The Finest Hours

I served in the US Coast Guard; and my last year was at two Surf Rescue Stations. We had newer and better boats than the old 36's. But I saw worse weather than in the movie. I don't remember being afraid; but this movie reminded me how terrifying surf rescue is. The uniforms were not perfect. The correct phraseology and terminology were not always used. I presume that is to make the movie understandable to those that didn't serve in the CG. But the dedication and courage required to risk dyeing so "That Others May Live" was well portrayed. Thank you Disney, for telling our story. Now I'd like them to make a movie about Douglas Monroe. Semper Paratus!

I had read "The Finest Hours" by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman and recommend it highly. I had high hopes for this movie adaptation of the book, and have to say that Disney did not disappoint. This movie is a film about the courage of seemingly ordinary people under great stress, and is faithful to the spirit of the rescue and the traditions of valor that run deep in the US Coast Guard. On February 18, 1952 two World War Two era T-2 tanker ships, the "Pendleton" and the "Fort Mercer" split in half within 40 miles of each other in a terrible storm off the northeast United States. Amazingly, portions of each ship remained afloat and the rescue effort was extremely confused at the outset as nobody was sure where the pieces were or what was still floating.The book details the travails of both ships, but the film focuses almost exclusively on the "Pendleton". A crew of four was sent from the USCG station at Chatham, Massachusetts on the 36-foot rescue boat CG-36500 (which, by the way, is now preserved in a museum) under the command of Bernie Webber, here played to perfection by Chris Pine. The act of going out in that weather was heroic enough, but the rescue itself became legendary in USCG circles, and the onscreen depiction here is nearly perfect. Water is very hard to digitally model, but effects have gotten much better since "The Perfect Storm" was made, and here they look great. The "Pendleton" sets are amazingly realistic and the digital compositing of the stern of the ship against the frothing backdrop of the ocean is superb. Throughout the acting is first rate, though I'm unsure that the character of Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) would have actually been so shy and retiring at the outset of the drama."The Finest Hours" is a great movie that I highly recommend for all adults and mature children. It's clean enough for all kids, though very young kids may be scared by some of the very realistic and frankly terrifying images of foundering ships. Disney did a great job with this one, and director Craig Gillespie ("Million Dollar Arm") shines through as one of the most versatile and capable in Hollywood. The DVD includes two very short extras, both of which were promotional shorts, one on the mission and people of the US Coast Guard, and one a behind the scenes look at the cast and production.

About the greatest smile-boat rescue in Coast Guard history. A feel-good movie to watch when the real-world news is so deeply depressing. Very sentimental and meant to be. However - and I've noticed this with many Amazon movies - it has been cut. In this instance, the return of the rescue vessel, intended for 12, but now holding 36 people. The return to port was even more dangerous in what is now a wallowing hog of a vessel than the outbound trip was, but that footage has pretty much been eliminated, also eliminating much of the rescue's drama. Watch it on Amazon if you must, but look for the uncut version - on dvd?

realistic scenes crossing the bar - Hollywood drama about Bernie's "fiancee" as they married a year earlier and she was confined to bed with bad flu during actual incident. Didn't show "Tiny" being crushed between boat and derelict - but I agree, and wouldn't want my grandkids seeing that. Also they (rightly) glossed over the others lost in that double-disaster. This is a documentary more or less designed for kids to see not just the courage of Bernie and his crew, but their perseverance against terrible odds. Bernie should have been awarded the USCG Medal (for extraordinary heroism) which would have given him extra "promotion points" throughout his career. (I blame the HQ Awards Board - guys who probably had no true idea of what went on that they awarded him a Gold Lifesaving Medal (one step lower). I have hauled bodies from the sea- never took pictures of that - only ones who lived. (30 year disabled CG vet) and that is part of our duties that may be spoken about certainly in print but never with pictures.

Amazing not just because it was well written, well acted and exciting, but because it is a true story! How the Coast Guard sends their crew "out across the bar" in a horrendous storm in the middle of winter to rescue the crew of a tanker that literally broke in the middle, left out to ride a death breathing storm in the Atlantic is hard to believe! BUT it happened and Chris Prine and Casey Affleck acted out this story of courage. Applause to them and the others in the movie Bigger applause to those who lived it. We loved the movie so much that we bought the DVD and have showed it to family and friends!

