A High Wind in Jamaica

1965

1h 43m

Adventure

List

Reviews

52%

Audience Score

100+ Ratings

The Thorntons are a British family living in Jamaica in 1870. When they decide to send their children back to England for a proper education, the long journey home quickly turns into pandemonium when a pirate ship, led by Capt. Chavez (Anthony Quinn), attacks their vessel. As the pirates begin to loot and pillage, the children mistake the pirate ship for their own. Now trapped on an unfriendly vessel, the children must figure out a way to reunite with their parents.

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Wendy Michener

Maclean's Magazine

High Wind In Jamaica is a pleasantly old-fashioned sort of adventure.

Jun 27, 2019

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A rarely seen gem that has slipped by the public unnoticed, though receiving great reviews.

Rated: A-

Jan 6, 2015

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Jeremy Heilman

MovieMartyr.com

[It is] a criminally underappreciated movie that may be seen through the eyes of a child but is not scared to see the world as the cruel and confusing place it sometimes is.

Rated: 72/100

Jun 25, 2012

Full Review

Shane Burridge

rec.arts.movies.reviews

What might have happened to the Lost Boys if they'd left Neverland and taken up with the pirates.

Nov 24, 2003

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TJ

Brilliant classic with exceptional performances. A must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/05/23

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robert m

This may be the best of the pirate movies. It's one of the few with depth and some measure of realism. It's also a movie about children - although it may frighten some - and what they know and don't know. According to legend, the "High Wind" novel inspired "Lord of the Flies." Coen brothers, where are you? This movie deserves a remake and a larger audience.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Brilliant acting and a disterbing story

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Very entertaining and well produced pirate movie, fine cinematography, sets and costumes. The cast is terrific and Anthony Quinn is well cast. Enjoyable.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Bucaneering adventure with children aboard a pirate galleon captained by Anthony Quinn--Aye, Maties -- Kids and Loot Do Not Mix!!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

good ole ships n swords tale

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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Alexander Mackendrick

Director

Anthony Quinn

Chavez

James Coburn

Zac

Lila Kedrova

Rosa

Dennis Price

Mathias

Gert Fröbe

Dutch Captain

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Synopsis

The Thorntons are a British family living in Jamaica in 1870. When they decide to send their children back to England for a proper education, the long journey home quickly turns into pandemonium when a pirate ship, led by Capt. Chavez (Anthony Quinn), attacks their vessel. As the pirates begin to loot and pillage, the children mistake the pirate ship for their own. Now trapped on an unfriendly vessel, the children must figure out a way to reunite with their parents.

Director: Alexander Mackendrick
Producer: John Croydon
Screenwriter: Stanley Mann, Ronald Harwood, Denis Cannan
Production Co: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Apr 20, 2004
Runtime: 1h 43m