Breaking News: Arte to Air Kursk by Thomas Vinterberg – A Must-Watch Drama
This Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 8:55 p.m., Arte will broadcast “Kursk,” a gripping drama directed by Thomas Vinterberg. Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, Léa Seydoux, and Colin Firth, the film is adapted from the real tragedy that struck the Post-Soviet Russian Navy. Télé-Loisirs brings you all the details, ensuring you don’t miss out on this compelling story.
Submarine Dramas: A Timeless Genre
Submarine films have long captivated the Hollywood industry, with classics like “K-19: The Widowmaker” by Kathryn Bigelow, “USS Alabama” by Tony Scott, and “The Hunt for Red October” by John McTiernan becoming essential viewing. These deep-water productions aren’t just an American phenomenon; the German film “Das Boot” by Wolfgang Petersen in 1981 and the French thriller “Le Chant du Loup” in 2019 have also made significant impacts. In 2018, Danish filmmaker Thomas Vinterberg, known for “The Hunt” and “Another Round,” took on the genre to bring the tragedy of the Russian submarine K-141 Kursk to the screen.
Kursk: A Story of Heroism and Tragedy
“Kursk” primarily follows the story of Commander Mikhail Kalekov, portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts. After a series of naval exercises in the Barents Sea, the K-141 Kursk submarine suffered two catastrophic internal explosions, condemning it to a watery grave at 108 meters deep. The film focuses on the ordeal of the 23 survivors trapped in a flooded rear compartment, desperately fighting to stay alive. Meanwhile, on the surface, families battled against the silence of the Russian authorities, while Western countries offered aid, which Moscow refused for several days.
The Real Story of the K-141 Kursk
The K-141 Kursk was a nuclear submarine missile carrier of the Oscar II class, the flagship of the Russian fleet. On August 12, 2000, during a routine exercise, two explosions rocked the submarine. The first, likely caused by a fuel leak in a torpedo, was followed by a much more powerful second detonation. The submarine sank instantly. Of the 118 crew members, 23 survived the initial explosions but were trapped in the ninth compartment. They fought against rising water and oxygen depletion for hours. Unfortunately, due to the Russian government’s initial refusal of foreign aid, rescue efforts arrived too late. Director Thomas Vinterberg mixed fiction and reality, altering names and adding personal details to portray the sailors and their families more vividly.
Why You Should Watch Kursk
Submarine dramas offer a unique blend of tension, heroism, and tragedy. “Kursk” promises to be a gripping tale of survival, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its stellar cast and compelling narrative, it’s a must-watch for any film enthusiast. Tune in on Arte this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 8:55 p.m., or stream it on Arte.tv.
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