drystyx
An incredible journey with the antagonists being the stars. Most WWII films about men behind enemy lines depict the "good guys" I dare say, in the Allies, behind enemy lines. Here, we get the exact opposite, with six Uboat survivors from ...
Movie spotlight
49th Parallel
1941
Movie
123 min
English
In the early days of World War II, a German U-boat is sunk in Canada's Hudson Bay. Hoping to evade capture, a small band of German soldiers led by commanding officer Lieutenant Hirth attempts to cross the border into the United States, which has not yet entered the war and is officially neutral. Along the way, the German soldiers encounter brave men such as a French-Canadian fur trapper, Johnnie, a leader of a Hutterite farming community, Peter, an author, Philip and a soldier, Andy Brock.
Insights
IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Director: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger•Genres: War, Thriller, Adventure, Propaganda
Plot Summary
Following a German U-boat attack on Hudson Bay, a group of surviving German sailors attempts to reach neutral United States territory by crossing Canada. Pursued by Canadian Mounties and the public, they face escalating dangers and moral dilemmas as their journey unfolds. The film serves as a stark warning against Nazi ideology and highlights the unity of the Allied forces.
Critical Reception
A significant propaganda film of its time, '49th Parallel' was widely praised for its suspenseful narrative, impressive cinematography, and patriotic message. Critics lauded its effective portrayal of the Nazi threat and its portrayal of Canadian resilience. It was a commercial success, further cementing the reputation of its directors.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its tense chase sequences and effective wartime message.
Commended for its impressive visuals and skillful direction by Powell and Pressburger.
Recognized as a powerful piece of Allied propaganda with strong performances.
Google audience: Audience reception information for Google reviews is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Academy Award for Best Original Story (Emeric Pressburger). Nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay at the Oscars.
Fun Fact
The film was an early example of a "home front" movie, intended to boost morale and encourage support for the war effort in Britain and North America.
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My Review
TMDB Reviews
2 reviews
CinemaSerf
A quirky war film for various reasons, this one. A Nazi submarine crew are raiding North Atlantic shipping when their submarine is destroyed near the Canadian coast. The crew of survivors - led by a curiously cast Eric Portman - take over a...
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