What If It Happened To You?

Rating: 8/10 (4 March 2017)

There are many unique aspects that make "Captain Phillips" a Best Picture-nominee: incredible acting, high tension, and a plot that one wouldn't think could occur yet in the 21st century. To me, however, the hallmark of the movie was its ability to make viewers ask themselves the question "what would I do in a similar scenario?".
For a basic plot summary, "Captain Phillips" tells the story of Rich Phillips (Tom Hanks), captain of a shipping vessel that is boarded by a gang of Somali pirates led by Muse (Barkhad Abi). Looking to strike a a huge payday from an American ship, the pirates take Mr. Phillips as their hostage. However, despite their best efforts, the pirates are constantly set back by the ingenuity and courage of Phillips and his crew.
The most striking experience of this whole film to me was this: Here we are in the year 2014, and we are still dealing with pirates! When people use that word nowadays, they are mostly referring to fictional characters with eye-patches flying the Jolly Roger skull-and-crossbones. The Somali pirates, though, are not of this variety. They are both ruthless and calculating, producing a visceral sense of fear that they could begin taking lives at any time.
Thus, while watching the movie, I was constantly thinking "how would I handle this situation?". At the same time, I was amazed by the ingenuity and courage of Phillips in the face of a very, very frightening situation. Being based on a true story (although I honestly know nothing about the real Captain Phillips, so I can't vouch for accuracy whatsoever), this movie has a sense of "real- world gravitas" to it, while at the same time producing incredibly high drama due to the unique situations it presents.
As far as the acting is concerned, "Captain Phillips" showcases some of the best. The tension between the Hanks and Abdi characters is palpable throughout, while the final few minutes of the film may be the best work Mr. Hanks has ever put up on the big screen (and what a statement that is!).
Overall, then, "Captain Phillips" is the film I would vote as "Best Picture" at the 2014 Academy Awards. It is a film that can be enjoyed by all, not just appealing to a particular segment. Even if you "know what is going to happen", so to speak (being based on a real person's experiences), the tension between Phillips and the Pirates will still have you on the edge of your seat.