Warner Bros. | Release Date: December 11, 2015
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 217 Ratings
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Positive:
129
Mixed:
79
Negative:
9
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9
dammanDec 15, 2015
This movie is not bad at all I don't know why people would give this movie a 1 give me a break. The acting was on point and just to see all the people starve until you see their rib cage mad me really emotional. Go see the movie if you giveThis movie is not bad at all I don't know why people would give this movie a 1 give me a break. The acting was on point and just to see all the people starve until you see their rib cage mad me really emotional. Go see the movie if you give this movie less than a 6 you're a troll? Expand
5 of 5 users found this helpful50
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10
TLHGDec 16, 2015
Most unfavorable reviews about this movie (both by users and by professional critics) seem to stand on the fact that the movie was said to be a representation of the actual story that inspired Moby Dick, the book, when the truth is the movieMost unfavorable reviews about this movie (both by users and by professional critics) seem to stand on the fact that the movie was said to be a representation of the actual story that inspired Moby Dick, the book, when the truth is the movie is far from what you will find if you read the original story. In my opinion, if you are not attached to expectations based on Moby Dick or on the actual In The Heart of The Sea book, you will be stunned by the marvelous visual art in the movie (take together everything, cinematography, visual effects, costumes, soundtrack, all impeccable), the solid acting, the intriguing plot, and the involving atmosphere. As the story unfolds, the viewer may feel, at some points, that some reflections that the movie tries to provoke are left hanging and unfinished. However, in the end, when the main plot finds its way, all the little things that were left hanging during the movies become teasers that leave you with a bittersweet sensation of "I wanted a little more". More of what? Well, more whale fight scenes, more conflicts between the men, more storms... I could easily take another 20 minutes of scenes in the ocean with this movie! Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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8
Rodrigo3kJan 14, 2016
Suspense, drama and action. The movie have some incredible ponts of view in the camera panning, the story is easy to understand and it doesnt give you time to be bored.
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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7
jeggemDec 22, 2015
Raping whales for blubber oil draws a vengeful whale from hell leaving its human hunters in desperate situations steeping to desperate means for survival. A classic man versus nature period piece told masterfully by veteran director RonRaping whales for blubber oil draws a vengeful whale from hell leaving its human hunters in desperate situations steeping to desperate means for survival. A classic man versus nature period piece told masterfully by veteran director Ron Howard and acted well with a good cast, this film should inspire strong emotions and interest in the attentive viewer. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
eagleeyevikingJan 8, 2016
Though mundane at points, veteran Ron Howard's sea tale In the Heart of the Sea is an entertaining man vs nature story that is well acted, beautifully shot and masterfully directed.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
HealingToolbox1Apr 12, 2016
Everest (2015) and In the Heart of the Sea (2016) are both true-life disaster stories from non-fiction books. I believe both have the exact same script problem. It may be easier to see in Everest. We like the characters but we never knowEverest (2015) and In the Heart of the Sea (2016) are both true-life disaster stories from non-fiction books. I believe both have the exact same script problem. It may be easier to see in Everest. We like the characters but we never know much of WHY they do what they do--because it was not in the book. So the miraculous recovery of the Outside reporter played by Josh Brolin lacks the backstory to buttress an amazing acting performance.

I agree with Anthony Lane in New Yorker that we don't get to see enuf of a character arc in any character in Heart of the Sea to engage us that much.

Not all "inspired by true events" scripts hold water. But in this regard Bridge of Spies (2015) is a master class in how to cobble together true life characters and detail into a story with dramatic meaning.

