Captain Phillips: Review

Telling the true story of the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years, and the ordeal suffered by Captain Richard Phillips (played by Tom Hanks).

Tom Hanks delivers a stellar performance, and audiences would expect nothing less. The Somali pirates that board the ship manage to turn the audience against them, and you will find yourself enjoying any small amount of pain that is inflected upon them by the crew of the Alabama.

After a brief introduction to Captain Phillips, the crew, and a general over-view of the ship, the film gets moving with the action.

The film climaxes with scenes that may be familiar to those who have followed the story on one the several documentaries about the incident, and builds the tension, allowing the audience to feel the apprehension that must have been experienced at that time. Despite the usual dose of American bravado and claims of being the world police, the action sequences play out in a thrilling manner, without becoming unrealistic.

This brief insight in a terrible incident that was resolved without loss of innocent life provides a small insight to the daily gauntlet run by those who work to transport important resources around the Horn of Africa. Captain Phillips is an enjoyable dramatisation, while remaining close to the true essence of the story.

Captain Phillips opens Friday 15 November 2013 on South African screens.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb

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