The Cruel Sea (1953)

Another fine British war movie of the 1950s. This one tackles the subject of the war in the Atlantic and features the crew of a British warship as they tackle the U-Boat menace. The film is based on a non-fiction novel by Monsarrat and thus has a ring of authenticity to it. There's certainly no jingoism or flag-waving here, just a sweaty and suspenseful account of what it's like to fight submarines in a theatre where the sea itself is an enemy.The cinematography is fine and the story gives a fair balance to both characters and plot. As is usual for this era, the cast is very fine, ranging from Jack Hawkins as the rugged sea commander to Denholm Elliott and Donald Sinden as his fresh-faced recruits. Stanley Baker has another stand-out turn as the sausage-loving first officer. Even Virginia McKenna is here, years before she became known for her work on BORN FREE. I wouldn't call THE CRUEL SEA quite top-tier material but it's certainly an enthralling and moving film nonetheless and above average for its genre.

Almost 60 years on this film retains its quality. If you haven't seen it for many years or read the book I strongly recommend you revisit them; they both stand the test of time extremely well. If you haven't seen the film and/or read the book I suggest you do so - you won't regret it. The film suffers a little from the decisions that are necessarily made in order to fit a long book to the time constraints imposed by a film although for its time it is quite long. There are several vignettes of individuals that are excluded completely. The character of Ferraby is neglected to a certain degree for it is he that Monserrat hangs much of the elements of horror in the story on. However overall the adaptation is sound and the film is lucid and extremely effective in its accurate portrayal of the longest and bloodiest battle of the second world war.

This utterly unflinching, realistic look at the physical and psychological consequences of war is a harrowing experience even seen some 60 years on. Jack Hawkins is superb as the commander who has to plough through survivors of a U boat attack because he can't afford to let the U boat he still suspects is present escape to cause more death. It must have been shocking and unexpected for 1950s audiences to see the burly Hawkins drunk, in tears and tortured by the horrific consequences of his actions. The scene is haunting and lingers in the mind long after the film is over. There are no simple minded heroics here - the emphasis is on gritty reality and the horror experienced by men in conflict. Many of the characters we come to know and love meet unpleasant ends.Donald Sinden, best known now for his light-hearted performances in such films as Doctor In The House, gives an equally fine portrayal of Hawkins' No 1, initially on a temporary promotion following the departure of the original (Stanley Baker), later rising magnificently to the occasion. In one scene, he has a simple, but effective means of keeping up morale in a lifeboat - "Sing, you lazy b*****ds!" A significant scene towards the end has him comment to Hawkins that the German survivors of their attack on a U boat aren't very different to them, really. That sums it up perfectly.I don't think The Cruel Sea is an anti-war film in the same way that Oh, What A Lovely War! or M*A*S*H are, but it certainly refuses to glamorise the subject, or portray heroes and villains. Without editorialising, it simply tells the truth. Perhaps that's why it says so much so well and remains so powerful even in the 21st century. An adult film in the best sense of the term.

I recall to have seen this movie when i was a maybe 15 years old and mainly recalled the grim and bitter search for the U-Boat in the Murmansk Convoy Section. Much time has passed and Amazon Germany does now feature this in the Forgotten War Movie Section !. Certainly a film that must not be forgotten ! At the same time German TV featured a 30 year anniversary of "The Boat U-96" with the key actors. The Cruel Sea now is moving towards 60 years coming since it was released and it did not lose much. It is grim, based on obvious real life experience and well cast. Even Stanley Baker impresses as the Snorker Bully with an ulcer. Get it when you can.