The spectacle of Everest and Heart of Sea are not enuf, probably can never be enuf, to compensate for engaging dramatic construction. This is why do few film scripts exist each year; so few have an authentic or archetypal dramatic story with adequate character arcs to tell.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
moviecritic68Dec 29, 2015
Movies are meant to be entertaining and this story does just that. No this film won't produce Oscars but that is in a vast majority. Ron Howard did a more than adequate job with the screenplay and the acting roles were well played out. SoMovies are meant to be entertaining and this story does just that. No this film won't produce Oscars but that is in a vast majority. Ron Howard did a more than adequate job with the screenplay and the acting roles were well played out. So disregard all the negativity spewed by the few who found this movie unrewarding. It is what it is and presented in the best way possible. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
herman73trioJan 26, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is one of the most i personally anticipated this year.The reason is that my curiosity of what exactly happened to whale ship Essex.The other reason is Ron Howard,he is one of the most highly respected movie director.back in 1980's era i've seen the movie "Cocoon" and in 1991 "Backdraft". I really impressed by Backdraft cause the way the director describe the fire is like a living persons that breath and ready to burn and destroy everything.That fire also can be a very dangerous weapon.Guess all the moviegoers must remember The Da Vinci Code. The thing that i saw in Backdraft is recurred again in Ron Howard's new movie. Set back in 1820 when the Essex whale ship's voyage must face the deadly assault by a 90 feet sperm whale.This movie stars based the storytelling by Tom Nickerson-the only ex crew of Essex that still alive- to a novel writer Herman Melville.A young novelist that have this ambition to write one of the most spectacular fiction adventure novel ever written. A whale ship that sail under the navigation of Captain Pollard (Benjamin Walker)-a captain by ancestry and off course lack of experience- assist by Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth)1st Class Sailor-who also reluctantly but have no choice but to accept this task by the owner of Essex ship.Takes a very short time for this 2 character involved in psychological war between them.At first Essex managed to catch a whale, but after a few months of traveling, where food stocks thinning finally Chase and Pollard decided to divert the direction of the ship towards the path of tropical waters of the Pacific-after hearing the story of a Ship Captain Spain who survived the attack from 90 feet white whale.However, both Chase and Pollard ignored the warning from the Spanish Captain. A decision based on ambition and greed which then carry Essex into a catastrophe. they only imagine hundreds of whales on display in front of the eyes waiting to be hunted and brought home 2000 gallons of whale oil.And then, Essex was brutally attacked by a whale with a size that was never imagined by them. Essex ship was sinking to the bottom of the Pacific ocean. And crew who survived the attack separated into three boats had to live in the shadow of a very painful death.Stranded in tropical oceans where sunlight stings during daytime as whole body skin burns. In the course to survive, all the crew had to face moral dilemmas by do the abomination or die slowly in pain. Once again Ron Howard managed to do what he's really excel,the whale that destroyed the Essex described not only as a ferocious monster but as a god of the ocean, the whale protectors of human greed. Internal conflicts between cockiness Pollard as the ship's captain and Chase as a seaman 1st class who is an expert in calculating weather and sharper instincts. A little unfortunate that this film only lasted 2 hours which I think is not enough time for Ron Howard to explore the burden of the old Tom Nickerson who have to live for decades with terrible memories. Also not enough time to explore the mental burden of the young novelist Melville (Whisaw). And looks like Ron Howard strive very hard to share a story segment. Even if the film is not a masterpiece but I feel satisfaction in watching this movie. Even if all the actors act well, but it is the whale measured 90 feet that steal the show.Whale is described as being so characterized, the authority that gives lessons so valuable that a knowledge sometimes requires sacrifice so heartbreaking. Ambitions that humans will someday be stopped by the might of the children of nature. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
smiyamotApr 6, 2016
How did Melville come up with the idea for "Moby Dick"? This movie tells the tale of an actual whaling ship that was attacked by a giant white whale. The survivor of the sinking tells Melville how it happened; the basis for his book.How did Melville come up with the idea for "Moby Dick"? This movie tells the tale of an actual whaling ship that was attacked by a giant white whale. The survivor of the sinking tells Melville how it happened; the basis for his book. Factual, made up, who cares? It's a great story of how men battled the ocean to earn their living, the risks they took. Also, a parable of our times where the rich elite get richer off the labors of the 99%. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
GinaKDec 14, 2015
Although I know I am in the minority, I thoroughly enjoyed In the Heart of the Sea. I loved the very realistic special effects and the excellent acting, and I thought the pacing was perfect. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think this will somedayAlthough I know I am in the minority, I thoroughly enjoyed In the Heart of the Sea. I loved the very realistic special effects and the excellent acting, and I thought the pacing was perfect. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think this will someday be considered one of Ron Howard’s finest films. You feel like you are really on the ocean and in the boats after the white whale attacks. Expand
