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Movie Review No 4
HUNTER KILLER

INTRODUCTION

Hunter Killer is a fictional action movie, based on the novel "Firing Point" by
George Wallace and Don Keith, adapted by Arne L. Schmidt and Jamie Moss, which is
set on the present period in the Russian territory in the Arctic region. It is about a
conflict that was staged by a rogue Russian Defense Minister whose goal is to wage
war against the United States of America. The tension started when the USS Tampa
Bay submarine, while tracking the Russian Federation Akula-class Konek near the Kola
Peninsula, documents an explosion aboard their target before they are suddenly hit and
sunk by a torpedo. Russian Defense Minister Dmitriy Durov sabotaged a Russian
submarine appearing that USS Tampa Bay (a US Navy submarine) torpedoed the
Konek. Another Russian Submarine then fired into the USS Tampa Bay and sunk the
vessel killing the entire crew. The incident prompted the US Navy to deploy USS
Arkansas, a Virginia class nuclear-powered hunter killer submarine, with a newly
designated skipper Commander Joe Glass (Gerald Butler) to covertly travel into
Russian waters and investigate to find out the truth. Once there, the Arkansas is quickly
attacked by another Akula-class vessel, forcing the Americans to destroy it in the
ensuing battle.

Also, a SEAL team was deployed into the Russian Naval Base to conduct
reconnaissance and observation. With decisive actions and timely directives, the
commanders in the ground were able to assess that a coup was transpiring against the
Russian President Nikolai Zakarin, prisoner, the submarine attack was staged, and that
Durov intends to trigger a war.

World War could have then erupted, but with the resolute guidance and flexibility
of American commanders, the threat was neutralized with the help of Russian
submarine skipper of Konek, Captain Andropov, who was rescued by Cdr Glass’ unit.

BODY

The movie has several unrealistic scenes, one of which is when the Russian
President was being held up by the Defense Minister whose objective is to wage war
against the United States. Yet, it is difficult to believe that a patriotic military general that
has rich military experience will wage a war against the most powerful military in the
world. Military senior officers have enough wisdom not to make a blunder that could
harm his subordinates and even be detrimental to his country. No one in his right mind
will stage a war without any reasonable cause against the United States that is known
to have several superpower allies.

Another flaw in the film is when a SEAL team composed of 4 elite warriors was
directed to rescue the Russian President who was held up by an Army of Russian
forces. It seemed too improbable that only a single team will be sent for that kind of
mission that is similar to a suicide task. The mission is too delicate and risky, and it is
impossible that only a single team, however elite it is, is needed to get the job done.

Though the plot of the movie was a bit fictional, it still has a lot of realistic tactical
value particularly in maneuvers, communications and even the interoperability of special
operations unit. The movie also showcased the real capabilities of a submarine that it is
not only being used as a stealth vessel that can launch several weapons undetected but
also its use as a platform to launch or extricate special operations unit. A scene in the
movie of Russian destroyers locating a submarine and launching anti-submarine
mortars and rockets was an eye opener for this writer and made most of the viewers
aware that such capability is possible. More so, the delicate navigation underwater with
the presence of mines was also highlighted making it more convincing, especially for
those who are well-versed in maritime navigation.

Another good point of the film is the concept that finds U.S. and Russian forces
working together to prevent greater political chaos. As the world’s foremost nuclear
powers, the relationship between the United States and Russia bears special
significance for global security. While the US and Russia frequently find themselves on
the opposite ends of important issues at the heart of their national interests, the inherent
risk of armed conflict between the world’s strongest nuclear powers mandates that both
countries have to cooperate and work to reduce any risk.

The film also personified a good commander in the person of Cdr Joe Glass who
was designated to be a Submarine Commander. Cdr Glass who rose from the ranks,
earn his first boat not through politics but as a result of hands-on experience. With
flexibility, enough knowledge, and courage, Cdr Glass exemplified the virtues of a good
commander. He demonstrated the stability under immense pressure and was tactically
proficient that saved the lives of his crew. Glass’ unique way of doing things also
imbues the film with a subtle thread of anti-elitism which gives importance and weight to
rank-and-file officers.

CONCLUSION

As the movie ended, great values and tactical knowledge can be grasped. Hunter
Killer had displayed several military capabilities that are highly modernized and how
does it work. It showed the importance of modernizing military equipment that will make
the soldier’s life more efficient and less hazardous.

In addition, it portrays that conflicting parties may still work together and
cooperate towards common good if they would just set aside their personal biases.
 More importantly, the movie exhibited the importance of having leaders that are
tactically and technically proficient with right values. The moral empathy with desired
skill makes commanders effective in balancing the accomplishment of the mission and
welfare of the men. It is essential that commanders must not always stick in a book or a
given rule. By being a good leader, you can easily convey a message that will be
wholeheartedly obeyed. No matter how bad things get in the world, the movie suggests,
we will always be able to rely on the judgment of good men and women to keep the
peace. As what Aristotle has famously said “Educating the mind without educating the
heart is no education at all”. As military leaders, it is important that we do not only focus
on developing the cognitive aspects and skills, but we must also focus on all the
qualities that make us human, and ultimately develop us into good soldiers and leaders
that we always aim to be.

REFERENCES

Beins, B.C. (2012). APA Style Simplified: Writing in Psychology, Education, Nursing,
and Sociology. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Giles, L. (1910). Art of War Translation. London, UK: Department of Oriental Printed
Books and Manuscripts .

Fleming, Mike, Jr. (March 3, 2016). "'Hunter Killer' Moving Ahead”

Pedersen, Erik (June 23, 2016). "Taylor John Smith Dives Into 'Hunter Killer