Movieo
Poster for White Squall

White Squall

The strongest will in nature is the will to survive.

1996 · 2h 9m · PG-13 Adventure, Drama
Directed by Ridley Scott

Seen it?

Overview

In 1960, a hardy group of prep school students boards an old-fashioned sailing ship. With Capt. Christopher Sheldon at the helm, the oceangoing voyage is intended to teach the boys fortitude and discipline. But the youthful crew are about to get some unexpected instruction in survival when they get caught in the clutches of a white squall storm.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
58%
Tomatometer
Rotten

The filmmakers take a rather facile, anachronistic "Oprah"-esque approach toward the boys' feelings about their families and the Skipper's role as a "tough love"-minded surrogate father.

Brian Lowry, Variety
Fresh

This particular landlubber felt like jelly for the rest of the day, notwithstanding the hokey courtroom showdown that closes the picture.

Trevor Johnston, Time Out
Rotten

Despite great scenery, the distinctive visual ideas of Mr. Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) and the strong dramatic presence of Mr. Bridges, most of White Squall remains listless and tame.

Janet Maslin, New York Times
Fresh

Typically, Bridges gives a deftly understated performance uncluttered by vanity or shallow pathos. No wonder he's not a star.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Fresh

The 20 or so minutes we spend with the Albatross in the squall is high adventure, to be sure. Everything else is ballast.

Jack Mathews, Los Angeles Times

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films