Yet another Tom Hanks masterclass was the perfect film of choice for a New Years Eve in front of the TV.

The beauty and uniqueness of this film is that it is shot entirely in one location- excepting for the opening scene- on the bridge of US Navy escort ship “the Greyhound” as it acts as protection for an armada of merchant navy ships that are delivering crucial supplies to support the UK war effort against an increasingly aggressive Nazi Germany.

Set in the months following on from Pearl Harbour and taking its lead from true story “The Good Shepherd” by C S Forester, Hanks plays Commander Ernest Krause on his first such mission across the Atlantic which is fraught with danger as the fleet are hunted incessantly by German U-Boats which seem to have the upper hand.

The “glory” of war is often depicted on the big screen through adaptations of famous allied victories on D-Day or in North Africa however, for me the real heroics come from ordinary folk who put their lives (and family livelihood) on the line to play such an important supporting role.

Stephen Graham plays a superb supporting role as Lt Commander Charlie Cole who is integral to survival efforts of not only his ship but the entire group.

Some great visual effects, get the popcorn out and enjoy!

Rating: 8.5/10

Viewed: December 2020