Description
In this episode, we take on U-571 (2000) with returning guest Katie. This tense, incredibly fictional tale is all about American submariners capturing a German U-boat and its Enigma machine. It’s got Matthew McConaughey, Jon Bon Jovi and Matthew Settle and everyone’s damp. We explore the claustrophobic depictions and why the British were fuming about this one.
Including some real-life naval details, from the cramped quarters of the U-505 to the history of segregated Black sailors in WWII (because, let’s be real, this movie does no historical heavy lifting).
Want to listen to us talk to Katie some more? Check out our Walking with the Enemy episode.
U-571 trailer
Howard W. Gilmore's Medal of Honor action
During this episode, Maartje mentions that one of the scenes and specifically one of the lines in the movie, “Take her down!”, was allegedly based on a real event, for which Howard W. Gilmore posthumously received a Medal of Honor. While we did not have the real story handy on air, you can read more about it here.
Other episodes mentioned
Ep 70 – Walking with the Enemy – Hungarian WWII History Unpacked (with our friend Katie!)
In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we review Walking with the Enemy (2013), exploring its depiction of WWII Hungary, the life of Elek Cohen (loosely based on Pinchas Rosenbaum), and the country’s political shifts during the war. We discuss standout performances, the film’s narrative choices, and are joined by our friend Katie, who shares insights into Hungary during WWII.
Ep 66 – The Imitation Game – Alan Turing, Oscar Bait and the Spy Subplot No One Asked For
In this episode of Rosie the Reviewer, we take on The Imitation Game (2014) and unpick all the ways it does Alan Turing dirty. With guest George (our usual SAS Rogue Heroes correspondent) taking on several sidequests with us this summer), we tackle the unnecessary spy plot, the myth of the lone genius, and why turning one of history’s most brilliant minds into a socially inept robot is just lazy, disrespectful writing. Sam did all the reading, Maartje Googled for one minute and George has actually been to Bletchley Park. All of us instantly agree: this movie is not it.
We talk queer erasure, posthumous pardons, codebreaking accuracy (or lack thereof), and Sam explains EXACTLY how Turing’s codebreaking machine works ;).
This movie is Oscar bait biopic mayhem (it worked, I guess), and we have some strong thoughts.
Ep 26 – Fury – A Discussion on the Reality and Fiction of War (Featuring Our Friend Bec)
In this episode, our friend Bec joins us to talk about Fury. Listening to Bec talk about Fury is much better than watching Fury, for the most part.
Ep 6 – Pearl Harbor – A Nostalgia Watch with a Critical Eye on Historical Accuracy
Join us as we dive into Pearl Harbor. A nostalgia watch for Maartje and somewhat of a hellish time for Sam.
What Katie is reading
D-Day Through French Eyes by Mary Louise Roberts is an incredibly well-researched collection of interviews and diary entries from the French living in Normandy, recounting their experiences before, during, and after the D-Day landings.
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And If I Perish by Evelyn M. Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee is a collection of memoirs from WWII combat nurses. Katie mentions alternating between this and D-Day Through French Eyes because both are heavy, emotional reads that offer powerful firsthand perspectives on the war.
