Few weeks before one of my friend who is working as a marine engineer in a merchant ship asked me to watch this film. At that time he was about to venture into the “Horn of Africa”. Several people recommended this film. I usually don’t write about new releases, because if I write then it will become a review, I’m not a critic to judge a film, just a normal cinema viewer. This is not a review. Just, my take on the film. I’m dedicating this post to my bravo friend Parasuram. All the best machi!.
By this time, most of us would have known the plot; moreover it’s based on a true story, so there is no spoiler alert in this post.
Captain Phillips’ ship Maersk Alabama is attacked by Somali pirates. While escaping, the pirates take Phillips as hostage in a life boat. The rest of the story unfolds how Phillips is rescued by US marine.
Initially the story reflects the helpless situation in the shipping industry. Billions worth of goods, big ship, dozens of life’s are depending on the fire-hozes!! to defend themselves from AK-47 rifles!. A helpline, which doesn't work!
The film, gives equal screen space for Phillips and Muse (Leader of pirate-group). It tries to tell the story of the Somali side, but not too much (It’s a Hollywood film, not an auteur European or Korean film!!). We get to see the other side, only by dialogues,
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Capt. Phillips: There's got to be something other than being a fisherman or kidnapping people.
Muse: Maybe in America
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Muse: Last year I took a Greek ship. 6 million dollars.
Capt. Phillips: 6 million dollars? So what are you doing here?
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Throughout the film, it is the struggle of leadership, of who is in charge of the situation, be it Phillips, Muse, or the US Marine captain. Everyone has their own goals- Phillips, concerned about his crew and his family. Muse, about his future and his bosses. US Marine Capt. who is to follow the code.
Tom Hanks, has always given memorable performances. He is not a dialogue-man, he is a man who acts the dialogue, who brings us the character visually, in films Cast Away, Forrest Gump, Philadelphia… In this film, we don’t see that Tom Hanks, moreover Barkad Abdi gives an equally good ride for Hanks as Muse. A veteran Vs Novice.
Towards the end, Hanks gives a knock-out punch in his performance. Paul Greengrass’ (Director) hero doesn't walk from the sunshine saluting the US flag, but it is opposite- Hanks is broke down, who can’t even comprehend of what he is talking, he is in utter shock after witnessing the killings and it takes a paramedic-lady to calm him down!. This is a rare scene in a Hollywood film. This last 5-10 mins performance by Tom Hanks makes the other so-called action hero’s look imbecile.
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