Whilst a whole new generation is learning about a nuclear disaster which occurred in the Ukraine in 1986, it’s not the only ‘mishap’ which has been swept under the carpet over the years. Chernobyl highlighted just how far the Soviet regime would go in order to save face and cover-up systematic failures. The Kursk is another example of Russia’s indifference to human life when there’s a potential public relations disaster to avoid. This travesty is brought to life by Thomas Vinterberg in his new film Kursk: The Last Mission.
In August 2001 The Kursk, an Oscar-class submarine, was taking part in the first major Russian naval exercise for a decade. When an explosion sinks the vessel in the Barents Sea, Captain Mikhail Averin (Matthias Schoenaerts) and his men are trapped on-board. As his wife (Léa Seydoux) desperately tries to discover what is happening a British navy commander (Colin Firth) is standing-by waiting to help.
Part race against time, part political drama, Kursk: The Last Mission is a meticulously made and cutely paced disaster movie. The three stories run parallel to each other and build up a rounded picture of the events taking place at sea and on dry land. It’s an important moment in history and those who lost their lives need to be remembered. Kursk: The Last Mission does a great job of portraying their sacrifice in a compelling and thoughtful way.
Kursk: The Last Mission is out in cinemas and on digital HD on 12 July.
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