If you’re a fan of Saving Private Ryan, chances are you’ll also find Greyhound to be a compelling watch, though it may resonate with you in a different way. Both films explore the intensity and chaos of war, but while Saving Private Ryan focuses on the emotional depth and personal struggles of a small group of soldiers, Greyhound is fast-paced and will immerse you in the relentless pace of naval warfare during World War II, with a focus on tactical strategy and leadership under pressure. Directed by Aaron Schneider, this film from 2020 stars Tom Hanks who also wrote the screenplay.
The World War II thriller is based on the 1955 novel, The Good Shepherd, by C.S. Forester. The film follows the story of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ernest Krause, who leads an Allied convoy across the Atlantic while being hunted by German U-boats during World War II. Though it’s his first wartime mission, Krause finds himself in the midst of the longest and most complex naval battle in history: the Battle of the Atlantic.
Throughout the film, the viewers will witnesss Krause’s fascinating transformation from a seasoned but inexperienced commander to a battle-hardened leader, all while under the ever-present threat of the U-boats.
Greyhound has received positive reviews earning a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7/10 from IMDb. The film has been praised for its intense action sequences and the efficient use of its tight 90-minute runtime.
All within a short 90 minutes, the film delivers non-stop tension in the heart of naval combat, with pacing that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish, plunging viewers directly into the action.
Nominated for Best Sound at the Oscars, the film’s audio design and visuals are fully immersive, making you feel like you’re on the bridge of a destroyer.
Someone wrote on Reddit about the film: “Greyhound is a fantastic film. Seen it a few times now. Hanks is pitch-perfect.”
Another person wrote: “I haven’t seen a lot of movies like it and it just happen to catch my eye the other day.
“The action scenes are well shot and look great, with some especially great sound to help them out, and I looked it up and apparently it was only nominated for one Oscar. For Sound. Which makes total sense.”
Someone else said on Rotten Tomatoes: “One of the most immersive war films ever, possibly more immersive than Saving Private Ryan even.”
Someone else said on Google: “One of the best WW11 movies I have seen. In the top 10 for sure. Ever since Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, The Pacific and the upcoming Mighty 8th, Tom Hanks has transformed WW11 movies to a new level.”