Captain Phillips, based on a true story, is about the capture of a US cargo ship by Somali pirates in 2009 and the struggle for power over the ship that ensues. After an intense chase the pirates take control of the ship, containing Phillips and his crew. After some on-boat tension the pirates leave in the life-boat with Captain Phillips as their hostage leading to the intervention of the US Navy.
The two lead actors excel throughout the film. The ever-reliable Hanks shows unbelievable control and willingness to survive throughout and is thoroughly captivating but it is his final scene which alone which will almost inevitably lead to an Oscar nomination. However, in a film requiring two powerful captains competing over control, Barkhad Abdi, playing the Somali Muse, was also excellent on his film debut. His powerful gaze and composure led to a thoroughly convincing performance.
Credit must also go to the director, Paul Greengrass who made a number of fantastic calls with regard to this film. His decision to use a handheld camera for most of the shots was inspired as it truly captured the notion of being at sea. His spacial awareness was also fantastic, contrasting the difference between the vast expanse of the cargo ship and the claustrophobia of the lifeboat. Greengrass also maintained intelligent pace throughout the film, leaving few moments where your interest was waning or your mind was wandering.
What particularly impressed me though, was the storytelling by Greengrass, who clearly refused to make this a 'Stars and Stripes', American hero film. A scene at the start showing the impoverished Somalians followed by a fantastic dialogue between Phillips and Muse successfully attempted to highlight the lack of choice the Somalian people faced, eradicating the good-vs-evil ideology. In this dialogue, Phillips asks, "There's got to be something other than being a fisherman and kidnapping", to which the stony-faced Muse replied, "Maybe in America". This line alone successfully exposes the naivety of a great deal of Western civilization to the harsh truths of the situation, and excelled in telling both sides of the story.
The persistent high-intensity, dramatic conclusion and outstanding acting made this one of the best films I have seen in some time. This is not a film to watch if you fancy a relaxing time as I left the cinema both physically and emotionally drained, nevertheless it is a must see.
4.5 Stars
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