11 of 12 users found this helpful111
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9
JebDec 20, 2015
This is one of the world's greatest adventure stories. One can sit back and enjoy it or analyze it til you sink it. I've sailed across the Atlantic several times including once without an engine or any electronics and from an old salt'sThis is one of the world's greatest adventure stories. One can sit back and enjoy it or analyze it til you sink it. I've sailed across the Atlantic several times including once without an engine or any electronics and from an old salt's perspective enjoyed "In the Heart of the Sea" immensely. Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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9
Jollyjoe1000Dec 22, 2015
This is a great Moby dick movie.It works perfectly. It is intense.And the design of Moby Dick is awesssssosommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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7
TVJerryDec 15, 2015
Since this is the truth-based story that inspired 'Moby-Dick," you'd expect it to be all about the crew vs. the whale. While that's a big part, this narrative expands to become a story of survival at sea. The encounters with the CGISince this is the truth-based story that inspired 'Moby-Dick," you'd expect it to be all about the crew vs. the whale. While that's a big part, this narrative expands to become a story of survival at sea. The encounters with the CGI creatures, as well as a harrowing storm, are amazingly rendered. On top of that, the grand style of the cinematography and rich look of the art direction add a layer of visual majesty. Then there's the actual drama: It unfolds with encounters and relationships that are too trite, flashes back to the storyteller (which halts the pace) and never really creates characters that are compelling (even Chris Hemworth seems like yet another superhero). The film attempts to be grand storytelling in a classic vein (albeit with lots of quick cuts), but lacks the spirit to capture the heart. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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7
PeterAlexanderDec 11, 2015
Based on the creation of the suspenseful and at times terrifying novel, Moby Dick, the film In the Heart of the Sea manages to convey such aspects, but is unable to sustain it for the course of the film's entirety. Whilst several scenes stuckBased on the creation of the suspenseful and at times terrifying novel, Moby Dick, the film In the Heart of the Sea manages to convey such aspects, but is unable to sustain it for the course of the film's entirety. Whilst several scenes stuck with you on an emotional level, Brendan Gleeson's narration was superb and the story was immersive at times, a lack of character development, mixed visual effects and an over reliance on a narrative that shifted its focus off the whale itself, harm the film overall. Whilst the film experience was a positive one, I was left slightly underwhelmed as the story had potential to provide for something far more gripping. Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
chrismovieguyDec 16, 2015
this was one of those movies were the preivews lead u to think one thing and it turns into a whole other it was not as action packed as it looked was still a decent movie it defenetly had its intence moments and a good story it had alot ofthis was one of those movies were the preivews lead u to think one thing and it turns into a whole other it was not as action packed as it looked was still a decent movie it defenetly had its intence moments and a good story it had alot of heart too just a little slow in spots but a wonderful movie i say go see it dont expect nonstop action but see it its wonderful Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
FattermadiganDec 13, 2015
Una película conmovedora que te tendrá pegado al asiento maravillado durante las dos horas que dura. Sinceramente, no entiendo el motivo de las críticas tan negativas que se ha llevado en algunos medios. Un peliculón en toda regla.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
MovienutzDec 13, 2015
Loved this movie. This was the most realistic visually stunning film I have seen to date. My hat goes off to Ron Howard for another amazing piece of work!
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
geo333Dec 26, 2015
Ron Howard latest film is ambitious and creative, however it falls short of that goal making it a solid entry to his portfolio. With beautiful scenes and solid performances In The Heart Of The Sea will not displease nor please viewers insteadRon Howard latest film is ambitious and creative, however it falls short of that goal making it a solid entry to his portfolio. With beautiful scenes and solid performances In The Heart Of The Sea will not displease nor please viewers instead entertain them for a moment. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
RatedRexMay 1, 2016
Great story, great special effects, great sets, costumes, production design and sound editing. Why didn't this movie get more Oscar consideration for these awards. Actually, the biggest problem with the film is that the white whaleGreat story, great special effects, great sets, costumes, production design and sound editing. Why didn't this movie get more Oscar consideration for these awards. Actually, the biggest problem with the film is that the white whale encounter isn't dramatic or terrifying enough. The original 'Moby Dick" with Gregory Peck did a better job of conveying the terror of confronting a monster whale. However I still recommend it. Its better than you think. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
drlowdonJun 7, 2016
In the Heart of the Sea has a few pacing problems and never quite reaches the heights it potentially could but, thanks to some top notch performances from the cast and fantastic special effects, it makes for an entertaining couple of hours.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
LeZeeJul 24, 2016
We actually know this story, but not the truth until now!

