I’ve heard many people complain about Captain Phillips before seeing it, saying “Why would I want to see a movie if I already know the ending?” No matter how much you know about this true story, the film adaptation is a perfect captivating drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you emotionally exhausted.
Tom Hanks leads the film as the historic titular hero Captain Richard Phillips, the cargo boat captain who refused to let four heavily armed Somali pirate take his ship or the lives of his crew in 2009. In the off chance that you’ve never heard of this story, I’ll refrain from spoiling much more than that.
The film is structured around the two main men – Phillips and Muse, the Somali “new captain” of the ship. We see how both of them live prior to the incident, which offers a unique perspective that defines why they do what they do through the course of their story. This connection with the bad guy actually makes you feel for him at times, which is pretty unique. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of another film that makes you sympathize with the villain – but it creates a quite interesting dynamic.
For the first time in his career, director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum, United 93) has made a film that deserves his shaky-cam treatment. Set on the high seas, his herky-jerky trademark is so effective that it has literally makes audiences seasick. Be warned if you tend to suffer motion sickness. His direction through the course of the film is definitely Oscar-worthy, as is the powerful performance by Hanks. When I say that this viewing is experience will leave you exhausted by the end, it’s the combination of his acting and Greengrass’ directing that cause the moving and draining effect.
Just like last week’s Gravity, Captain Phillips is a flawless film that’s unquestionably worth it.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures
