Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Imagine taking a year off from high school to learn about life at sea aboard an old-fashioned sailing vessel. That's what thirteen teenage boys experienced aboard the windjammer Albatross in the early 1960s. Their experiences were recorded by one of the boys, Chuck Geig, and the film White Squall is loosely based upon his memoirs of that trip.

In White Squall, the boys board the Albatross with mixed expectations. Some are sent by their parents because they have behavioral problems, while others are seeking adventure. Once aboard, the ornery crew quickly realizes it won't be all fun and games as Captain Chris Sheldon (Jeff Bridges) enforces a strict code of behavior.

Initially the boys are taught the basics of seamanship as they sail through the Caribbean Sea. They are also required to complete schoolwork, which is taught by a grizzled English teacher (John Savage) and the Captain's wife Alice (portrayed by Caroline Goodall).

The boys soon start squabbling and fighting with each other, as all their strengths, weaknesses, and personality differences are laid bare for all to see. In the meantime the character Chuck Geig (Scott Wolf) quietly records his thoughts and observations about the trip.

As the film progresses some of the boys rebel against Captain Sheldon, but then gradually come to respect his bare-knuckles teaching methods. They soon love life at sea, love the ship, and love getting let loose at various ports of call with no supervision at all. However, various trials plague the journey. One rebellious boy, Frank Beaumont (Jeremy Sisto), purposely kills a dolphin, and a Cuban patrol boat harasses them on orders from the new leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro.

Just as all aboard the ship are learning to respect each other tragedy strikes when the Albatross gets caught in a sudden storm called a "white squall". The short-lived but devastating storm capsizes the ship, and what was once a grand adventure turns into an unimaginable tragedy for all involved.

White Squall, directed by Ridley Scott, was released in 1996. This film can largely be categorized as being in the "boys coming of age" or adventure genre. I'm not sure why but the film was met with underwhelming results when released and, according to boxofficemojo.com, grossed just $10 million. Perhaps it's just a tad too melodramatic?

The cinematography is beautiful in this film. There are grand sweeping shots of the ship at sea and with all the crew working the rigging and sails. I especially liked the views of tropical coastlines with the Albatross at full mast. The filming of the "white squall" storm was not quite as convincing though, perhaps because the scene unfolded so quickly.

I thought the acting was quite good too. Bridges wasn't dressed like an old salty sea Captain, but he played the part well by be consistently strict with everyone as far as order on the ship, and by letting the boys make their own choices about smoking, drinking, or chasing after Danish school girls while in port.

Caroline Gooddall and John Savage play their parts well, and help balance-out the cast. However, they and most of the boys fade into the background of the film. Among the boys it's mostly Scott Wolf's character Chuck Geig who stands out, since he does some narration in the film and is more or less the most respected member of the school. Many of the other boys go to him with their problems (some of which are quite embarrassing) and he demonstrates the most maturing of any of them.

Sometimes a decent film just doesn't find its audience and that may have been the case with White Squall. It is a bit sappy and the plot is somewhat predictable. But I thought it was well directed and especially liked all the visual shots.

The DVD copy I viewed this on had no extras whatsoever - not even a scene selection options. I guess this film just never got enough attention to warrant any more expense. Overall I thought White Squall was entertaining, a good story, and had good acting. There were some slow parts and the main feature of the film occurred near the end. However, I think its worth watching if this genre of film has any appeal to you.

Running Time: 128 Minutes
Rating: PG-13

© trailhound. 2006.

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older