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K-19: The Widowmaker 2002

During the height of the Cold War, Captain Alexei Vostrikov is unexpectedly tasked with taking command of the nuclear missile submarine K-19. He must quickly prepare the sub for its first mission, facing challenges from the experienced Captain Polenin and a crew under immense pressure. The film explores the tense atmosphere and difficult choices made as Vostrikov races against time, highlighting the human cost of readiness in a dangerous era. Inspired by a true story, this gripping drama portrays a critical moment in history.

During the height of the Cold War, Captain Alexei Vostrikov is unexpectedly tasked with taking command of the nuclear missile submarine K-19. He must quickly prepare the sub for its first mission, facing challenges from the experienced Captain Polenin and a crew under immense pressure. The film explores the tense atmosphere and difficult choices made as Vostrikov races against time, highlighting the human cost of readiness in a dangerous era. Inspired by a true story, this gripping drama portrays a critical moment in history.

Does K-19: The Widowmaker have end credit scenes?

No!

K-19: The Widowmaker does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of K-19: The Widowmaker

Explore the complete cast of K-19: The Widowmaker, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


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Ratings and Reviews for K-19: The Widowmaker

See how K-19: The Widowmaker is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where K-19: The Widowmaker stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

58

Metascore

6.6

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

59%

TOMATOMETER

review

53%

User Score

IMDb

6.7 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

65

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate K-19: The Widowmaker Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of K-19: The Widowmaker with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


K-19: The Widowmaker Quiz: Test your knowledge on the tense and dramatic events surrounding the K-19 submarine's inaugural mission during the Cold War.

Who is the commanding officer of the K-19 submarine?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for K-19: The Widowmaker

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Read the complete plot summary of K-19: The Widowmaker, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In 1961, the Soviet Union embarks on a daring new venture with the launch of its first ballistic missile nuclear submarine, the K-19, under the command of Captain 2nd Rank Alexei Vostrikov. Accompanied by his executive officer, Captain 3rd Rank Mikhail Polenin, who had previously been the vessel’s original captain, they face a crucial mission against a backdrop of heightened tensions due to the U.S. deployment of nuclear submarines close to Soviet shores, necessitating a posture of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).

Vostrikov’s leadership is questioned; rumors suggest he ascended to his rank thanks to his wife’s political connections. Meanwhile, Polenin is focused on preserving crew morale and safety—a consideration that clashes with the urgency to demonstrate Soviet military capability. He had earlier asserted that during a missile launch drill, the submarine was unprepared to be operational, yet the authorities are insistent on a swift deployment.

The K-19’s inaugural mission demands a surfacing in the Arctic to test-launch an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile, followed by surveillance of the Atlantic, all within striking distance of significant U.S. targets such as New York City and Washington, D.C. Vostrikov boldly challenges senior officials, including Marshal Zolentsov (Joss Ackland), Admiral Bratyeev (John Shrapnel), and Vice-Admiral Konstantin Partonov (Tim Woodward), about the risks of proceeding without extensive sea trials.

As the mission progresses, Vostrikov discovers that the submarine’s reactor officer is inebriated and sleeping on duty, prompting him to replace him with the inexperienced Vadim Radtchenko (Peter Sarsgaard). Polenin protests against this decision, asserting that the previous officer was the navy’s best. Increasingly pressed for time, Vostrikov orders the launch of the K-19 in only two weeks, despite Polenin’s continued warnings that essential equipment is missing and the submarine isn’t ready for sea.

The launch atmosphere is marred by mishaps; the medical officer is tragically killed in an accident involving a supply truck, and a critical champagne bottle fails to break during the ceremony. The K-19 earns the ominous nickname “The Widowmaker” after the deaths of nine crew members during its construction. Among the crew are notable figures such as Captain 3rd Rank Gennadi Savran, Captain 3rd Rank Yuri Demichev, and Captain-Lieutenant Mikhail Kornilov, all facing the rigid demands of Vostrikov’s relentless training regimen.

Tensions escalate when Vostrikov pushes the submarine beyond its designated operational limits during a high-stakes emergency dive drill, resulting in a successful missile test launch but damaging the submarine’s systems in the process. Soon, a catastrophic incident arises when a coolant pipe in the reactor bursts, leading to a rapid rise in temperature and the imminent threat of a core meltdown, with Radtchenko revealing the dire situation to Vostrikov.

Clock ticking, they devise a desperate plan to use the submarine’s fresh water supply to cool the reactor, necessitating risky maneuvers in a vessel rife with radiation. The frantic struggle to establish a makeshift coolant system sees brave crew members expose themselves to lethal doses of radiation. As they fight against time and the odds, Vostrikov faces a dire decision about the submarine’s fate while rejecting help from a U.S. Navy helicopter hovering nearby.

Despite ongoing resistance from senior officers and a mutiny within the ranks, Vostrikov’s command proves resolute. He leads a dangerous dive to repair the reactor, ultimately averting a nuclear disaster at significant personal cost. With the temperature at dangerously high levels and injured crew members succumbing to radiation, he must weigh his own safety against the lives of his men.

In the aftermath, K-19 survives but at a grave price—many crew members suffer lasting consequences. Vostrikov is eventually put on trial for his decisions during the crisis, though Polenin stands by him. Ultimately acquitted, Vostrikov finds his command career over, while the crew lives under a vow of secrecy regarding the harrowing events.

As an epilogue unfolds in 1989, an aged Vostrikov encounters Polenin and fellow survivors at a cemetery, reflecting on the sacrifices made. He reveals his efforts to honor the deceased crew members with a nomination for the Hero of the Soviet Union award, only to be met with the harsh reality that such accolades are often reserved for those with combat experience. He poignantly remarks, >“what good are honors from such people,” before raising a toast to the enduring spirit of his comrades and those who bravely sacrificed their lives.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for K-19: The Widowmaker

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K-19: The Widowmaker (2002) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

Cars Featured in K-19: The Widowmaker

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Explore all cars featured in K-19: The Widowmaker, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


AM

General M-35

Dodge

1942

WC 58

GAZ

1959

M-13 Chaika

GAZ

1959

M-13 Chaika

GAZ

1962

M-21 Volga

Simca

1964

Marmon MH 600

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


nuclear submarinenuclear accidentradiation sicknessradioactive contaminationnuclear disastersubmarinenuclear reactorcold warradiation poisoningsubmarine movienuclear powerradiationself sacrificeradioactivityaccidenttest launchseacouragemutinybased on true storysoviet unionsoviet submarinenaval uniformsoviet navysoviet militaryunderwater sceneamerican actor playing russian charactercrewcaptainexecutive officerpatriotismchristening with champagnechristening a shipnational anthemcursestir crazysubmarine divechemical suitcontainmentfirenuclear testnew technologyplaying soccer on icein case i die lettermotherlandwaterradiation leakcoolanthero1990s

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