Review of The Perfect Storm (2000) by Filipeneto — 13 Feb 2018

A tribute to the fishermen and the power of nature.

This film, based on true events, tells the story of a swordfish fishing vessel who's caught in the middle of a colossal storm. It's a cinematic approach to the dangers of Grand Banks fishermen's face in real life. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, has screenplay by William D. Wittliff, based on the book by Sebastian Junger. The cast is headed by George Clooney (in the role of Billy Tyne, master of the fishing vessel) and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (in the role of Linda Greenlaw, captain of another ship), but also has other very talented actors like Bob Gunton, William Fichtner, John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg and Diane Lane.

Since the beginning of time that the sailors and fishermen were subject to the dangers of sea and storms. This film talks about it, and a particular case that led to the loss of several lives when a storm of rare proportions explodes on the waters off of Gloucester, US. The script is well written and the story is touching. The sets and photography are blameless and the visual and sound effects are excellent, especially portraying the storm (indeed deserved the Oscar nomination precisely for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects). George Clooney was wonderfully in his role, giving him a huge personality, an old sailor soul who loves the sea, even with all the dangers of it. The cast, however, was all at a great level and manages to capture the sympathy of the audience, who suffers with them and go with them to the sea, eager to return to earth and get away from that cruel and rough waters.

Although this movie has passed quietly and still be a film that is not much remembered, its an excellent disaster film (much better than others, showing disasters that never happen) that deals with facts that cost the lives of hundreds of fishermen and sailors every year. So, apart from a great movie, it's a beautiful tribute to these men and their families.