Konvoi

While a huge improvement over movies like Kampen om Narvik, it is obvious that this movie got rewritten several times and changed direction. While the movie still manages to have a grip on the audience in terms of suspense, some of its plot points do not hold up well. It seems the movie went from the idea of a captivating war movie to budget restraints, forcing the movie makers to focus on interpersonal differences between the captain and his crew. That is something i feel detracts from the story, and it also is writing that has been done to death in other movies like Crimson tide. All in all, if you want to see a bit of WWII action, watch this, but if you rather would like something more believable and historically more accurate, then watch Krigsseileren any day over this.

My father was an engineer on a Norwegian Merchant Marine ship during WWII (although not in the arctic region that I know of). His ships were wrecked three times, yet he managed to survive. He didn't talk too much about what he went through, yet it was evident that he was deeply troubled by what he saw and went through. After the war, he moved to the US. Decades later, the Norwegian government sent him medals for his service. He through them into a drawer, forgotten until after his death. Seeing this movie gave insight into what he may have experienced. It was beautifully filmed, and well acted. Glad I watched it, yet depressing too.

A film with which one can build a kind of emotional bond, additionally depicting true events at sea. The topic of the Battle of the Atlantic might seem simple to execute-showing, for example, the fate of a surface or submarine crew-but in reality, it isn't. To date, we can distinguish only two films that accurately depict the realities of the Battle of the Atlantic or similar naval battles: Das Boot from 1981, which lets us smell the damp cloth on the deck of a U-boat, feeling moments of joy with the crew and sharing in their defeats; and the film U-571 from 2000, which, although it depicts a fictional mission to capture the Enigma, conveys the drama of combat well. Someone might ask why I don't consider the film Greyhound from 2020, despite ever-improving technology that allows for computer-generated film production and a budget 319% larger than Das Boot. The sight of all those generated ships is almost painful to look at and almost begs to be placed only in a game. The narrative and scenes are so heavily filled with American bravado.

How does this compare to the film under discussion? We are given a production that, with a well-chosen soundtrack adding tension and drama, holds us in suspense even through small events. Grayish, muted images spread across the screen, enhancing the atmosphere of the moments being experienced. The crew is starving, exhausted, and unlucky; time spent at sea breaks their spirits, and the accompanying thought that the ship could become a floating coffin only deepens this feeling. Meanwhile, a tense atmosphere builds nearby in the cabin, where the captains cannot reach mutual agreement on the actions to take. All this unfolds within the mission to deliver battle supplies to the Soviet Union.

In summary, I must admit that I was quite positively surprised watching this film, despite my earlier doubts. I would even say that if the film had been stretched out a bit longer, presenting real events, it would still be enjoyable to watch.

...and have watched enough films to know a good one when I see one. All films, even, The Sound of Music, present at least one conflict and in the lesser movies, that single conflict is always resolved and the ending is happy. There is a good element and a bad element and good guys win.

In more complex films, there are often multiple conflicts with multiple layers of good and bad. The resolution to the conflicts isn't always clear and good vs bad is may be difficult to discern. A resolution to the conflicts may not be evident.

Such is the case in The Arctic Convoy. Don't expect clear cut good vs evil and don't expect to know the "right thing to do."

The story is outstanding. The acting is first rate. Cinematography and special effects are at the least adequate and actually quite good considering the cold, gray arctic backdrop they had to work with. Sound is excellent.

I seldom rate a film over 7 and in this case was tempted to offer a 9 but I haven't slept on it yet so I backed off to an 8. I think most viewers will enjoy it.

A significant and historic film, in addition to being very good for a Norwegian production.

The tribute to the soldiers' efforts is well done, and the acting and tension are strong throughout the movie - it's surprisingly varied, considering the action takes place on a ship during WWII.

It's also nice to see that Norwegian films are becoming so good, with excellent acting and storytelling.

However, the sound quality is surprisingly poor, which, unfortunately, is not uncommon in Norwegian films. The dialogue is too quiet, while the explosions are too loud and jarring.

Aside from that, this is an important and well-made film that maintains a high standard overall. And a special tribute to those who honor our real heroes from the 1940s.

In addition, it's refreshingly bold to see criticism of the Norwegian government's efforts - and their fleeing from Norway - which is something many have thought before but not voiced so openly.