The Finest Hours

PG-13

Released Jan 29, 2016

1 hr. 56 min.

Adventure

Action

Mystery & Thriller

History

Drama

TRAILER

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List

64%

200 Reviews

Tomatometer

66%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Rick M

Intense. In the extreme. Never lets up.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/28/23

Full Review

Nicolas D

A Captivating Tribute to Coast Guard Bravery - True to the Book "The Finest Hours" masterfully brings to life the remarkable bravery of the Coast Guard in a gripping and authentic cinematic experience that remains remarkably faithful to its source material. This film stands as a shining example of how true stories can be translated onto the screen with integrity and heart. In "The Finest Hours," the unwavering courage of the Coast Guard crew is portrayed with an awe-inspiring realism that captures the depth of their commitment to saving lives. The film's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to historical accuracy beautifully showcase the challenges faced by these heroic individuals in the face of a ferocious storm. What truly sets "The Finest Hours" apart is its remarkable faithfulness to the original book. The film's narrative closely mirrors the events described in the source material, effectively conveying the tense atmosphere and sheer determination that characterized the rescue mission. This level of authenticity serves to honor the real-life heroes who risked everything to save the crew of the SS Pendleton. The cinematography is a visual masterpiece, expertly capturing the raw power of the storm-tossed sea and the precariousness of the rescue efforts. The director's skillful hand ensures that every frame is infused with a sense of urgency and intensity, making for an engrossing cinematic experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/23

Full Review

Sal D

A Disney movie bloated with tropes and infused with hyperbolic melodrama? I never thought it possible until I watched this film. I should have cleaned the streets of my neighborhood for two hours instead.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/02/23

Full Review

J_dot H

Epic Crossover Saga. Thats the only way I can put it which may come close to capturing it. Apollo 13 x Titanic

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/23

Full Review

Heidi W

This is anything but a traditional resuce story as heroes like this don't exist anymore, nor has there ever been a resuce like this one! This was an incredible heroic story, based on a true story. It was very suspenseful and emotional. Why it did not do well at the box office is a mystery and the movie's it was up against were no competition at all. Perhaps the critics had something to do with that. How it could have received "mixed" reviews defies logic and reason. That any critic would not rate an incredible movie like this very highly is remarkable. I highly recommend this movie. It was recommended to me by a friend. These are the real heroes that the best movies are made of. Unbelievable to me that it did not clean up at the academy awards. Cinematography was incredible, acting was incredible and to top it off it was based on a true story that is an inspiration to people of most ages (probably too intense for younger viewrs) and walks of life! I don't think heroes like this even exist anymore which is all the more reason the movie stood out ot me as so incredible and inspirational.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Paul B

I love a good yarn based on a true story and this film did a passable job bringing an unbelievable story to life, even if it was strangely bland. Chris Pine overplayed the hero's lack of confidence to the point I was ready to punch the tv and there were a couple really stupid scenes (like the strong-willed girl who was suddenly ditzy enough to go out into a blizzard without a jacket), but overall the cast, which was absolutely stacked with big names, did a fine job of bringing this story to life.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/17/23

Full Review

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Craig Gillespie

Director

Chris Pine

Bernie Webber

Casey Affleck

Ray Sybert

Ben Foster

Richard Livesey

Holliday Grainger

Miriam

John Ortiz

Seaman Wallace Quirey

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The Finest Hours: Trailer 2

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The Finest Hours: Trailer 1

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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

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

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

Rated: 2/4

Apr 22, 2022

Full Review

Therese Lacson

Nerdophiles

It's not going to surprise you with any plot twists, but The Finest Hours is by far one of the most exciting disaster movie so far this year.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 9, 2021

Full Review

Hosea Rupprecht

Pauline Center for Media Studies

Bernie and Sybert both display true humility.

Aug 27, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

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
Executive Producer: Douglas C. Merrifield
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

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