Ron Howard's latest sea adventure, stars Chris Hemsworth in an important role. So the people comparing it with 'Moby Dick', because both the film is about the same story, but one
We actually know this story, but not the truth until now!

Ron Howard's latest sea adventure, stars Chris Hemsworth in an important role. So the people comparing it with 'Moby Dick', because both the film is about the same story, but one was inspired and the other one was, I mean this film was based on the actual event. I had seen the BBC film 'The Whale', not a bad film for a low budget television film. Most importantly, it revealed the truth about what I was not aware of from one of my favourite sea adventure films.

I never read the book, but saw the British version, so I knew what I'm going to witness. Still, I was very interested to check it out, because it is a grand film and as expected I loved the visuals. Those sea adventures were very realistic, except the action sequences which is obviously cinema gimmick. The surprise part was the narration. It was a flashback story, something like 'Life of Pi', a man recall his old memory of his survival at the sea with other crew members of the ship Essex when it was attacked by a big white whale.

It is kind of impossible to believe what this film says is true. And obviously what we see is not what exactly happened, but very close. So see this film to believe it. Whatever it is, I totally enjoyed watching it. The 2 hour long never looked too long. There are a few mild disturbing scenes due to the theme concept, but it is a good family film. If you like 'Moby Dick' then you should watch it. Definitely an underrated film by the film critics.

7/10
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
pardogatoMar 6, 2017
A nice intent of emulating the 1800’s narrative in today cinematic forms, but stays as a try. Never completes the circle to take us back to the past even it excels the trills and risks of the nineteenth century navigation beyond the clichédA nice intent of emulating the 1800’s narrative in today cinematic forms, but stays as a try. Never completes the circle to take us back to the past even it excels the trills and risks of the nineteenth century navigation beyond the clichéd pirate themes. Quite enjoyable only for those who love already the sea adventure genre or Moby Dick. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Hrothgar43Dec 24, 2016
I find an interesting parallel between the reviews of this movie and the reception of Moby-Dick when it was first published. This is a good, well-made movie. Yes, it is complicated. So is the true story.
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7
eded9999Oct 20, 2019
It's Ok.--------------------------------------------------------------------
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BerikFeb 13, 2020
In the Heart of the Sea tells the 'true story' behind the white whale later called Moby Dick. We follow Owen Chase, a whaler who is crossed by the Nantucket family by not granting him the title of Captain. He has to get along with Pollard, aIn the Heart of the Sea tells the 'true story' behind the white whale later called Moby Dick. We follow Owen Chase, a whaler who is crossed by the Nantucket family by not granting him the title of Captain. He has to get along with Pollard, a Nantucket family member who gets to be captain by heritage. Both set out on their ship to collect Whale oil, which at that time is used to light candles. After suffering poor results in their hunt for whales, they decide to sail over a 1000 nautical miles to find a supposed hotspot of whales. Things go wrong and a great white whale sinks their ship, leaving them stranded in the middle of the pacific ocean. After facing hunger, cannibalism, insanity and thirst, they find rescue.

So, the movie tells a pretty straight forward story. It goes into surprisingly much detail at times, yet completely shies away from anything that could be R rated. The whales are all shot in CGI (no surprise there) but fail to look very realistic. At times shots are even re-used, which comes across a bit lazy. The characters all seem to lack conviction in their portrayal.

It was enjoyable to watch nonetheless. I learned more stuff about whailing. I give it a 7/10.
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