The Finest Hours (2016)

The Finest Hours Poster

The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.

Film Overview
"The Finest Hours" is a visually sensational, action-packed rescue drama launched in 2016. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the movie is based upon the significant 1952 United States Coast Guard rescue of the SS Pendleton, a T2 oil tanker divided into 2 off the coast of Cape Cod during a ferocious nor'easter. The cast boasts actors Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster and Holliday Grainger, who breathe life into this historic tale with engaging performances. The movie is based on the non-fiction book "The Finest Hours" by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman.

Plot Summary
In February 1952, an unanticipated and gigantic storm hits the Eastern Seaboard, lashing Cape Cod with strong winds and deadly waves. 2 oil tankers are captured in the cyclone's fatal course and are divided in 2, leaving the teams in risky scenarios. The SS Pendleton, among the damaged tankers, quickly takes on water after the distressing split. The senior officer, Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck), takes charge, urging the team to work together and purchase time for rescue before the ship sinks totally.

Back onshore at the Chatham Station, Guard Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) is ordered to select a team and carry out the rescue objective, regardless of the dangerous weather. Bernie, who is captured up in his engagement to his sweetheart, Miriam (Holliday Grainger), is at first unwilling however remains duty-bound and deals with to embark on the treacherous exploration. Bernie, accompanied by Richard Livesey (Ben Foster), Andrew Fitzgerald (Kyle Gallner) and Ervin Maske (John Magaro), set out in a little lifeboat and infamously brutal conditions in hopes of saving the Pendleton team.

Rescue Mission and Conclusion
The rescuers have to browse through gigantic waves, struggling to keep the little lifeboat intact and operational. After fighting a series of devastating barriers, the little crew miraculously reaches the sinking Pendleton and should convince the battered crew members to trust their precarious rescue strategy. In a breathtaking effort, Bernie and his team manage not only to rescue 32 of the 33 Pendleton members however endure the ludicrously precarious journey back.

"The Finest Hours" concludes with Bernie's subtle heroism and courage, underscoring the significance of bravery, management, teamwork, and responsibility. Miriam and the town's neighborhood invite the exhausted however victorious males, manifesting unity and shared relief.

Important Notes
"The Finest Hours" masterfully links action, drama, and a dash of love to create an awesome movie theater experience. The visual impacts craft a painful and realistic representation of the disastrous weather condition, whilst the director successfully imparts gritty seriousness, suspense, and worry for the beleaguered characters. Regardless of some characters' development being underexplored, first-class efficiencies and commitment to authenticity keep the audience engaged, foregrounding the human spirit's durability in the face of anguish and threat.

Overall, "The Finest Hours" is an impressive film that showcases a remarkable real story of bravery and durability at sea, proving to be a remarkable entry into the disaster-rescue category.

Top Cast

  • Chris Pine (small)
    Chris Pine
    Bernie Webber
  • Casey Affleck (small)
    Casey Affleck
    Ray Sybert
  • Ben Foster (small)
    Ben Foster
    Richard Livesey
  • Eric Bana (small)
    Eric Bana
    Daniel Cluff
  • Holliday Grainger (small)
    Holliday Grainger
    Miriam Webber
  • John Ortiz (small)
    John Ortiz
    Wallace Quirey
  • Kyle Gallner (small)
    Kyle Gallner
    Andy Fitzgerald
  • John Magaro (small)
    John Magaro
    Ervin Maske
  • Graham McTavish (small)
    Graham McTavish
    Frank Fauteux
  • Michael Raymond-James (small)
    Michael Raymond-James
    D.A. Brown
  • Beau Knapp (small)
    Beau Knapp
    Mel Gouthro