The Cruel Sea HD Trailer

The novel THE CRUEL SEA by Nicholas Monserrat was an unflinching portrayal of life at sea during WWII on a boat tasked with protecting convoys and seeking and destroying U-boats. A runaway success, the novel had already sold over 4 million copies in just 2 years when Ealing decided to make the film version. Filmed aboard an actual Royal Navy corvette, THE CRUEL SEA tells the story of the sailors aboard the HMS Compass Rose: the bonds that form between them, the daily pressures they face and their epic struggle to overcome the enemy. Nominated for a BAFTA for Best British Film, THE CRUEL SEA stars Jack Hawkins, Sir Donald Sinden and Stanley Clarke, and is a gripping insight into the lives of unsung heroes at sea during the war, and the agonizing decisions and incredible peril they faced on a daily basis.

[vz]

My grandfather served throughout the war, first on a Flower-class corvette like the one in the film, and later on Tribal-class destroyers (Royal Canadian Navy). He loved this movie and felt it was the best one about the Allied side of the Battle of the Atlantic. He died this past summer at the age of 91. Watching this movie and thinking of his stories of the friends he lost has a huge impact on me.

[davidholmes]

My father was a stoker on HMS Campanula, the Flower Class Corvette K18 on which Nicholas Monsarrat was an officer.

[Ryosuke]

I'm watching the trailer because a ww2 historian said that this was the most historicaly accurate film he ever saw.

[Kohl]

I always come back to this movie. A testament of its time and a reflection of life at sea during those terrible times. Jack Hawkins is a tremendous actor and his sensitive, emotional portrayal in this film is sheer brilliance. Very good supporting work from the other performers. Character acting at its best.

[jonathanbenner]

The North Atlantic was hard on ships, especially ships of this size.  My father-in-law was on an American destroyer whose first wartime assignment was to escort BB 61 (Battleship IOWA with FDR on board) to/from the Casablanca conference.  He told simultaneously hilarious/harrowing stories of trying desperately to keep up with the IOWA as it steamed majestically through rough seas while the escorts got their brains beat out steaming at high speeds through terrible weather. If I didn't die of seasickness, I think I would have died of envy if I were on a tin can within view of the IOWA on a rough crossing.

[hhoward]

A first rate film, that was made by people that lived through that period.
I first saw it in 1954, and it has lived with me ever since.
"Cruel", Is the best word for the sea..

Directed by Charles Frend.
A man well versed with marine subjects.
Produced by Leslie Norman. Barry's Dad...
A master-piece.

[coskuntoktamis]

Never fail to watch this film...again and again. I almost know the script by heart now!!

[paulputnam]

One of the very best film adaptations of a war story.
Terrific cast, wonderful acting & some excellent camera work.
The music, by Alan Rawsthorne, is wonderfully evocative & adds to the overall atmosphere throughout. Available on DVD - if you haven't seen it yet, make a point of doing so !

[ThePrader]

I had recently been commisioned as an ensign, my last night before reporting for duty at the NAVSTA RI, when I saw this film. I was at sea within 2 weeks on a DD. Yeah. It stayed with me.

[juliehoffman]

I think the films made in UK about the war are some of my favorites

[TheGrenadier]

Good old times, when movies about ships or armies were made with ships and armies. Today, almost everything are made with CGI; superior quality no doubt, but the effort of old movies sounds greater.

[southlondon]

This is in the top ten of British war films, good to see again.

[collinsstewart]

Not only a testament to the Royal Navy but to all sailors everywhere “splice the mainbrace “

[CaminoAir]

Great film, great cast. Nothing more can be said to do this film justice. Producer was Barry Norman's father.

[EdmondDantes]

 Just watched last night, one of the best films ever made on Naval life and men at sea. I find it incredible that it's not better known nor even on DVD to my knowledge. Hopefully I'll be able to transfer my VHS copy onto disc. 
Though it's from the aspects of the RN, any Sailor regardless of country can identify with it for some things transcends nationality, the sea and shipboard life are two of them. 
 

[cloggerdempsey]

Presently making a Flower Class Corvette the Blue Bluebell [Revelle's 1/72 scale with photoetch aftermarket parts].  Also just started reading The Cruel Sea.  V enjoyable.  It must have been hell sailing on one of those covettes in the Atlantic during a raging gale!

[bobgrantsbus]

Superb film with a star making performance by Stanley Baker.

[Kingfisherk]

Agree entirely with southlondon63 this is one of the best British war films ever made. Its one of my personal favorites.

[jptanguero]

I couldn't agree more - a fantastic movie, unjustly overlooked these days. Easily better than the awkward and wooden 'In which we serve'. Watch them both and judge for yourself.

[Hambam]

I’m no expert, but according to experts, this movie is one of the best ww2 films according to the realism. The actors were veterans from the war….the stress and day to day life is so spot on. Great film, just don’t show it to anyone under 20 this day. They’ll leave the room 😂