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Tom Hanks Stars in Gripping 'Greyhound' Movie

A World War II thriller set on the high seas, 'Greyhound' is terrific from start to finish.

By Terry MansfieldPublished 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 3 min read
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Trailer for Greyhound (YouTube). Copyright Fair Use provision.

The movie 'Greyhound' was supposed to be released in theaters in the summer of 2020. But the coronavirus closed down theaters and thus put a halt to that plan.

The next option would have been to release it online for purchase or pay-to-rent. That didn’t happen either because Apple swooped in and bought the release rights to Greyhound so they could showcase it on their new AppleTV+ streaming service. This proved to be a very smart move on Apple’s part because Tom Hanks is still a strong draw as a movie lead actor, and the film he’s in is incredibly entertaining. And both critics and audiences have given it high ratings.

Here’s a synopsis of 'Greyhound' from the Rotten Tomatoes review website:

“U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ernest Krause is assigned to lead an Allied convoy across the Atlantic during World War II. His convoy, however, is pursued by German U-boats. Although this is Krause’s first wartime mission, he finds himself embroiled in what would come to be known as the longest, largest, and most complex naval battle in history: The Battle of the Atlantic.”

It doesn’t take long for the action to begin in 'Greyhound,' and once it does, it is intense and compelling, suspenseful all the way through as the destroyer fends off ferocious attacks by German U-boats swarming in “wolf packs” trying to sink as many Allied cargo vessels as possible, as well as the ships guarding them.

As you might expect, the film’s focus stays on the American destroyer Greyhound’s rookie Captain Ernest Krause, who is forced to repeatedly make life and death decisions to not only protect the Allied cargo ships but his own ship from being sunk by the relentless U-boats. Tom Hanks is masterful in the role of the ship’s captain.

The movie is based on a true story, so the producers took great pains to make the film as realistic and authentic as possible, and it shows in every dramatic frame.

Here’s a representative review by film critic Michael J. Cinema:

“The Second World War was fought on the land, in the air, and on the sea. And in the Atlantic Ocean, there is a space just out of range of Allied air forces. Here, only sea vessels go: “The Black Pit.”

Greyhound — directed by Aaron Schneider and written by Tom Hanks — takes place in that pit, a section of the Atlantic Ocean where the USS Keeling, call sign “Greyhound,” captained by Ernest Krause (Hanks), must protect a supply convey from German U-Boats. Three days of white knuckles and peril on the high seas, which Schneider captures with a relentless level of action that seems neither over the top nor over-indulged. Even when the enemy German U-boat hails the American destroyer (Grey Wolf to Greyhound), Hanks and Schneider find a way to keep it from feeling contrived. Ditto for the dramatics on the bridge: Stolen glances between the men wondering if their untested captain can respond.

He can, and he does: It is Tom Hanks, after all. All the performances here are good, as is the cinematography from Shelly Johnson — close, but not claustrophobic. It’s a movie of tactics, resolve, and a little bit of faith. Maybe 10 minutes too long, but who’s counting.”

I highly recommend this film to anyone who wants to be thoroughly entertained by an outstanding movie with great acting by Tom Hanks and the entire cast. You won’t be disappointed.

Although Greyhound is only available on the AppleTV+ streaming service, you can watch it for free by using AppleTV+'s 7-day free trial. Just be sure to cancel the subscription before the trial is up if you don’t want to keep it.

By source. Copyright Fair Use provision.

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Thanks for reading. Copyright © Terry Mansfield. All Rights Reserved.

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About the Creator

Terry Mansfield

Trying to be the best writer I can be. Specialist in eclecticism.

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