This World War II historical drama is thrilling, well acted by a great ensemble, and convincing in its reenactment of a real life mission by the British Navy. As we learn through a German language introduction (no subtitles necessary to understand what is being said...the intensity of the dialog says exactly what the audience needs to hear, even in another language), the Bismarck is the biggest battle ship ever, and it would be nearly impossible to sink it. But as history has learned, no ship is completely unsinkable, and a determined British navy (lead by the cold Captain Kenneth More) strives to do just that. The issue is that the Bismarck keeps disappearing in the midst of the North Atlantic and an error in judgment nearly destroys a British naval ship.
More is surrounded by such familiar actors as Dana Wynter as the only female officer involved in the mission who manages to help More become more human in his dealings with others involved in the mission, especially when news arrives about More's son. As he tells Wynter early in the film, there is no time for emotion in wartime even though Wynter has confided the disappearance of her fiancee a year before at Dunkirk. The film also shows what's going on inside the Bismarck, mainly between German officers Carl Mohner and Karl Stepanek, both determined to honor the Third Reich with success for varying reasons. The film is well photographed and aided with quick pacing, leading to a thrilling and intense conclusion.
More is surrounded by such familiar actors as Dana Wynter as the only female officer involved in the mission who manages to help More become more human in his dealings with others involved in the mission, especially when news arrives about More's son. As he tells Wynter early in the film, there is no time for emotion in wartime even though Wynter has confided the disappearance of her fiancee a year before at Dunkirk. The film also shows what's going on inside the Bismarck, mainly between German officers Carl Mohner and Karl Stepanek, both determined to honor the Third Reich with success for varying reasons. The film is well photographed and aided with quick pacing, leading to a thrilling and intense conclusion.