SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It isn't all that great, actually. Really cheesy and very predicable of how certain scenes are gonna turn play out. However, I guess that's the charm of it all, because I would consider this one of my guilty pleasures.

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

The best submarine movie that we could think of is of course Wolfgang Peterson's Das Boot and from then on, whenever we think about submarine movie, Das Boot comes to mind. But another part of history that is almost forgotten is the CSS Hunley. Most people dismiss the notion we all know they didn't make it, but how did it get to be there is another story.When TNT first aired the movie on television, I was interested in the movie, but missed the day it was showing and rented out the video. The Civil War was the first war that would use science and wacky technology in order to bring either side to its knee. The guns have now changed, the use of railroads was needed, and cannons now are larger. Even the warships now have moved into the ironclad era and from there the Hunley was born.The movie takes place after Captain Hunley dies in his submarine and this is where George Dixon takes over as commander. Armand Assante did a great job portraying as Dixon and didn't have that look from Judge Dredd or anything, but played the part very well. Donald Sutherland who played the General also did a great job which although people see him as lax, but he played as a general that just didn't want to continue on. The other cast also played well.Historically, the movie is based on a true story with some parts being fiction and others having to be filled in as a guessing game because we hardly know anything about these men. Even we don't even know what they look like and TNT did a fantastic job in portraying them as best as we can according to photos and diaries from the history books.This movie is not an action movie, but more of a drama and tragedy during the Civil War. Families lost their sons or fathers while other suffer from other causes in the war. No doubt this movie stands next to Glory in terms of presenting a story of how being next to the Hunley may have felt like.

Have you ever channel surfed when theres nothing in particuliar you want to watch,and you stop on a channel where theres a film starting.You dont bother to check the T.V guide,but you look at the synopsis,find it mildly interesting so you give it a try,and then after 15 minutes of viewing you become so engrossed that you forget that you were bored only a short time ago and you are now enjoying a film youve never even heard of before.This is such a film.I came across it one cold Sunday afternoon on cable,it drew me in immediately,quite a surprise for me as i normally avoid made for T.V movies,but sometimes you come across a product that has an interesting and unique story,a few old but well respected actors(Amand Assante and Donald Sutherland)and most surprising of all for a T.V movie,a lavish expensive looking feel and fantastic effects.The story,which is based on a true event,is set during the American civil war and centres on the confederate armies attempt to take the town of Charleston.The rebels fight back with a new invention,the first attempt at making a submarine that if successful would dive below an enemy ship with a torpedo in tow and sink the ship.The scenes involving the crew of seven men cramped inside the tiny banged together prototype sub are genuinely claustrophobic,and you can almost feel the tension and confinement they undoubtedly suffer.The crew themselves are a collection of intrigueing personalities that you will warm too whilst watching the film,and it is that coupled with the fact that this a true story which make the ending that much more harrowing.A true gem of a film.

This is a great movie. I rented it on video and was amazed how well this made for television movie was executed. Donald Sutherland played his part very well, but the directors/writers did not have to rely on him to carry it. This movie is a must see for any history buffs or lovers of submarine flicks. A very good movie.

Armand Assante delivers big time, as the Confederates' Lt. Dixon of the C.S.S. Hunley. In reality, Lt. Dixon was much younger than the actor playing him. However, the weathered look and demeanor of Assante makes him a believable leader, much like Laurence Harvey's portrayal of Col. William B. Travis in John Wayne's epic, "The Alamo."Donald Sutherland's performance should also be commended. General Beauregard, as portrayed by Sutherland was well done. More importantly, it occurs to this author that Sutherland has the penchant for going out on a limb and playing complex figures in history and myth.While the film details many historical accuracies, it is safe to say that the depictions of the crew are fiction. The good news is that they are nicely done. Character development, which seems to be in scarce supply these days is fulfilled in, "The Hunley." To the man, I couldn't think of a single character, that I either disliked, or felt wasn't properly placed in the film. In fact, they were so different, with their own peculiarities, that I felt a kinship to each of them. I guess my favorite was the happily married man who was, according to Dixon, "dumb as a post," but "loyal." Honest men indeed.The special effects are somewhat disappointing. First, it is clear that some of the action shots are less than cutting edge. This was obviously due to budgetary constraints. The good news is that the overly done Hollywood type explosions are happily missing. It is tiring to see 1990's style pyrotechnics in the middle of the 19th century. If you doubt me, go see, "Zorro '98." Big budgets do not equal great effects.Finally, I thought it was original of the film makers in the awakening sequence which occurs at the end of the movie. This could have really gone south, if not done right. It is a moving experience for the viewer.All in all, a fine movie. I will have it in my library.