Greyhound Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Tom Hanks yells nautical terms at extras while cartoon sharks try to sink his boat; slipper-related shenanigans ensue.

🍿 Greyhound: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Convoy Begins Journey

In February 1942, Commander Ernest Krause leads a convoy of 37 Allied ships across the Atlantic to Liverpool. Krause, in command of the USS Keeling (call sign ‘Greyhound’), faces his first wartime command. The convoy enters the ‘Black Pit,’ a dangerous area lacking air cover, making them vulnerable to German U-boats. He has two British ships and one Polish ship under his command.

Initial U-Boat Attacks

The Greyhound detects U-boats lurking nearby via high-frequency direction finding. Krause skillfully maneuvers the Greyhound to sink the initial U-boat. However, distress calls soon arrive as a Greek merchant ship is attacked. Krause is forced to use his depth charges, and some end up being wasted due to the skill of the U-Boat commanders.

Escalating Conflict and Losses

A wolfpack of six U-boats begins a coordinated attack on the convoy. An oil tanker is torpedoed, and Krause makes a controversial choice to rescue survivors, leaving other ships vulnerable. Multiple merchant ships are sunk during the night. Krause decides to take a direct course to gain air cover sooner, but the wolfpack intensifies its attacks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Captain Krause (Tom Hanks): The inexperienced U.S. Navy commander leading an Allied convoy while battling a German submarine wolf pack during World War II.
• Charlie Cole (Stephen Graham): Krause’s executive officer who provides support and guidance during the intense naval battles.
• Evelyn (Elisabeth Shue): Krause’s love interest who is briefly seen before he departs for his wartime command.
• Pitts (Craig Tate): A member of the crew on the Greyhound who carries out his duties.
• Cleveland (Rob Morgan): Krause’s mess attendant on the Greyhound whose death deeply affects the Captain.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Captain Krause: “This is where we belong.” – Said with resolve when realizing he must push through the difficulties and complete the mission.
• Gray Wolf (U-boat Captain): “Greyhound, good luck surviving the night.” – A taunting message from the German U-boat commander, highlighting the perilous situation the convoy faces.
• Captain Krause: “We have to hold them. We have to.” – Expressing his determination to protect the convoy from the relentless U-boat attacks.
• Captain Krause: “I claim salvation wherever it is.” – Imploring to God, and showing faith and hope even in the darkest moments of the battle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50.3M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Greyhound Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I was expecting a full-blown character study with Tom Hanks, but Greyhound is more like being strapped to a missile for 90 minutes. The constant barrage of commands and the non-stop tension made my palms sweat! I especially loved the scene where the crew had to bury their fallen comrades at sea. It was a sobering reminder of the real cost of war. Honestly, it’s a bit thin on plot, but as a pure, adrenaline-fueled war movie, it really delivers. If you want to experience the stress of naval command, give this a watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical war films”
  • “Viewers interested in naval warfare”
  • “Tom Hanks enthusiasts”
  • “Those seeking a suspenseful and action-packed story”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense war violence”
  • “Depiction of death and peril”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “May be intense for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Greyhound delivers a tense and claustrophobic experience, effectively placing the viewer on the bridge of a destroyer during a harrowing convoy mission. While character development is minimal, the film excels in portraying the procedural aspects of naval warfare.
• Variety: “A lean and efficient war film, Greyhound prioritizes action and suspense over deep character exploration. Tom Hanks commands the screen, but the film’s relentless focus on battle leaves little room for emotional resonance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Greyhound is a thrilling and immersive naval combat film that showcases the intensity and chaos of the Battle of the Atlantic. Though lacking in character depth, the movie compensates with its gripping action sequences and realistic portrayal of wartime command.

Audience Reactions

The movie’s intense and realistic portrayal of naval combat kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s focus on the technical aspects of naval warfare and its suspenseful atmosphere.

Tom Hanks delivered a solid performance as the stoic and determined Captain Krause.: Many fans praised Hanks’s portrayal of leadership under pressure, emphasizing the character’s internal struggles.

Overall Consensus: Greyhound is a gripping and technically proficient war film that prioritizes action and suspense over character development, making it a thrilling experience for fans of naval warfare movies.

Awards

1. Satellite Award (Best Sound (Editing and Mixing))- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tom Hanks not only starred in but also wrote the screenplay for Greyhound, adapting it from C.S. Forester’s novel ‘The Good Shepherd’.”
• “The film emphasizes the procedural aspects of naval warfare, aiming for a realistic portrayal of command and control during the Battle of the Atlantic.”
• “To enhance realism, the filmmakers consulted with naval experts and veterans to ensure the accuracy of terminology and tactics.”
• “The movie was filmed primarily using CGI for the ocean and ship battles, which allowed the filmmakers to create the vast and dangerous environment of the Atlantic during World War II.”

🖥️ How to Watch Greyhound?

Greyhound is exclusively available on Apple TV+. Subscribers can stream the movie as part of their subscription. As of now, there are no options to rent or purchase the movie on other major platforms like Prime Video or Google Play. A physical media release (Blu-ray/DVD) has occurred and can be purchased at most major retailers or online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Greyhound, you might like these similar films:

• Das Boot (1981): A classic submarine warfare film offering a claustrophobic and intense view from the German perspective.
• U-571 (2000): Features intense submarine warfare action and suspense, focusing on a daring mission during World War II.
• Dunkirk (2017): Christopher Nolan’s film captures the tension and desperation of a critical WWII evacuation, similar to Greyhound’s focus on survival.
• Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003): Depicts naval warfare in the 19th century with a focus on tactical command and ship-to-ship combat, appealing to fans of historical naval action.

🛒 Greyhound Related Products

• C.S. Forester’s ‘The Good Shepherd’: The Novel That Inspired ‘Greyhound’: Dive deeper into the story with the original novel. Experience the full narrative and explore the characters and themes that couldn’t be fully captured in the film. A must-have for fans who want a more complete understanding.
• Trumpeter USS The Sullivans DD-537 Model Kit: Build your own Fletcher-class destroyer! This highly detailed model kit is perfect for history buffs and model enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the ships of WWII.
• Axis & Allies 1942 Second Edition: Engage in strategic WWII battles with this classic board game. Recreate historical campaigns and lead your forces to victory. Perfect for history buffs and strategy game enthusiasts.
• World War II Era U.S. Navy Poster Set: Decorate your space with authentic-looking WWII propaganda posters. These high-quality reproductions capture the spirit and aesthetic of the era, adding a touch of history to any room.

🎧 Soundtrack

Greyhound features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Blake Neely
• “First Encounter” – performed by Blake Neely
• “Torpedo Run” – performed by Blake Neely
• “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” – performed by Bill Cunliffe

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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