Tom Hanks in a realistic and Oscar worthy performance as the true Captain Phillips

Rating: 9/10 (9 April 2014)

This modern day pirate thriller is a nail biting hit movie, even though the true events of the 2009 abduction are familiar to most viewers and the outcome is known from the beginning of the historic story. Tom Hanks playing Captain Phillips, the commanding officer of the Maersk Alabama, gives the best performance of his career, in my opinion. Hanks demonstrates the strategic thinking, compassion and intelligence of Captain Phillips as he deals with a Somali pirate take over of his ship. A trio of Somali pirates portrayed by Somali men brings a startling realism to this movie. Especially noteworthy is the performance of Oscar nominated Barkhad Abdi,who was one among a tribe of Somalians who were involved in the piracy. This movie is memorable because the people who were involved are alive to testify to it's authenticity, the scenes were action packed and the story itself is so well told as to become even more compelling over time. Captain Phillips will definitely be popular for many more years beyond 2009, when the high seas adventurous events occurred, while other movies made in 2013, awards notwithstanding, will be easily forgotten.