Watch The Voyage that Changed the Cold War
- 2019
- 16 min
The Voyage that Changed the Cold War is a gripping historical documentary that takes the viewers back in time to the height of the Cold War. Set in the early 1960s, the movie offers a unique perspective on one of the most incredible events of the era - the Cuban missile crisis. Narrated by David Attenborough, the movie tells the story of a little-known voyage of a British nuclear-powered submarine, the HMS Valiant. The submarine, one of the most advanced of its kind at the time, was tasked with a top-secret mission - to gather intelligence on the Soviet Union.
The Valiant's mission was not just about spying on the Soviets, however. It was also part of a broader plan to show that the United Kingdom could stand alongside the United States as an equal partner in the fight against communism. As such, the mission had a political dimension to it too.
The documentary does an excellent job of setting the scene and explaining the context of the Valiant's mission. It highlights the intense paranoia and tension between the Soviet Union and the West, as both sides raced to build bigger and better weapons of mass destruction.
As the Valiant set out on its voyage, the crew faced enormous risks and challenges. The documentary does an excellent job of bringing these challenges to life, showing how the crew had to navigate treacherous waters and confront technical difficulties with the ship's equipment.
The movie's strength lies in its ability to humanize the individuals involved, from the submariners themselves to the politicians who oversaw the mission. It underscores the high stakes involved and the pressure that everyone was under.
Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers employ a range of techniques to keep the momentum going. Archive footage, interviews with key figures, and dramatic reconstructions are all used to great effect.
All of these elements come together to create a compelling narrative that is both informative and entertaining. The movie manages to provide an insight into one of history's most critical moments in a way that feels fresh and original.
In conclusion, The Voyage that Changed the Cold War is an excellent documentary that anyone with an interest in history or international affairs should see. It is a fascinating account of a significant event and serves as a reminder of how close the world came to catastrophe during the Cold War.