Some things I liked some I did not.

one of my absolute favorites!

Gripping story with well-crafted characters

Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.

British cinema had its most distinguished period after WW2, notably between 1945 and 1970, during which time it produced masterpieces that ranged from comedies (KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS, other Ealing comedies; supernatural/psycho horrow films such as DEAD OF NIGHT, THE INNOCENTS; love stories like BRIEF ENCOUNTER; and war films like DAM BUSTERS, CRUEL SEA, COLDITZ STORY. BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, FIVE FINGERS, WE DIVE AT DAWN, GUNS OF NAVARONE, ABOVE US THE WAVES).I am fond of the latter. I first saw it on TV in Swaziland, Africa, and was promptly impressed by the British stiff upper lip, as portrayed by a fantastic cast that includes such solid actors as James Robertson Justice, John Mills, Donald Sinden, John Gregson, among others - including some four or five German-speaking actors, notably the Tirpitz commander, who are totally convincing.B&W photography is highly competent, but understandably limited because this was not a high budget film. Direction by Ralph Thomas is very tight and coherent, with scenes in the submarines particularly effective, highlighting all the potentially deadly hazards.Screenplay also a tad limited, but credible. Ending is an example of simplicity and effectiveness, with John Mills quietly but perceptibly bitterly, reflecting on his upcoming detention in a camp. Strongly recommended if you are interested in 1) British film making; 2) Solid acting; 3) WW2.

John Mills heads the cast in Above The Waves, the true story about a team of courageous volunteers from the British Navy who in three midget submarines sink the German battleship Tirpitz in a Norwegian fjord where it is anchored and seemingly impregnable. The only thing that Above The Waves lacks is a snappy theme song along the lines of Sink The Bismarck and Guns Of Navarone.When Hitler invaded Norway it was to capture that long Atlantic coastline with its deep water fjords, the better to house his Atlantic fleet and harass and sink allied lend lease shipping to Russia to Murmansk and Archangel. With its sister ship the Bismarck sunk, the battleship Tirpitz was the crown jewel of the fleet and in that fjord where it was docked near nigh impregnable like those guns on the isle of Navarone.Admiral James Robertson Justice in a similar role to that which he played in The Guns Of Navarone commissions John Mills to put a team together to man three midget submarines. These little ships which only carry a crew of four were something like underwater PT boats. Service in a submarine is close quarters in any event, service in these vessels could induce claustrophobia if you had that tendency.These incredibly courageous men in three of these vessels sailed into the fjord and put explosives right at the keel of the Tirpitz an act that requires a set of brass ones. The biggest set had to belong to Donald Sinden who had a harrowing scene kicking away a mine which had gotten caught in a tow line. This is as it happened, the Tirpitz capsized in the fjord and was out of action for about a year. Later it was sunk in the open sea during battle.Big kudos go to John Mills and the cast who brought this film to the screen. And this review is dedicated to those courageous volunteers from the Royal Navy who did this job in real life.

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.

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.