I have made 2 sailing trips from the Chesapeake Bay to Bermuda and back in my 29' sailboat. In 1980 and 82, and the first trip we were caught in a 3 day gale with wind from the 30's to 50's and waves constantly coming over the boat. The second trip a day of 40 foot wave and winds for a day of around 50. These trips weren't like those in this film, but I can say it can get really rough out in the ocean. Was it scary.......not really, you are busy keeping the boat on top of the water.I loved the movie. It is very real. I bought it and I will watch it many time more again.

This dvd came timely and well packaged. The storyline of this dvd was GREAT ..bit of history and very few cuss words..women were dress well (no skimpy barely covered dresses or tops) finally something the whole family could watch!!

The film depicts the true story of the dramatic sea rescue which took place in the waters off 'Cape Cod' on the 18th and 19th of February 1952by 4 lifeboat-men from the 'Chatham Lifeboat Station' after the tanker the 'S.S.Pendleton' broke in two during a violent storm.An earlier reviewer rightly points out that the on-shore story-line is a little thin, however the visual content at sea is frankly 'stunning'We follow a four-man lifeboat crew captained by 'Bernie Webber' (Chris Pine) who accompanied by 'Richard Livesey' (Ben Foster) - 'AndrewFitzgerald' (Kyle Gallner) and 'Ervin Maske' (John Magaro) are directed by their Station-Master 'Daniel Cluff' (Eric Bana) to attempt whatcolleagues at the Station describe as a 'suicide-mission' - to attempt the improbable rescue of those on the stricken vessel.The crew face giant waves and a violent under-currant at the 'bar' that during a heavy storm is considered totally impossible to navigate, yetthey battle the elements. (The Lifeboat designed to carry a maximum of 12 in addition to it's crew-members)Back at the station 'Bernie's' girlfriend 'Miriam' (Holliday Grainger) pleads with the Station-Master to recall the lifeboat fearing her man wouldsurely perish.On the stricken vessel with over 30 survivors on-board they struggle to keep it afloat hoping for an unlikely rescue, owing there chance of doingso to Chief Engineer 'Ray Sybert' (Casey Affleck)This is a brilliantly portrayed drama well worthy of viewing.Features -Against All OddsThe Bernie Webber StoryDeleted ScenesBrotherhoodTwo CrewsWhat Is Your Finest Hour ?The Finest InspirationThe U.S Coast Guard

I bought this because Chris Pine was in it. He plays a coast guard in early 50s America and this is based on a true story. A cargo ship is caught in a storm and splits in half. One half sinks but the other remains though it is in great danger. The small coastguard rescue boat goes out in really rough seas - the waves resemble small tsunamis and get to the ship. All but one of the men get on this small boat - it is surprising that it does not sink under the sheer weight. It is very dramatic and intense - the real men involved must have been true heroes. I did enjoy the film and would recommend it.

Always love true stories and this is not disappointing. The true heroism of this lifeboat crew is truly remarkable. A great story, well filmed with a great cast. Enjoy.

The Finest Hours is based on a true story about a man named Bernie(played by Chris Pine)who sets off on a journey to save the 32 oil tankers who were left stranded on their boat on a very stormy night including Bernie's friend played by Casey Affleck. So will Bernie rescue them all. Also starring Cinderella's Holliday Granger and Eric Bana I thought this film was brilliant. Yes it reminds me of Titanic ALOT where we see 32 men trapped in the stormy weather with their destroyed boat and they have to try and get help to be rescued again.If you love Titanic then you will love this movie.Thumbs up.

Loved this film. Presentation is a little old school, but the makers did a superb job of transporting me back to the 1950's and making me realise wht incredibly brave and intelligent people were involved in this incident.There are echoes of "The Perfect Storm" and there was never a dull moment in this film.Great acting and special effects and the film is a credit to the very brave men involved in this incident.Absolutely loved it.