The Cruel Sea on DVD (1953)

British understatement at its best

A customer from Hertfordshire , 05/06/2004

Watch 'Saving Private Ryan' and then 'The Cruel Sea' and you would have seen two great war movies; but two totally different war movies. From the outset The Cruel Sea does not set out to shock the viewer but to show how war at sea was, for the most part, very uncomfortable, threatening and totally exhausting. There is almost a semi-documentary feel to the film with Jack Hawkin's being in but also voiceing over various scenes, which ties it together and adds to the films authenticity. Don't expect the realness of the sea as might be the case in 'The Perfect Storm' but given when this was filmed the effects are still as harrowing and the acting tremendous.

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Without pier

thamesditton from Kirkcudbrightshire , 15/04/2005

What can I say, without doubt the best single film to come out of Ealing. Nicolas Monsuerat's pace and clipped novel is expertly, if somewhat workmanly adapted by Eric Ambler into what is argueably the best British war film of it's generation. No drum thumping "this is fun" view of war, but a cold and damning realism which for 1952 was new and cutting edge. Jack Hawkins brings a level of acting previously missing from the British cinema, as he he is put through the ring by the excesses of war at sea.

You know that most of it was filmed on a stage set in west London, but the cinemaphotograhy is so clear and tight on the detail that this is forgotten. I swear the sea sickness is real, and that's from the audiance! Watch and learn, this is a must see film in any language.

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A Truly Great War Film

emden from Surrey , 26/05/2005

This film must rank as the greatest British War film. It exemplifies the spirit of WWII era, in particular the concept of 'citizens in uniform', civilians who are drawn into war. With Jack Hawkins magnificent in the lead role, oozing moral fibre from every pore, yet displaying humanity and humility.

There is no glorification of war here, but instead a celebration of the reserves of courage, endurance and decency which are to be found in the ordinary people.

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Still a Good Tale

ancientmariner from Callington , 15/07/2005

WW2 films have seen something of a revival this 60th VE/VJ Day anniversary year, and this must be one of the best.

Despite being in black and whiite it is almost as fresh as the day it was first released, and there are some outstanding performances from all the actors.

If you haven't seen it before do so now, and get the feel of what it was like to live through The War having relatives who were fighting it.

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It's good

A customer from Kent ,England , 28/06/2005

About one of the worst jobs of world war 2, taking on the u-boats in the North Sea. It's gritty, emotional stuff. I give it 4 stars because it's not factual but a brilliant account of what it must of been like during the war. Probably the best ww2 film I've seen that's tried and succeeded to create the harsh reality of war. A must see if you like war films.

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Still a Good Tale

ancientmariner from Callington , 15/07/2005

WW2 films have seen something of a revival this 60th VE/VJ Day anniversary year, and this must be one of the best.

Despite being in black and whiite it is almost as fresh as the day it was first released, and there are some outstanding performances from all the actors.

If you haven't seen it before do so now, and get the feel of what it was like to live through The War having relatives who were fighting it.

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