A Glimpse Of Hell
Based On A True Story
James Caan and Robert Sean Leonard turn in top-notch performances in this true-life story of the events surrounding the fatal explosion aboard the USS Iowa battleship in 1989.
Was it an accident... a case of negligence... or a deliberate act of sabotage? When the deaths of 47 sailors on an ill-fated training exercise are blamed on a single despondent crew member, the ship's hardened Captain (Caan) supports the Navy's official position in order to save face. But a skeptical Lieutenant (Leonard) with a different theory risks his own reputation - and his career - to discover the truth behind the tragedy.
Member Reviews
less than expected - paddyboy
Generally speaking, I was disappointed in this movie. As it was based on a true story, I felt that there should have been more detail in the plot. I thought the acting was rather bland; there should have been more intensity considering the topic. I have always felt James Cahn was a mediocre actor, as he was in this film.
Perhaps, as one previous member stated, the fact that it was made for TV put limitations on what they could do. However, I disagree that homophobia was significant in this plot. The investigators were looking for a scapegoat; that was the main issue here. I think homophobia was a minor issue. However, the reviewer raised an interesting point.
I found the most interesting parts of the movie were the scenes depicting the gun turret itself especially the technology and personnel involved.
However that (perhaps too much) being said, for a TV movie it was worth watching. I would be interested in knowing the reaction of the US navy to this film.Somewhat entertaining. - eagleeye
Focus was mostly on life of the officer/investigator with no real portrayal of any "relationship." Was accurate in how things played out, still not a closed case per se, but viewers could still be left with wrong impression of the two sailors and the alleged but incorrect motive for the Navy version. I recall it and it was very disturbing for the military. Could have been much deeper in theme.Riveting - Port_Moresby
Although obviously shot quickly for television, this is a classy, efficient and effective (how's that for alliteration) account of the real-life events that occured when a gun malfunction on the battleship USS Iowa resulted in an explosion that killed 47 members of the crew. The Navy's official statement is that a crewman committed murder-suicide because his alleged lover got married and he wanted to get revenge, but Lieutenant Robert Sean Leonard believes that this is a cover-up to protect the career of his Captain (James Caan). In 85 action packed minutes, the film addresses military boys' club politics, homophobia and the powerful impulse to do the right thing that overcomes a person when the cost is more than should be paid in all decency. Thought-provoking and very satisfying.
Member Reviews
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less than expected - paddyboy
Generally speaking, I was disappointed in this movie. As it was based on a true story, I felt that there should have been more detail in the plot. I thought the acting was rather bland; there should have been more intensity considering the topic. I have always ...Somewhat entertaining. - eagleeye
Focus was mostly on life of the officer/investigator with no real portrayal of any "relationship." Was accurate in how things played out, still not a closed case per se, but viewers could still be left with wrong impression of the two sailors and the alleged ...Riveting - Port_Moresby
Although obviously shot quickly for television, this is a classy, efficient and effective (how's that for alliteration) account of the real-life events that occured when a gun malfunction on the battleship USS Iowa resulted in an explosion that killed 47 members ...