Film Reviews by AB

By all means watch this (I'm assuming there is only one version of the film available on DVD in the UK) but if the ending comes as a bit of a surprise, then look up the synopsis on Wikipedia. That will explain a lot. Like, the proper ending (apparently the US got a different one, but this DVD is neither). Makes me want to read the book to find out how the author ended the story ('Stella'). But don't watch it in the same evening as 'The Cruel Sea' otherwise you won't get any sleep.

Superb filming especially the part in rough weather - it's pretty obvious they did that for real. It brings home the terror of war at sea, whichever side one was on. The tugs are tiny compared to the ships they are sent to rescue, but they are very powerful. If I write much more I'll spoil the plot so I will stop there. Highly recommended, only dropping one star because of the oddly cut ending. I hope the cinema release at the time was complete.

Note the decorations on the captains jackets; the embroidered bands are wiggly, not straight around. That's what gave rise to the nickname 'Wavy Navy' for the Royal Navy Reserve (RNR). And the GWR railway engine at the end is still alive, in preservation.

If you are into gloom, go for this one. It's supposed to be a BFI reissue, but their usual quality is lacking, and it spoils the film. It deserves better.

This film immediately goes into my top 10 (though I don't know what's been booted out). Ignore the slow start; as a spoiler alert, watch for the scene where the lead character finally falls in love; I've never seen an attempt to explain it, done better. Glorious and enjoyable, what cinema should be about. Bravo!

An unusual story, but well worth the telling. The car is the star and very well chosen (though I fear for the maintenance costs of a Swedish car in Japan). To remark on anything else will be a plot spoiler, so just take some time out and enjoy.