Wuchak Released in early 1996 and directed by Ridley Scott, "White Squall" is a drama/adventure based on a true story about a group of American teenage boys who crew a sailing ship and discover discipline, adventure, courage, camaraderie, babes and the worst this world has to offer. Jeff Bridges stars as the captain, Caroline Goodall as his physician wife, John Savage as a teacher and Julio Oscar Mechoso as the cook. The main protagonist and narrator, Chuck Gieg, is played by Chris Wolf. Other teens are played by Ryan Phillippe, Jeremy Sisto, et al. (I'd name more but they're mostly so nondescript I can't remember 'em).While "White Squall" tries to be "Dead Poets Society" on the high seas it somehow doesn't click like that movie and is therefore a mixed bag, which explains why it bombed at the box office. I love the adventure-on-a-sailing-ship plot and there are some bright spots, but the script has a hard time pulling you into the story; and the characters and their situations are often too contrived to be engaging. The Shakespeare-spouting English teacher is a good example, not to mention practically any scene involving the boys. I know the screenplay was based on Chuck Gieg's book, but the producers needed a screenwriter with a creative spark who knew how to write compelling drama, like Tom Schulman.The best part of the movie is the titular storm and the shocking events thereof, which effectively perks the movie out of the general doldrums of the first two acts. Unfortunately, this thrilling sequence is a bit marred by the artificial melodramatics of the closing court room scene. The bell-ringing part is particularly eye-rolling (which is in contrast to the potent "O Captain! My Captain!" scene in "Dead Poets"). Nonetheless, "White Squall" is worth checking out if you enjoy adventure-on-the-high-seas, with the storm sequence being worth the price of admission.The movie runs 129 minutes and was shot in Malta, Bermuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, South Carolina, Georgia and England.GRADE: C+ (5.5/10 Stars)

g-bodyl White Squall is a fun, beautifully-shot film that is essentially "Dead Poets Society" on water. That is not necessary a bad thing because this movie has the main themes about bonding and growing up. This movie deserves more credit that it gets. The story is interesting, the themes are essential, there is the usual solid and visceral direction by Ridley Scott, the special effects are good, and the editing is fast-paced.Scott's film is about a bunch of high school seniors who decide to finish off high school on a ship that's mastered by the strict Dr. Sheldon who requires much discipline. Little do they know is that their voyage to South America is bound to be ill-fated.Jeff Bridges, as usual, delivers a strong performance. We have to come to care and respect for his character even though he may not be the nicest. This may not be his biggest role, but it's one of his many effective ones.Overall, this is a vastly underrated film that speaks of courage, growing up, and a sense of adventure. This film reminds me of both Dead Poets Society and Scent of a Woman but in good ways. My only problem is that the film tends to be a little too fast-paced which makes things a little murky at times. But, all-in-all, this is a very good film. I rate this film 9/10.

jsneider If your tastes in movies are like so many audiences that like movies that are loaded with sex and violence, you won't like White Squall. That is the only reason I can think of why this movie failed at the box office. It is just too truthful and too full of real life experiences. Young men everywhere can learn from this story.Really fun to watch now as most of the cast of young boys on the Ship are mega stars now. The story is a true one and I know many young men would love the opportunity to do what they did spending their Senior HS year on a working ship.The bonds they form are a little cliché but the emotions seem real. Very well cast. Bridges looks his best and Ms. Goodall is believable as his trusted wife.I did not realize it was a Ridley Scott movie until the second time I watched. The scenery/camera work is amazing, the story is sound and it takes you full circle.

namashi_1 Jeff Bridges is Outstanding in 'White Squall'. He delivers from start to end. I loved his performance & even as a film, this Ridley Scott Directed Adventure is superb! 'White Squall' Synopsis: Teenage boys discover discipline and camaraderie on an ill-fated sailing voyage.Based on the fate of the brigantine Albatross, which sank on 2 May 1961, allegedly because of a white squall, Ridley Scott directs this Adventure with remarkable skill. He's a legend at his craft & he proves it once again. The Screenplay is highly efficient. Jeff Bridges rules this film. He's exemplary in his portrayal. A Versatile, Oscar-Winning Actor, who never fails to mesmerize his fans. Watch 'White Squall'. Its Really Good!