First of all, to Robert Johansson, the political officer (or Zampolit) and the KGB officer are one in the same. They are a presence on all Soviet nuclear submarines to assure the crew's political education away from base. The story (adapted from the true-life account by the same name: Hostile Waters) is well directed by David Drury despite serious budget setbacks and production pitt falls. The crew is represented in all the authentic Soviet insignia and lapel tags. As is the American crew in the Los Angeles class submarine. The film builds to extreme suspense as the viewer ponders what will happen to America, to the world, as the brave and loyal Soviet Navy attempts everything to overcome the fire in the missile bay that resulted from a collision with the afformentioned US sub. The climax takes place in the Nuclear Reactor room as a brave young cadet is forced to stay inside while his crew desperately attempt to push through the hatch and pull him out. The Graphics are cheap but convincing and the Soviet Naval atmosphere is captured very authentically. A fine Saturday night movie. It takes the cake in the suspense department along with Crimson Tide and The Hunt For Red October. I give it an 8.5 out of a possible 10.