Captain Phillips is the true story of the Maersk Alabama, a container ship that was distressingly hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, United 93), this film expresses such urgency and desperation that it wasn't until the end of the film that I could finally breathe again. But the breathlessness is good. It's really good. The entire film is thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Not once did I feel there was a boring part or a lull of any kind. The pace of the film is what helps provide that feeling of constant continuation, along with the superb acting carried by the cast of the film.
Tom Hanks plays Captain Richard Phillips and does so amazingly (when doesn't he?). He is incredibly believable in this role: a normal man, going to work like it is any other day. He reaches such depth with this character that I felt like I was watching it happen in real time and with the actual captain of the ship. Hanks is truly one of the best actors of our time, if not the best, and this film proves it. (Just wait for the ending scene with the doctors). There's really nothing more I can say about him. I love the guy.
The rest of the actors in the cast are virtually unknown compared to Hanks. They are actors that you may have seen "here and there," but none that have as much professional "stature" as Hanks. Which, if you ask me, was ideal for this film. Hanks had to be seen as the one in charge and the primary person in the story. But, just because they aren't necessarily recognizable, does not make them any less remarkable. The supporting cast was tremendous. They played "average joe's" who were suddenly thrust into an unbelievable tragedy with such authenticity that I saw them not as actors who were acting, but real people who were experiencing a devastation.
Barkhad Abdi plays Muse, the Somali man heading the hijacking. We see not only a man who is trying to prove himself, but a man who is desperate as well. Desperate for money, recognition, and accomplishment. Abdi does a fine job making us dislike him and feel sorry for him at the same time.
This film reminded me that nothing in life is certain, nothing in life is predictable, and nothing in life is perfect. But, that we have the opportunity to stand up and be brave. We have the opportunity to be the bigger person and to choose which side of the tracks we want to represent.
Number of stars I give it: ***** (5/5)
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