"Hunter Killer" is the Best Submarine Movie Since "Crimson Tide"

Hunter Killer is the best submarine movie since Crimson Tide. And as an added bonus, HK's action isn't limited to the claustrophobic confines of a sub. While the seamen aboard the USS Arkansas elude and engage the enemy under the waves, a four-man SEAL team embarks on a covert mission behind enemy lines on land.

The story revolves around the crew of Arkansas, led by Commander Joe Glass, which discovers that a missing sub, the USS Tampa Bay, has been sunk by its Russian counterpart. With the help of Rear Admiral John Fisk and NSA analyst Jayne Norquist, the sailors discover a conspiracy that could provoke a nuclear war.

The title is derived from the Arkansas' designation. Hunter-killers are specifically designed to attack and disable other submarines. While the general premise bears a broad resemblance to Tide, Hunter Killer is a wholly different movie. The alternating suspense and action hardly ever gives you a moment to breathe. This is one to watch and the best contemporary military movie of the year. It's on my Best of 2018 list.


John's Take

Wow! Well I have to say Ran that I don’t think I have seen you give such glowing reviews to a film, at least not recently. But you did a good job reviewing it and have to agree with you - for the most part. The storyline and action was definitely out of the park! Nonstop action in fact so you definitely get your money’s worth out of this one. The only issue I have is the development - or lack, thereof - of some of the characters. Perhaps development is not the right word, actually background would be better. For example, Linda Cardellini, a fine actress, just came on scene and I really didn't know how she was involved, what her intentions were - I obviously fell asleep somewhere and missed her intro. The other actor I thought lacked any depth was Gary Oldman. It appears that because he had just come off of winning the Oscar for his brilliant performance as Winston Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’, must have just asked for 10 million dollars to let him ‘put on a bit of a show’ for about 30 minutes in the entire film. Still, overall, it was a good movie!

Originally Posted 10/25/18