Captain Phillips (2013) Review in 2025
Captain Phillips is a gripping biographical thriller about the real-life hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. The movie is based on the memoir of Captain Richard Phillips, who was held hostage by the pirates.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to intense violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of action, adventure, and biographical dramas. It's a gripping and intense thriller that's based on true events, and it's a testament to the bravery of Captain Phillips and the crew of the ship. I highly recommend watching this movie in theaters, as the big screen and surround sound add to the overall sense of realism and intensity of the movie.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie starts with Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) taking command of the MV Maersk Alabama, a cargo ship that is transporting containers from Salalah, Oman to Mombasa, Kenya. The ship is hijacked by Somali pirates, led by Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who demand a ransom in exchange for the safe release of the crew. The US Navy sends a team of Navy SEALs to rescue the crew, but things take a dramatic turn when Phillips is taken hostage by the pirates.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is based on the true events of the hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama, and it's a gripping and intense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The movie does a great job of recreating the events of the hijacking, and it's a testament to the bravery of Captain Phillips and the crew of the ship.
acting9.50/10
The acting in the movie is excellent, with Tom Hanks delivering a standout performance as Captain Phillips. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Barkhad Abdi delivering a memorable performance as the pirate leader. The acting is nuanced and realistic, and it adds to the overall sense of tension and urgency of the movie.
characters8.50/10
The characters in the movie are well-developed and complex, with Tom Hanks delivering a standout performance as Captain Phillips. The supporting cast, including Barkhad Abdi as the pirate leader, is also excellent. The characters are well-written and nuanced, and they add depth to the story.
direction9.50/10
Paul Greengrass does an excellent job of directing the movie, using a combination of handheld camera work and quick cuts to create a sense of tension and urgency. The direction is masterful, and it adds to the overall sense of realism and intensity of the movie.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a combination of handheld camera work and sweeping shots of the ocean. The cinematography adds to the sense of realism and intensity of the movie, and it's a testament to the skill of the cinematographer.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie is based on true events, and it's a gripping and intense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The acting, direction, and cinematography are all excellent, and they add to the overall sense of realism and intensity of the movie.
Cons
The movie is intense and violent, and it may not be suitable for all audiences. Some viewers may find the movie to be too long or too slow-paced, but overall it's a great movie that's worth watching.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a hero, I'm just a guy who's trying to get home."
"You're not going to hurt anyone, you're not going to hurt anyone."
