The Finest Hours

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The Finest Hours

PG-13

Released Jan 29, 2016

1h 56m

Adventure

Action

Mystery & Thriller

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

201 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton in two, trapping more than 30 sailors inside the tanker's sinking stern. Engineer Ray Sybert bravely takes charge to organize a strategy for his fellow survivors. As word of the disaster reaches the Coast Guard in Chatham, Mass., Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a daring rescue mission. Despite the ferocious weather, coxswain Bernie Webber takes three men on a lifeboat to try and save the crew against seemingly impossible odds.

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Critics Consensus

Old-fashioned to a fault, The Finest Hours will satisfy those seeking a traditional rescue drama - but may leave more adventurous viewers wanting more.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

A rousing tale of sacrifice, ingenuity and heroism.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 16, 2016

Full Review

Roxana Hadadi

Chesapeake Family Magazine

The Coast Guard gets its big-screen opportunity with The Finest Hours. Its great effects work well to accompany some solid performances.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 2, 2016

Full Review

Udita Jhunjhunwala

Scroll.in

This is a by-the-book disaster-rescue saga with elevated moments of drama. The ocean scenes leave you feeling a little bit seasick, but in awe of the bravery of these men.

Jun 21, 2016

Full Review

David Griffiths

Subculture Entertainment

This is a far superior film to something like The Perfect Storm… yes Craig Gillespie has somehow managed to create a classy disaster flick that demands a viewing by serious film lovers.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 10, 2025

Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Subdued from the Ahab archetypes of most maritime characters, Pine and Affleck are not completely bland, but neither offers much inspiration or entertaining gravity, two aspects woefully missing from the film as a whole.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 13, 2024

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Its all very familiar and unremarkable filmmaking for an otherwise remarkable story.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 22, 2022

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Korra N

I personally didn't find The Finest Hours to be outstanding, but it's still got great performances, solid direction and some stunning visuals.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/24

Full Review

Code4change w

I love this classic movie making approach and the cast is compelling. I enjoyed Chris Pine but it was many of the secondary characters that really keeps me coming back. I am shocked that Casey Affleck hasn't gotten more attention for this performance and while Rachael Brosnahan has a small role she really brings it home. I do wish the writing and directing was stronger, especially for the quieter moments in the movie but all together this one is going on my classics shelf.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/01/24

Full Review

Dani G

Not great obviously, but it keeps you interested in the screen. Also, a good cast; maybe the leading female is the one who fell very short

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Dale R

Based on a book by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman, which is based on the true story of the Coast Guard rescue of the crew of the SS Pendleton in 1952. I didn’t latch on to any of the characters in this film and so wasn’t invested in the rescue attempt. Chris Pine plays a great soft-spoken and shy Coast Guardsman, but I didn’t buy into the love interest that was presented. The predicament the SS Pendleton got into, and how they got out, was more interesting to me. The special effects were good and held up today. Check this film out if you're curious.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

Brendan F

Watched this the other day. Liked it. Not loved it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/11/24

Full Review

Rick M

Intense. In the extreme. Never lets up.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/28/23

Full Review

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Craig Gillespie

Director

Chris Pine

Bernie Webber

Casey Affleck

Ray Sybert

Ben Foster

Richard Livesey

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Synopsis

On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton in two, trapping more than 30 sailors inside the tanker's sinking stern. Engineer Ray Sybert bravely takes charge to organize a strategy for his fellow survivors. As word of the disaster reaches the Coast Guard in Chatham, Mass., Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff orders a daring rescue mission. Despite the ferocious weather, coxswain Bernie Webber takes three men on a lifeboat to try and save the crew against seemingly impossible odds.

Director: Craig Gillespie
Producer: James Whitaker, Dorothy Aufiero
Screenwriter: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Whitaker Entertainment, Red Hawk Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Peril)
Genre: Adventure, Action, Mystery & Thriller, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 29, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $27.6M
Runtime: 1h 56m

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