I watched the movie, prepared for the usual fluff T.V. movie fare, but I was thrilled to discover a very fine, well acted movie with a gripping plot and excellent special effects.
The film has some weak points: historical fact takes a bit of a beating, and the plot suffers from the usual tendency of T.V. movies to give away the plot and the motivations of its characters too soon. Even so, it still turns out to be a very thrilling movie. It succeeds in showing off some new acting talent, and it illustrates how good a T.V. movie can be, if given time and a good storyline.
This movie also showcases the latest in special effects: the HMHS Britannic of this movie rivals James Cameron's Titanic in the way David Beavis creates the largest (though least-known) passenger liner ever created. While the FX sometimes seem a bit too polished, they are certainly worthy of the best movie effects technicians.
Both Amanda Ryan and Edward Atterton give good quality performances as the main protagonists, both of whom are haunted by conflicting loyalties and self-doubt. John Rhys-Davies does his usual competent job as the stiff-upper-lipped captain of the great liner, and Bruce Payne (of Passenger 57 fame) pulls off a small but convincing part as the ship's doctor.
All in all, a stirring adventure yarn. If you like old-fashioned adventure movies like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', or older pre-George Lucas/Steven Spielberg films such as 'The Riddle of the Sands' or 'Zeppelin', you'll love this one.
The film has some weak points: historical fact takes a bit of a beating, and the plot suffers from the usual tendency of T.V. movies to give away the plot and the motivations of its characters too soon. Even so, it still turns out to be a very thrilling movie. It succeeds in showing off some new acting talent, and it illustrates how good a T.V. movie can be, if given time and a good storyline.
This movie also showcases the latest in special effects: the HMHS Britannic of this movie rivals James Cameron's Titanic in the way David Beavis creates the largest (though least-known) passenger liner ever created. While the FX sometimes seem a bit too polished, they are certainly worthy of the best movie effects technicians.
Both Amanda Ryan and Edward Atterton give good quality performances as the main protagonists, both of whom are haunted by conflicting loyalties and self-doubt. John Rhys-Davies does his usual competent job as the stiff-upper-lipped captain of the great liner, and Bruce Payne (of Passenger 57 fame) pulls off a small but convincing part as the ship's doctor.
All in all, a stirring adventure yarn. If you like old-fashioned adventure movies like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', or older pre-George Lucas/Steven Spielberg films such as 'The Riddle of the Sands' or 'Zeppelin', you'll love this one.