The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Yet there is so little characterization that when the sub goes down, you may find yourself confused as to which of the supporting cast members lived through the torpedo blast.
✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
France, United States · 2000
Rated PG-13 · 1h 56m
Director Jonathan Mostow
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, Jon Bon Jovi
Genre Action, Drama, Thriller, War
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During World War II, the battle under the sea rages, and the Nazis have the upper hand as the Allies are unable to crack their war codes. However, after a wrecked U-boat sends out an SOS signal, the Allies realize this is their chance to seize the enigma coding machine and defeat their enemies.
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Yet there is so little characterization that when the sub goes down, you may find yourself confused as to which of the supporting cast members lived through the torpedo blast.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Full of old tricks - cuts between worried faces and overheated gauges inching into the red zone - but director Mostow pulls most of them off with conviction and pizazz.
Never lets down, even if depth of character always takes second place to depth charges.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
It's straightforwardly entertaining and a genuine nail-biter.
Austin Chronicle by Marc Savlov
U-571's plot moves like a rocket, never pausing for breath, and this works to a point, but certain events ... are glossed over in favor of more (exceptionally well-done) shots of exploding depth charges and topside battles.
Village Voice by Michael Atkinson
It's a simple pleasure watching an American movie that respects genre, knows its limitations, and genuflects at the memory of Don Siegel in the age of Spielberg.
One would be hard-pressed to name another submarine movie that lingers so little in the memory two days after seeing it.
Miami Herald by Rene Rodriguez
It''s loud and flashy and fun to look at, but you''ll grow tired of it very quickly.
Fast-moving, watertight and firing from all tubes.
Washington Post by Stephen Hunter
It pulps you, but it doesn't enlighten you.
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