Based on actual events about a Russian sub commander (Ford) whose boat is launched at the height of the Cold War. With uncertainty regarding the United States, a stubborn Russian high command, a brittle boat and a crew whose loyalties are in question, he must rally his men to save their lives and the submarine.

Intense and a bit frightening, K-19 was so much more than I expected. This well-formed script that features two really nice characters coupled with a general understanding of world feelings during the Cold War is all it takes to enjoy this film.

I know, you see a marine vessel's name in a movie title and you think: "Crazy captain nearly kills his crew, but the men end up loving him." Well, that may have some truth here but K-19 has a lot more story than that. When one considers the volatile situation that the sub and the world was in at the time, it makes the story that much more exciting. Ford as the captain and Neeson as his executive officer have an interesting relationship that provides for some good dialogue and a few surprises.

Ford and Neeson are wonderful in this film and may very well both earn Oscar nods this year in a field light in excellent acting.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.