Intense, well-acted thriller that packs a punch

Rating: 8/10 (27 October 2013)

I was initially skeptical upon hearing that Tom Hanks was cast in a depiction of the Maersk Alabama hijacking, expecting that the result would be an overly sentimental, overly sensationalized presentation of the events that transpired. Nevertheless, I was happy to find that 'Captain Phillips' is a realistically acted and surprisingly intense film that sits along the likes of 'The Pianist' and '127 Hours' in the survival film sub-genre.
Hanks portrays the titular captain with ease and competence, convincingly giving the impression of a perfectly ordinary man placed in extraordinary circumstances. As the situation he is placed in becomes more and more desperate, Phillips in turn becomes more desperate, which is once again executed brilliantly by Hanks. Barkhad Abid, in his first role, is almost flawless in his portrayal of Muse, the pirate leader. He remains both sympathetic, as well as utterly terrifying, like a wild animal trapped in a corner. I consider it highly likely that both of these actors will receive Oscar nominations for their performances.
The film does quite a good job at presenting both sides of the story, ensuring that the pirates are not seen as purely evil. However, this could have been a bit more successful if more time was spent displaying the conditions in which the Somalians live, in order to achieve maximum sympathy.
Paul Greengrass, like his involvement in the Bourne films, directs the film in a grounded, realistic manner, with consistent use of hand-held cameras making the film feel like a documentary. The pacing likewise adds to this sense of realism. Roughly half of the film occurs on board a lifeboat in which Phillips has been taken hostage, yet the result is never boring, as the sheer intensity of the experience had me at the edge of my seat constantly.
'Captain Phillips' is an excellent film, both in regards to its acting and pacing. The end result is an intelligent, grounded and thoroughly exhilarating production that makes good use of the talent involved, both on screen and off.
Recommended viewing.