Movie Review

Captain Phillips Makes Waves in the Box Office

"Captain Phillips," is an emotional drama with a plot based on the true events of Captain Richard Phillips, as portrayed by Tom Hanks, and his crew's encounter with four Somali pirates. When pirates make their way on board the Maersk Alabama, it is clearly evident, through Tom Hanks's heartfelt portrayal, that Phillips's first priority is the safety of his crew. The crew perseveres and manages to get the pirates to leave, but not without taking their captain hostage. He spends the next 5 days in the lifeboat with his four captors. Barkhad Abdi plays Abduwali Muse, leader of the pirates. His remarkable acting of both harshness and inner conflict made the film all too real. The other pirates were Barkhad Abdirahman as Bilal, Faysal Ahmed as Najee, and Mahat M. Ali as Elmi. Barkhad Abdirahman's portrayal of Bilal, the youngest and most compassionate pirate, induced empathy from both Captain Phillips and the audience. It made the film much more human, and struck a meaningful connection with the viewers. The movie incorporates violent scenes and adult situations that, while bringing the story to life, are not very suitable for children. I would suggest demographic audience to be young adults and older who are more comfortable with intense situations. A major topic that emerged in the story was fate and environmental situations. The movie presents the thought provoking idea that the pirates were destined for that lifestyle because it is the best career opportunity available in their lifestyle. Muse gives the important and relevant idea that opportunity for a better life might exist in America, but that is not the case in other parts of the world. I thought this movie was well written, well portrayed, and well carried out by the directing style of Paul Greengrass. I felt his hand held camera shots and the impossibly realistic film setting added to the authenticity of the film. I felt that the film created great suspense in the beginning and end, but lost some of its magic touch near the middle of the film, where the film seemed to stray of course with the Alabama life boat. I was very fond of the non-traditional ending of the story, leaving the audience with a very different kind of closure. This movie was filled with complex, intertwining story of pirates and and a captain, that is further complicated with the introduction of the military. Greengrass seamlessly linked these stories together in what is a masterful and awe inspiring film. I would rate this film 9 out of 10 hearts, and I highly recommend it.