24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hidden gem war film with perfect review score and 'realism few can replicate'
Over seven decades since its initial release, the classic war film is experiencing a revival as cinema enthusiasts continue to discover it. The 1953 film The Cruel Sea, based on the best-selling novel and set amidst the chaos of World War II, has earned its place in the annals of British cinema. According to the British Film Institute's list, it ranks as one of the top 100 British films, securing the 75th spot. A review on Rotten Tomatoes praises the film: "An excellently done British war film focusing on the navy escorts during WWII. The acting is strong enough and in the latter half of the film it gets quite dark and more thoughtful. It was atmospheric and tense too. A fine early war film." The Cruel Sea, which follows the perilous journey of the British Royal Navy, is a fictional tale rooted in the real-life events of the Battle of the Atalan. What sets this film apart from others of its kind is that it was produced just seven years after the conclusion of the war. Jack Hawkins, renowned for his portrayals of military figures, solidified his status as one of the most beloved British film stars of the 1950s with his leading role as George Ericson in the film. Prior to his passing in 1973, Hawkins was celebrated for his performances in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Land of the Pharaohs and Zulu, reports the Express . One reviewer noted the film's authenticity, saying: "This movie has a genuine realism that movies today just can't achieve." They added: "It relied heavily on the performance put in by Hawkins which was excellent." The drama vividly depicts the gruelling sea battles between the Royal Navy and Germany's U-boats, all from the viewpoint of British naval officers. Employing a documentary-like approach to storytelling, the film follows a captain deeply affected by loss and intent on avenging his fallen men. Having suffered casualties in a prior sea encounter, the captain is handed command of the new H. M. S ship, facing not just harsh weather but also fierce assaults from the enemy that threaten to obliterate his vessel. The film has been commended for its authentic portrayal of war, likely stemming from its temporal proximity to actual wartime events. A critic observed: "The dialogue and the violence may be sanitised, but some of the ordeals faced by the story's servicemen are scenes of powerful psychological horror." Featured in this quintessential war classic is Virginia McKenna, an esteemed actress who has achieved the British Triple Crown of acting. It was during filming that she encountered her future ex-husband Denholm Elliott, also part of the cast, leading to them tying the knot the next year. This 'excellent' war film can now be streamed by audiences on BBC iPlayer.
