Bronze - Greyhound
Oscar Tidbit: The film was nominated for Best Sound at the 2021 Oscars but understandably lost to Sound of Metal. However, I believe it was snubbed for Best Visual Effects—it wasn’t even recognized in the category, but it arguably should have won over Tenet.
A very simple story of a man who would never call himself a hero, but who certainly embodies the role. The film's simplicity and minimalist storytelling underscore the idea that less is more. Tom Hanks is, of course, the perfect choice for the role of a modest U.S. Navy Commander—stern, confident, and humble. While this might seem like a typical "dad movie," even for someone who doesn’t usually enjoy war films, the attention to detail and the portrayal of decision-making behind the scenes are genuinely compelling. The audience is drawn into the crew’s experience, feeling the stressful silence and the tension in the air.
U.S. Navy Commander Ernest Krause is on his first wartime mission, leading a convoy of ships carrying supplies across the Atlantic. The convoy must pass through the "Black Pit," a perilous area where Allied planes couldn't provide air cover, leaving them vulnerable to relentless attacks by German U-boats. The "Black Pit" covered a significant 300-mile gap, taking ships 3 to 5 days to cross, giving the Germans a strategic advantage in the Battle of the Atlantic for years. The movie effectively conveys the danger and the constant sense of urgency, allowing the audience to feel the pressure and fear experienced by each crew member as they face the grim reality of "kill or be killed."
The portrayal of the German U-boat commander as immature and taunting in radio messages to the Greyhound felt unnecessary and contrived, detracting slightly from the film's otherwise tense atmosphere.
Despite this, Greyhound is a non-stop action-packed film that showcases the complex skills required during such a mission—the focus amidst chaos, the scientific strategies, and the profound unity among the crew. The remarkable sound and visual effects evoke a wide range of emotions. Although this movie was released during the COVID-19 pandemic and may have slipped under the radar, it deserves recognition and has the potential to become a new favorite in the war genre.
