HOOKED on "Captain Phillips"
"I come too far, Irish. I'll not give up," is a line delivered by Muse, a somali pirate played by Barkhad Abdi, in the film Captain Phillips. In the film, the pirates are trying to raid Captain Phillip's ship and take their money and resources. This line shows that these pirates are desperate to receive the desired ransom money as it could save their lives, just as Captain Phillips is desperate to be saved and returned to his family after being captured. Whether it be because of a financial situation, a way of life, or being captured, both groups (Americans and Somalis) in the movie are presented as desperate for something in their situation. This film is different and original from most stereotypical and cliche hero vs. villain films as it brings the two groups together and down to earth showing that even the most different of people can be equal in some way or another.
Directed by Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips was a suspenseful drama based on a real life event. It begins with Captain Richard Phillips, played by Tom Hanks, being sent out to sea carrying cargo for countries in Africa. From the get-go, this movie is able to evoke the viewer's emotion as the wife cries for her husband's (Captain Phillips) safety overseas. (Typical Hollywood pull) While sailing, his ship, the Alabama Maersk, gets attacked by four somali pirates looking for money. The crew enters their positions, ready for attack, and then retreats to hiding in the engine room in attempts to escape the pirates. At this point, action and viewer suspense has been introduced. The movie does a great job about keeping the viewer hooked and constantly entertained. Muse is the leader of the pirates while Bilal, played by Barkhad Abdirahman, Najee, played by Faysal Ahmed, and Elmi, played by Mahat M. Ali are his crew. As they search the ship, the Alabama Maersk's crew ends up making a deal to send the pirates back without any harm. However it goes bad and the pirates take Captain Phillips hostage. The pirates plan to take the captain back to Somalia; however, all hell breaks loose when the pirates won't cooperate when the navy arrives and orders that the hostage be left unharmed.
The story is full of unexpected plot twists yet still remains mostly accurate to the actual event that happened in 2009. There are a few flaws in the storyline compared to the actual event however these flaws, such as the broken glass layer in front of the engine room, do not take away from the meaning and impact that the movie has on a viewer. Teamwork is a theme that plays a very crucial role throughout the story and I believe is an idea that (along with showing everyone is equal in some way) impacts viewer's the most. It can be seen in the scenes where the navy works to try and free Phillips, when the crew of the Alabama Maersk try to defend their ship, or even when the pirates work together to capture Phillips and raid the ship.
This film was definitely intriguing throughout the entire two hours and fourteen minutes. I couldn't stop looking at the screen. The suspenseful moments where I didn't know what was going to happen next or the action packed fighting scenes where both sides were fighting for their lives really kept me hooked. Furthermore, the ending evoked a lot of emotion when seeing the situation Captain Phillips was put in. Watching Captain Phillips montage of facial expressions at the end is truly a scene to watch. Throughout the movie, they had built Phillips up as a strong and courageous man. But, to see him break down later in the movie helps people to see that it is okay to feel emotions and be sad. I believe the movie did a great job of building up the suspense for that very unpredictable moment. I also really like the way the film doesn't just portray the pirates as the "villains" in the film, but it also shows that they are doing whatever they can to survive just as the American sailors were doing whatever they could to support their families. Desperation is a feeling that can really drive the actions of a person. It seems like the stereotypical story about Americans being superior, but I think it delves a little deeper into the idea that everyone is doing whatever they can to survive in this difficult life.
The suspense and action found throughout this film would definitely intrigue a more mature audience. I think that anyone above the age of thirteen would truly enjoy this film, and be able to grasp the meaning behind it. Even though this film does contain minimal gore and profound language, (which adds to the suspense and drama) it sends a good message to all viewers above the age of thirteen.
If you are looking for a movie that will have you on the edge of you seat, angry, and crying all at the same time, this is the movie to watch.
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