The Finest Hours [Blu-ray] [2016]

The shattering of expectation can sometimes shake one out of one’s complacency, especially if that expectation is low. ‘The Finest Hours’ is one such example. Unenthusiastically reviewed by the majority of critics, it turns out to be a finely mounted and gripping disaster drama. Set during a particularly ferocious storm it tells of the rescue mission of a four-man crew to reach a stricken oil tanker cut in half by the adverse weather conditions. Whilst the screenplay itself is merely serviceable it does tell a basically good true story, and the production is elevated by a high standard of performance in both the acting and the craft on display. As the hesitant captain of the rescue boat who has thus far never gained the respect of his colleagues, Chris Pine is extremely good. As his girlfriend, Holliday Grainger adds a feistiness to her perfunctory role that at least ensures the film is still interesting on land, even if it is the scenes at sea that offer the most excitement. Although underused, Casey Affleck is subtly impressive as the reflective chief engineer aboard the tanker who takes command more by default than design. The film demonstrates an astonishingly good period feel and the visuals in both cinematography and special effects are momentously impressive. Music, editing, and sound all contribute to the prestige look and feel of the movie. The biggest compliment that can be paid to the 3D format, and indeed the film itself, is that it is never obtrusive and just becomes part of the engrossing nature of the adventure. This must be an early candidate for the most underrated film of the year as it is both emotionally stirring and spiritually uplifting

I rented this on the strength of the reviews and was not disappointed. I did not know it was a real story which makes it even more moving. The special effects and direction are brilliant and impressive without being over the top , it is very well acted by all the cast especially Chris Pine and Casey Affleck . Holliday Granger makes the most of her small part and brings a sparkle to her scenes. Left me full of admiration for the Coast Guards men who took part in the real rescue in the 1950s. Highly recommended and a worthy tribute to the real heroes.

One of those films where you can't help asking 'how on earth did they film THAT!!!?". Incredible stormy sea footage plus some super, authentic 1950's land sets. A little bit too much emphasis on the love story between our hero and his fiancee in my opinion, but otherwise a respectful tribute to the story of this mind-blowing rescue mission. Good cast.

Excellent. Based on the true story of the US Coast Guards greatest ever small boat rescue. It starts a little strange, and the opening scenes don't really seem important until later on when you realise that they set the later scenes up perfectly. Well written, well acted, and in particular it was great to see Chris Pine do a quieter, less brash role than his usual. The sea scene are brilliantly realised, and the slower land scenes act well to break it up a little and let you catch your breath.I didn't realise this had been at the big screen, which is a shame as I think it would have been excellent - but never mind, sometimes the great movies are sleepers and don't get the recognition they deserve until years later (think Shawshank Redemption) hopefully that's what will happen to this movie.

Finest hours is a good movie 🎬 🎞 🎥Thanks 👍😃

I had a very prompt delivery and it came undamaged. The film itself is simply amazing, very well acted and factually presented with an outstanding script and cinematography.

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.

I initially bought as a gift for my father but as I hadn't seen and relating to the reviews of others here I decided to purchase two of the same movies in order that I could review myself before giving as a presentI'm glad I did as this movie is exceptional on a personal note and I've watched it many times now and have the same warm after glowMy father was an ex engineer in the navy...he now in later days relates many tales of storms at sea and the commitment of his crew, my mom hated water and the sea as she too feared its mercurial attributes..hence the personal recognition...If you don't have any personal sentiments I believe you'd find this movie slow and perhaps a little lack lustreBut for myself and family I believe the story line and the tenacity of all involved was brilliantly projected within this movie...I did give 5 stars but they posted only three but 5 is my rating