There are many mysteries out in the open sea, it is a majestic sight to behold and is a great testament to both God's beauty and strength; and while it has been a source of inspiration for many it has also meant mystery and death over the years.
Watching the trailer for 'In the Heart of the Sea' it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that a whale of monstrous size would attack a ship and it's crew. You might think that Moby Dick is just a classic story but the wheels in your head will start turning and curiosity will claim you once you learn that this is no bedtime story but that these were actual events that transpired and would eventually serve as an inspiration of one of the greatest stories of our time- Moby-Dick.
Award-winning director Ron Howard brings an incredible true story to the screen. A story of man's strength and perseverance when faced with insurmountable challenges. It is a movie experience so riveting, all that is lacking is getting your "sea legs" wet.
With a strong cast of actors led by Chris Hemsworth, as the skilled and experienced first mate Owen a Chase, he must play into the politics of the whaling business by allowing himself to be a subordinate to the inexperienced Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) who only acquired his position as Captain of the Essex was by being born into a family, high up in the whale oil industry. From these two characters shall come the conflict of Man Versus Man, the two are in a dangerous dance as they try to maintain a ship that, unknown to them at first is about to face an unimaginable tragedy.
Joining the cast is Tom Hollard, the boy who would be Spider-Man in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War film. Holland plays the 14-year-old cabin boy Thomas Nickerson setting off on his first whaling expedition, on the Essex. Veteran actor Brendan Gleeson portrays the man thirty years later who still bears the scars of his ordeal, although most of them are invisible.
Man Versus Nature is another theme in the film, as the crew of the Essex face a gigantic whale which seems to posses an almost human hatred and vengeance as it makes sure the crew is having their worst day ever.
We live in a world where 'whale oil' is no longer a neccesity so we don't really understand the need that drives these men to unknown waters and in undeniably difficult circumstances in order to 'earn a living'. The film contemplates on the characters' reflections on the cruelty of their trade and at the mercy of Mother Nature herself, ask what they have done to deserve such a cruel fate. There is some philosophical exchange in dialogue which makes you think as well, of man's stewardship over the earth. Are we here to play gods and kings and do as we wish? Or are we all just a speck of dust at the mercy of a cruel and unpredictable earth?
Man Versus Himself
More than just a story of a whale that destroys a ship, In the Heart of the Sea also tackles the theme of Man Versus Himself, creating conflict within oneself. What these men did in order to survive is truly fascinating and frightening at the same time. It's been a couple of days since I've seen the movie and I still can't shake some of the scenes off-and to think it actually happened. Just blows my mind.
I did additional reading on the subject after I've seen the movie and I am more captivated than ever. It has inspired me to continue reading Moby-Dick and to read the source of the film as well In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. If you know of where I can get a copy of this book. Please let me know!
9/10 ⭐️ In the Heart of the Sea is one of those movies that tell of an unbelievable true story of the wrath of nature and the strength of the human spirit. Of course when it is told through the eyes of a talented director such as Ron Howard then you know you are in for a visual feast as well.
Opening across the Philippines on December 3, 2015 in theaters and IMAX®, “In the Heart of the Sea” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
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