U571

To give an impression of the attitude that this film recieved, (in case you have not heard), I was told a year ago not too watch it ,before it was even made.. The controversy over this film is that "The americans claim to have captured the enigma machine." In fact, the film concentrates on the fact that 3 machines were captured, one if which was by America, in 1944 - not 6 months before the Americans entered the War. What has been swapped round are the dates - the Americans claiming to have captured one first.

U571 is far from brilliant, instead having the appearance of an old fashioned kids film, ie, stunning effects, exciting action, with the odd bit of reality thrown in (such as people drowning and Americans being killed). The story adds a bit of far fetched excitement. An Allied crew NOT American, are sent on a commando type mission to Hijack a German sub and steal its enimga. To be honest its a bit more exciting than "oh, look, whats this, its a decoding machine. Well I never". Dont forget, this is a blockbuster. Anyway, having taken on an entire German sub, and the mission going faultlessly, the crew set charges to destroy it. In what is probably the best part of the film, their own ship is sunk, and they have no choice but to shelter in a half crippled German sub, which is subesquently chased, bombed etc across the Ocean. Its rather like Jurrasic park underwater, ie being trapped with somthing big outside  - indeed some of the sets are very similar (same studios) and about as realistic - however the effects are stunning.

What I find far more a case of airbrushing history is the American treatment of Balck troops. Everyone knows the conditions in which they were treated, yet U571 makes it appear the blacks were treated well, and dancing with white troops. For the real side, watch YANKS (1979).

So the two controversial objections: The Americans claim to have captured the Enigma machine. Wrong. They claim to have captured one first.

Two It airbrushed history. Yes, in some ways, but if you think of the real story, modern audiences are not going to sit through that. If the film had simply been a commando film about capturing decoding machines, I think it could have been a huge hit. However it will be a complete failure in video, as the only real advantages are at the cinema, and will be lost. Recomended for action fans, and well worth watching if you get to see it at a cinema.

Verdict: Quality 60% FX: 85% Script 30% Storyline 50% Value for money 85% Over all 70%