Click to read the article
K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:45
Fresh:25
Rotten:20
Average Rating:2.6/10
Consensus: A gripping drama even though the filmmakers have taken liberties with the facts.
Runtime: 2 hrs 18 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: Inspired by a true story that was kept secret until the fall of communism, K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER is a tale of ordinary men who sacrifice everything for their shipmates and their country. In 1961,... Inspired by a true story that was kept secret until the fall of communism, K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER is a tale of ordinary men who sacrifice everything for their shipmates and their country. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, an ill-prepared Russian nuclear missile submarine embarks on its maiden voyage with near-disastrous consequences. When the sub's nuclear reactor malfunctions, Captain Alexei Vostrikov (Harrison Ford) makes some decisions that are unpopular with the crew. Tensions mount as radiation levels rise throughout the submarine and there is no respite in sight. If the sub explodes, it may cause an international incident as it may be mistaken as an attack on a nearby NATO base and an American Navy destroyer that is in the area. If the sub dives deep below the surface, perhaps the malfunction can be fixed, but the loss of some lives is then inevitable. The Executive Officer, Mikhail Polenin (Liam Neeson), who formerly commanded the sub, can placate the crew, but must decide where his own loyalties lie. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (BLUE STEEL, POINT BREAK), this thriller examines the Cold War from the Russian perspective, an uncommon point of view in American films. [More]
Starring: Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, Peter Sarsgaard, Joss Ackland
Starring: Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, Peter Sarsgaard, Joss Ackland, J.J. Field, Lex Shrapnel, Tim Woodward, George Anton
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Screenwriter: Louis Nowra, William Broyles, Christopher Kyle
Producer: Kathryn Bigelow, Joni Sighvatsson, Christine Whitaker, Edward S. Feldman, Moritz Borman
Composer: Klaus Badelt
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Reviews for K-19: The Widowmaker
Bigelow, the only female action thriller director around is one tough chick with a camera, proving she can run a tight ship even if she is the only woman on board.
K-19: The Widowmaker may not be a keeper but Bigelow's films do lend themselves to repeat viewings.
After a somewhat decent performance in the box office and an equally decent reception from critics, Paramount has given this Russian submarine thriller a nice little special edition on DVD.
K-19 has enough suspense and creative cinematography to sustain an audience's interest. Whether or not it is memorable remains to be seen.
Latest News for K-19: The Widowmaker
July 17, 2007:
Kathryn Bigelow to Tackle Iraq War Drama
Jeremy Renner, Brian Geraghty, and Anthony Mackie have signed on to star in Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq War drama The Hurt Locker. Plus, we can expect brief appearances from Ralph... More...
February 09, 2006:
Critical Consensus: Critics Not Tickled "Pink"
An incompetent French detective ("The Pink Panther"). Eight million ways to die ("Final Destination 3"). Harrison Ford looking frantic, then looking really,... More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 67% 67% | Public Enemies |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 95% 95% | The Cove |
| 85% 85% | World's Greatest Dad |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- K-19: The Widowmaker at Rotten Tomatoes
- K-19: The Widowmaker at IGN
- K-19: The Widowmaker at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.





