Captain Phillips

Captain Phillips

We went to see this movie last weekend. It is based on the actual kidnapping of Captain Phillips from the Mersk Alabama by Somali pirates.  I wanted to see it because my father was a Merchant Mariner and had his Captain's license although he usually sailed as 1st Mate. My father sailed for Lykes Bros. on the Stella Lykes. But back to the movie. 

The actors who played the pirates were Somalis who were living in the United States. They had no maritime experience and had to learn how to handle the outboard motor boats in the open ocean. It was filmed on an actual ship and not on a set. They also filmed at sea rather than by special effects. This really added to the realism of the movie. 

If I didn't know that this really happened, I would say that the plot was completely implausible. The Somali pirates in a tiny boat commandeering a vast container ship seems very improbable. But it did happen and the movie makes it so real that you feel the sea spray. 

The last third of the movie is the reason you should not get a large drink at the beginning of the movie. Even though I knew that he would be rescued, I didn't know when or how. And that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat despite the large drink. 

It's a good action suspense movie and Tom Hanks deserves an Academy Award for his performance. Actually the guy who played the head Somali pirate deserves an award too.  So sit back and enjoy a good movie.