Whether it's for the relaxing sounds of the sea or the peaceful blue skies, there is something about setting a story on a water way that adds a certain dimension to a story. Sailing movies have been around for years, and everybody has their favorite. Ask five people to list their top five, and you will end up with a list of 25 different features.
One genre of nautical flicks is those with a military theme. One such specimen is 2003's, "Master and Commander, " starring Russel Crowe. Here, we see Crowe as the British captain pushing his ship and his crew to their limits in pursuit of a French warship during the Napoleonic Wars. Nominated for six Academy Awards and starring Klaus Wennemann, Jurgen Prochnow, and Herbert Gronemeyer, "Das Boot, " released in 1981, was mesmerizing viewers, both in English or in the original German with English subtitles.
Accidental misadventures are also popular. "White Squall" told the tale of a group of teenage boys on their maiden voyage. They got more than they bargained for by fighting for their lives in the storm of a lifetime. "Adrift, " on the other hand, is an equally harrowing story about a group of 30-somethings who manage to strand themselves off their boat when they dipped into the sea to cool off. Unfortunately, whoever drew up the chore rota for the day forgot to delegate someone to make sure they could get back on the boat. Now who was going to feed the crying baby on board?
The powerfully entertaining series, "Pirates of the Caribbean, " starring Johnny Depp and a host of sparkling costars over the years, is one of the most high-grossing maritime film franchises. Spearheaded by Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer/director who can do no wrong, it scores awards that will stand alongside those of his other projects, "CSI, " "Con Air, " "The Rock, " and "Top Gun."
Fishermen are often the stars of maritime movies. Of these, two come immediately to mind. "Moby Dick" the tale of one man's obsession with a whale, starred Gregory Peck. Directed by John Huston, it was released in 1956. "The Old Man and the Sea, " dramatized the Ernest Hemingway novel and was made twice. The original starred Spencer Tracy in 1958; in 1999, it was remade with Anthony Quinn in the starring role.
Those who enjoy harrowing drama should view "All is Lost, " a 2013 release featuring Robert Redford. There is no dialogue, which is hardly surprising. Redford has his hands full coping with the aftermath of a collision with a shipping container while battling a fierce storm.
Similar to "All is Lost, " "Dead Calm" offers viewers a similar heart-in-throat sensation, but for completely different reasons. In this tale, a grieving couple on a romantic voyage are cruising along happily until they take on psychopathic shipwrecked sailor, Billy Zane.
The sea provides a dramatic backdrop for all sorts of situations, from love stories to psychological thrillers and war films. The confined spaces of a boat make prime real estate for developing characters, often pitting them against each other for seriously compelling drama.
One genre of nautical flicks is those with a military theme. One such specimen is 2003's, "Master and Commander, " starring Russel Crowe. Here, we see Crowe as the British captain pushing his ship and his crew to their limits in pursuit of a French warship during the Napoleonic Wars. Nominated for six Academy Awards and starring Klaus Wennemann, Jurgen Prochnow, and Herbert Gronemeyer, "Das Boot, " released in 1981, was mesmerizing viewers, both in English or in the original German with English subtitles.
Accidental misadventures are also popular. "White Squall" told the tale of a group of teenage boys on their maiden voyage. They got more than they bargained for by fighting for their lives in the storm of a lifetime. "Adrift, " on the other hand, is an equally harrowing story about a group of 30-somethings who manage to strand themselves off their boat when they dipped into the sea to cool off. Unfortunately, whoever drew up the chore rota for the day forgot to delegate someone to make sure they could get back on the boat. Now who was going to feed the crying baby on board?
The powerfully entertaining series, "Pirates of the Caribbean, " starring Johnny Depp and a host of sparkling costars over the years, is one of the most high-grossing maritime film franchises. Spearheaded by Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer/director who can do no wrong, it scores awards that will stand alongside those of his other projects, "CSI, " "Con Air, " "The Rock, " and "Top Gun."
Fishermen are often the stars of maritime movies. Of these, two come immediately to mind. "Moby Dick" the tale of one man's obsession with a whale, starred Gregory Peck. Directed by John Huston, it was released in 1956. "The Old Man and the Sea, " dramatized the Ernest Hemingway novel and was made twice. The original starred Spencer Tracy in 1958; in 1999, it was remade with Anthony Quinn in the starring role.
Those who enjoy harrowing drama should view "All is Lost, " a 2013 release featuring Robert Redford. There is no dialogue, which is hardly surprising. Redford has his hands full coping with the aftermath of a collision with a shipping container while battling a fierce storm.
Similar to "All is Lost, " "Dead Calm" offers viewers a similar heart-in-throat sensation, but for completely different reasons. In this tale, a grieving couple on a romantic voyage are cruising along happily until they take on psychopathic shipwrecked sailor, Billy Zane.
The sea provides a dramatic backdrop for all sorts of situations, from love stories to psychological thrillers and war films. The confined spaces of a boat make prime real estate for developing characters, often pitting them against each other for seriously compelling drama.
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