K-19:  THE WIDOWMAKER

 

FOUR STARS - INSPIRING

 

             When the nuclear policy of both the United States and the Soviet Union was M.A.D., (Mutually Assured Destruction), the paranoia was perilous. Rushing to prove to the other that we could assure their destruction if they were to strike first, the secret events of the cold war are only now being told.  One such tale is that of the Soviet submarine: "K-19," nicknamed by its crew before they even left the shipyard, "The Widowmaker."

             As brought to film by director Kathryn Bigelow, the story the crew tells is inspiring.  It tells of men willing to give their lives to save their shipmates.  It tells of mutiny and loyalty, of courage and faith, even when faith was "forbidden."  It tells a tale of the best that human beings can be in a moment of crisis of world-destroying dimensions.

             The year is 1961 and the political leaders of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union have decided to launch their nuclear submarine ahead of schedule.  Captain Mikhail Polenin (Liam Neeson) is lowered to second in command when he informs the political leaders that the ship is not ready.  Instead of listening to his Captain's assessment, the admiral changes command and places Captain Alexei Vostrikov (Harrison Ford) in charge.

             At first shown to be a cold man with something to prove because of his father's fall from grace as a military hero, we come to realize that Captain Vostrikov is a person of deep loyalty and command expertise.  Taking the ship to the edge of its abilities, he molds the crew into a unit.

             Though the journey is full of difficulties and sorrows, the power of the film is in its ability to present the spiritual depth and courageous efforts of the men of the crew. Although the Communist party forbids “religious icons”, it is clear that the men live with a deep awareness of God.

             Theories and ideologies that deny God are impotent in moments of real life events.  This is shown in this film in several ways, as in the use of a crucifix by a sailor to encourage him in moments of fear and to comfort him in his preparation for death.  It is also seen when Captain Vostrikov tells his men "God be with you" as they risk, and ultimately give, their lives to save the rest of the crew.

             Another strength of the film is in its ability to present the prejudice and propaganda of the cold war.  Revealing how easy it is to convince a people of the inhumanity of the enemy, the film shows the opportunity in which such prejudice could be overcome as well.

             In a world that seems to rush to war in premature vessels of destruction, the underlying message of "K-19:  The Widowmaker" is clear.   If we are to survive the weapons of our own creation we must set aside our prejudices, act on the best within us and lay down our lives that others might live.  Until that happens, the destruction will continue.

 

(500 words)

 ________________

Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.  Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews: http://www.cinemainfocus.com.