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6.6/10
1.7K
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The attack by British submarines on the German battleship "Tirpitz" in a Norwegian fjord during World War II.The attack by British submarines on the German battleship "Tirpitz" in a Norwegian fjord during World War II.The attack by British submarines on the German battleship "Tirpitz" in a Norwegian fjord during World War II.
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Tony Wager
- George
- (as Anthony Wager)
- Director
- Writers
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A lot of things about this film make you think director Ralph Thomas slept his way through the job. The scene when Donald Sinden tries to push off a mine with his feet is amazingly badly done. The film also fails to give you a real sense of what the mission achieved! (It did not, as the film implies, break the back of the ship -- but did succeed in putting Tirpitz out of action for half a year; the RAF finally destroyed her a year after the midget attack.) But there are plenty of decent scenes, and some real tension. The script isn't bad, and having the Germans speak in (unsubtitled) German adds authenticity. John Mills is, as always, excellent. Above all, the film tells a true story, of primitive, cramped baby submarines, poorly insulated diving suits and icy water. And real heroism.
A film about an atack on the German warship TIRPITZ a story that is well told,with tense and tragic moments.The story shows how ordinary men can perform extraordinary taskes when their country is at war.Wether the story really happened like this I do not know but once you start watching this film grips you,I would like to know what happened to the guys who are involved I hope they went on to lead fullfilling lives because they are true heroes.
John Mills sets off to convince a sceptical Admiral (James Robertson Justice) of the merits of "midget" submarines in active warfare. His intention is to use these tiny craft to lay high explosives underneath the hull of the mighty Nazi battleship "Tirpitz" that is safely anchored in a steep-sided Norwegian fjord. John Gregson and Donald Sinden join him on the mission deep into the heart of enemy territory fighting both the elements and the novel technology. You get a sense of he claustrophobic conditions - and of the close teamwork that engenders, as well as the fragility of their craft and; tempered by the odd light-hearted moment, this is quite a gripping little wartime tale.
This is yet another example of the fantastic films that Britain USED TO MAKE. Great acting, powerful direction and real emotion.
I saw in at the cinema a few weeks back and it really still packs a punch. I must get this one and others like the Cruel Sea on DVD.
If only we could make films like this again.
Why is it that we could make such great films 30 or 40 years back and now we have so many problems? Actually I think I know that answer to that one already.
I think that it would be interesting to remake this film but it would have to be made by a top flight director I think
I saw in at the cinema a few weeks back and it really still packs a punch. I must get this one and others like the Cruel Sea on DVD.
If only we could make films like this again.
Why is it that we could make such great films 30 or 40 years back and now we have so many problems? Actually I think I know that answer to that one already.
I think that it would be interesting to remake this film but it would have to be made by a top flight director I think
OK so the script is mundane and the atmosphere is rather too pukha to be true, but I have no hesitation in recommending Above Us The Waves to all serious buffs out there. It's rather like a fanciful trip down memory lane into a bygone era that was very real to the actors but only a dream to us. The world in which public school educated Commanders strode up and down wharfs wearing immaculate stiff collars and Gieves and Hawkes tailored uniforms. The world in which a beaten enemy saluted their conquerors with trays of brandy and warm dry blankets. That's the real value of the film; it acts as a glimpse into that half forgotten world of sheer courage and decency that has long been lost in the senseless chase for mammon. When men gave their lives for honour and principal rather than offering their time for glamour and ego.
And the film has its moments of well staged tension to keep us alert. John Gregson and James Kenney give memorable performances when a mine drifts dangerously close to their surfaced sub and they must fend it off with outstretched feet. Don't listen to the detractors on this one - grab a good cup of strong cocoa and allow your dreams to drift back in time.
And the film has its moments of well staged tension to keep us alert. John Gregson and James Kenney give memorable performances when a mine drifts dangerously close to their surfaced sub and they must fend it off with outstretched feet. Don't listen to the detractors on this one - grab a good cup of strong cocoa and allow your dreams to drift back in time.
Did you know
- TriviaOperation Source, the real life mission on which this film was based, was actually considered a failure in many respects. The Germans easily repaired the damage to Tirpitz. Historians William Garzke and Robert Dulin remarked that the successful repair effort was "one of the most notable feats of naval engineering during the Second World War."
- GoofsThe 100' Submarine Escape Training Tank in the early scenes wasn't built until 1954. Prior to this, it was a 15' tank.
- Quotes
Adm. Ryder: What the devil's that?
Cmdr. Fraser: Proof sir.
Adm. Ryder: Proof?
Cmdr. Fraser: Yes sir. Those were dummy charges on the hull of this ship. If they hadn't been dummies, you'd be on the bottom now sir, for the duration.
- ConnectionsFeatured in War Stories (2006)
- How long is Above Us the Waves?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Iznad nas su talasi
- Filming locations
- Fort Blockhouse, Gosport, UK(Filming emergency submarine escape.)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.66 : 1
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