The Cruel Sea [DVD] [1953]

See Larger Image	List Price: £12.99 Our Price: £4.09 Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment Starring: Jack Hawkins, Stanley Baker, Denholm Elliott, Moira Lister, Virginia McKenna Directed By: Charles Frend Average Customer Rating:


Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: Universal, suitable for all Binding: DVD EAN: 5060034576815 Format: Anamorphic Label: Optimum Home Entertainment Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Optimum Home Entertainment Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2007-01-08 Running Time: 121 Studio: Optimum Home Entertainment Theatrical Release Date: 1953
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Editorial Reviews: Nicholas Monsarrat's novel is an unflinching, realistic and emotionally involving account of naval life during the Second World War in which the "heroes" are the men, the "heroines" the ships and the "villain" is not so much the German U-Boats lurking below as "the cruel sea" itself. This 1953 film has become a classic of British cinema largely because it is a straightforward, no-frills adaptation of the book and retain's much of the original's compelling yet almost understated dramatic focus. On convoy duty in the North Atlantic, the crew of HMS Compass Rose face as a matter of routine the threat of destruction from U-Boats as well as a constant struggle against the elements. The convoys themselves are Britain's only lifeline and their loss would lead to certain defeat, but in the early years of the war the ships sent to protect them can do almost nothing to prevent the U-Boat attacks. Jack Hawkins gives one of his finest performances as Captain Ericson, the commander who has to balance destroying the enemy against saving the lives of the men under his care. In one unforgettable scene--a crucial turning point for all the characters--he must decide whether to depth charge a suspected submarine despite the presence of British sailors in the water. As with the book, the individual officers and their lives are carefully delineated, helped by the strength of a cast of (then) young actors (notably Donald Sinden and Denholm Elliot). Ultimately what makes The Cruel Sea such an undeniable classic is that it has neither the flag-waving jingoism nor the war-is-hell melodrama so common to most war movies: instead it relates in an almost matter-of-fact way the bitterness of the conflict at sea fought by ordinary men placed in the most extraordinary of circumstances. --Mark Walker
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: great film Comment: This is a great film, have seen this many times on the t.v but wished to include it in my set of favourite films, no matter how many times i see it,it is one film i never get bored with, as my late husband was in the navy during the war it really brings home to one the hardships and horror these men went through, It really is a classic, i have the book too, the author was in the navy too so knew what it was all about, mrs I. Cunningham. Customer Rating: Summary: The Cruel Sea Comment: I think this film is the best war time film ever made. It never dates and is so true.Have seen it many times and never grow tired of it. Customer Rating: Summary: The Cruel Sea - The greatest war film ever made? Comment: This war film is a cut above the rest. A story of a newly commissioned corvette (the Compass Rose) and the men assigned to her, this is almost a documentary rather than a fictional film. It is a totally gripping character study, showing how ordinary people adapt to extraordinary circumstances, and the effects the war had both on them, and their lives. The film is carried largely by the exceptional performance of Jack Hawkins, the Captain who starts off as a generally decent chap, but is forced by the war to do unspeakable things (the men in the water during the submarine hunt is a particularly disturbing example) and becomes harder and haunted as the film progresses. Plaudits must also go to Denholm Elliot as the sub Lieutenant, and Donald Sinden as the number one. Two newly commissioned officers with no sea experience and 5 weeks at naval college, they are forced to learn on the job and mature quickly. The change in all the characters is marked, and portrayed well. It's not all about character study though, there are some tense and thrilling scenes, especially the night when the engines break, and the submarine hunts. A truly great film, which shows the realities of war with a stiff British upper lip. Much better than overwrought American attempts at realism, such as Saving Private Ryan. A film which should be shown to school kids in history lessons, both educational and truly gripping to watch. Customer Rating: Summary: Fiction that is as close to reality as you can get! Comment: Seldom have I read a book that is able to emulate the emotion and reality of the war at sea. There is something different and special with the way that Monserat has portrayed the life of "Compass Rose" a convoy escort, and the people involved. The ship is eventually sunk and some of the survivors go to a new ship and the story follows a number of the crew. I have read a number of books on the stories of the convoys in the second world war but it is this fictional book that really makes me understand the misery and relief of surviving the convoys. It is difficult to explain this in a review and I would recommend anyone to read the book alongside any of the factual books and you will see what I mean. Incidently, the BBC audio dramatisation (Donald Sinden, Phillip Madoc, Helen Baxendale and others)is also excellent. Customer Rating: Summary: DVD film Comment: I have received excellent service from amazon. The product quality is fine and I received it within a few days despite the fact that I live abroad. I have no complaints whatsoever. Regards K.J. Wismann More Reviews