K-19: The Widowmaker

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K-19: The Widowmaker

PG-13

Released Jul 19, 2002

2h 18m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

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Popcornmeter

59%

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170 Reviews

53%

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25,000+ Ratings

Follows Captain Alexi Vostrikov (Harrison Ford) who, at the height of the Cold War, is ordered to take over command of the nuclear missile submarine K-19, pride of the Soviet Navy. His assignment: Prepare the K-19 for sea and take her out on patrol -- no matter what the cost. But problems with the K-19 arise that may lead to a core meltdown and explosion that will certainly kill all aboard, and possibly trigger a nuclear war. Vostrikov must choose between his orders and the lives of his men.

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Critics Consensus

A gripping drama even though the filmmakers have taken liberties with the facts.

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Stanley Kauffmann

The New Republic

Why did movie moguls think that this was the right moment for a tale of unflinching loyalty to the Soviet Union?

Mar 5, 2013

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 2/5

Mar 30, 2003

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Jason Best

BBC.com

The movie's true hero -- or heroine -- is Bigelow, who once again proves herself one of the very best action directors around.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 26, 2002

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Not to be confused with K-9, K-2 or even K-PAX, the fact-based K-19 is nevertheless strictly DOA and should be KO’d ASAP.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 2, 2024

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Does a competent job of creating the same sense of creepy claustrophobia that made classic sub actioners like Das Boot, Crimson Tide and The Hunt For Red October so memorable.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 4, 2020

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

...takes its place among a small group of undersea motion pictures. Unfortunately, it takes its place at the end of the line.

Rated: 5/10

May 7, 2010

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Rob A

An excellent cold war nuclear sub disaster flick, starring legends Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson and a young Peter Sarsgaard. It's loosely based on a true story and I've enjoyed it multiple times. I felt the score, especially towards the end, was a bit over the top - but honestly, this film is underrated. K-19 The Widow Maker was a gripping, emotional thriller.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/28/25

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Mwalimu J

Saw for the 2nd? 3rd? time today. Definitely the ratings are way off.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/09/25

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Korra N

An underrated slow-burning thriller based on a true story, Kathryn Bigelow's WWII drama is fraught & tense, with some great performances & stunning visuals.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

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Akobundu P

I was devastated when I lost $80,000 worth of Bitcoin to a fake investment company. It felt like I had nowhere to turn, and I thought my funds were gone for good. However, after contacting Anonymous ‘ maciofonespyrix gma1l com I was amazed at how quickly they were able to track down my stolen Bitcoin. They worked tirelessly to trace the fraudulent transactions, liaised with the relevant authorities, and contacted the platforms involved in the scam. Thanks to Anonymous

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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Claudia B

Nothing entertaining about this movie that Harrison Ford shouldnt have even considered. One of his worst.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/25

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Jerod S

Ford and Neeson made a cold war sub movie worth watching. Radiation poisoning was painful to watch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

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Kathryn Bigelow

Director

Harrison Ford

Captain Alexi Vostrikov

Liam Neeson

Captain Mikhail Polenin

Peter Sarsgaard

Reactor Officer Vadim Radtchenko

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Synopsis

Follows Captain Alexi Vostrikov (Harrison Ford) who, at the height of the Cold War, is ordered to take over command of the nuclear missile submarine K-19, pride of the Soviet Navy. His assignment: Prepare the K-19 for sea and take her out on patrol -- no matter what the cost. But problems with the K-19 arise that may lead to a core meltdown and explosion that will certainly kill all aboard, and possibly trigger a nuclear war. Vostrikov must choose between his orders and the lives of his men.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Producer: Kathryn Bigelow, Sigurjon Sighvatsson, Christine Whitaker, Edward S. Feldman
Screenwriter: Christopher Kyle
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: National Geographic Society, Palomar, First Light Production, New Regency Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Images)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 19, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $35.2M
Runtime: 2h 18m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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