The Finest Hours Review

Oh, where to begin? I really like this movie. But I'm going to get ahead of myself if I don't give this post some normal review structure. With that as my goal, here's the read-up of the plot:

On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton in two, trapping more than 30 sailors inside the tanker's sinking stern. Engineer Ray Sybert bravely takes charge to organize a strategy for his fellow survivors. As word of the disaster reaches the Coast Guard in Chatham, Mass., Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a daring rescue mission. Despite the ferocious weather, coxswain Bernie Webber takes three men on a lifeboat to try and save the crew against seemingly impossible odds

Now I can begin. I don't know how this review is going to work but I'm going to try and avoid spoilers (even though this is historical and based on a true story), but should I ever slip into a spoiler, I will give warning. The rest will be up to you. :)

I'll start with the romance side of things. The romantic sidestory is underdeveloped in my opinion. I didn't find it to be a problem really because I was more interested in the Coast Guard and rescue side of things anyway. But if you are going, believing you are going to get a sweet little romance, you may or may not be underwhelmed. I'm not saying it's bad because it's not. I'm saying that it's rather neglected for sake of the main story. Personally, I still think Bernie's respect and how he treats Miriam is sweet. :) Annnd, Miriam's wardrobe was amazing.

 

Bernie Webber, played by Chris Pine is in the center.

The two main characters, Ray Sybert and Bernie Webber are both introverts which I instantly loved. Both of them are good at what they do but they try to avoid the spotlight and attention. Both of them are forced into the action and the spotlight when called on to save a ship and the other to rescue the ship members, but return to their reserved selves afterwards. True introverts. Also because of their reserved nature and 'other contributing factors', (no spoilers here, no spoilers), seem to have to prove their worth to the men around them.

Another note on the cast. You get a feel for each personality in a very short time. You have four members on the life boat, plus some of the other members of the Coast Guard and 20ish men on the tanker. (But on the tanker you only get to know around 8-10 characters well.) But the characters are written in a way that makes you believe that you know them. You get a grasp of their personalities and stories very quickly. (Commander Cluff...hmm, that guy...)

First man holding the rail, Ray Sybert, played by Casey Affleck.
(And for those of you who have seen any of the Hobbit films. The man at the very
back, with the white beard, is MR. Dwalin! :))

While I know that most, if not all, of the movie was filmed with CGI, I don't think it affects the movie or experience in the least. It accurately, as far as I know, (I've never been in the Coast Guard, haha), shows the danger and anxiety of the missions that both boats are trying to accomplish. The entire experience is incredibly well done in my opinion. I don't know if you can call it cinematography but the movie is shot really well. (I was worried going into the film that I would get motion sick but I'll tell you, the only time I got a little motion sensitive was when Bernie and Miriam were dancing. A little two swirly for me. :D) There is one shot in particular, while they're out to sea and a wave crashes on the crew in slow motion. It has to be some of my favorite moments in the film.

"Please tell me we're taking that boat to a bigger boat."
Yes, in a way you are.

The thrilling side of this movie, for me, would have to be the power of the ocean. Wave after wave hits each boat throughout the movie and since I didn't get motion sick, it just kept the excitement in the movie! (You mean, you can make exciting movies without superheroes, villains seeking world domination or mega explosions. Yes, yes, you can. :))

A few things you should know. It is rated PG-13 because of the danger and theme of everything. There is blood shown maybe three times but it is very brief. There is some swearing but not really a particular moment that I should warn you about and they are the mild, not extreme words. (How pathetic is that? I'm rating swear words. :P) There is also a scene were Bernie's girlfriend is spoken about in a vulgar and crass way by the Coast Guard guys. **Spoiler** Bernie doesn't allow it.**End of Spoiler**

There are lots of twist tossed into the film that, shockingly enough, aren't included in the trailer. (I thought going into the movie that the trailer had revealed to much.) But I was still surprised by it all.

And you know, there were so many 'lucky' things that 'just happen' that I just loved. Some people might even refer to them as miracles. (I'm one of those people ;D)

Oh, dear. I find that I have been babbling again. Have any of you seen The Finest Hours or now have plans to go?

Yours truly,
Cordy