include David Keith (An Officer and a Gentleman) and Jack Noseworthy (Event Horizon).
The Oscar-winning sound is a highlight, elevating the experience by immersing the audience in the nail-biting sounds of creaking metal and underwater explosions that draw closer and closer. Richard Marvin’s score runs a little too patriotic at times, but the composer serves the film well in times of tension and suspense.
Academy Award: Best Sound Editing
Oscar Nomination: Best Sound