In the Heart of the Sea

This was a good film, very realistic immersion into 1800s culture. You realize links between investors, social class, nature, and human attitudes from that time. The story seemed reasonably authentic to me. A mature male sperm whale could achieve that size and power back in a time before they were all hunted mercilessly. It was easy to take the whale's side and eventually the main characters come around to that view. It's fascinating to know this is based on a true story, and attention to detail made for a believable visit to the past. The film generates regret that human enterprise saw such magnificent creatures as mere lamp oil.

Very easy to read, history, and the understanding of a sailors life was very informative. I saw the movie after reading the book. I most definitely recommend reading the book than see the movie.

This is one of those films that should have become a smash and hit, but this is just not the time period in film history that would have allowed it. it was shot well, very well acted--literally, everyone was excellent in it. the visuals were beautiful, it allowed good storytelling, and differences in the tale than in the book, thus it offered variety. Chris Hemsworth and everyone in it was awesome! Howard did an excellent job at directing this. the costume designer/set designer was also brilliant as well. also, the lighting design was remarkable.

This film flopped perhaps for the same reason Moby Dick did when it was first published: bad timing. In the case of the novel it was the waning interest in whaling stories following the discovery of oil in Pennsylvania. In the case of the film, perhaps it was buried amidst the endless hype for the next Star Wars disappointment.Although not up to the age of sail Master and Commander epic film by Peter Weir, this is such a captivating film, it bewilders me that it failed to find an audience.

The movie was entertaining. I liked the story, the acting. I can't imagine employment that would separate a family for a year or longer. The whale is more realistic than the great white from a half century ago. Highly recommended.

I liked it so much I bought it. The actors were excellent and the scenes all realistic and very well done.

Based on a true story of the sinking of the Essex year 1820 by a large Bull Sperm Whale. Several other ships were attacked in the 1800's by Sperm Whales. These sinking's and attacks would inspire Herman Melville's book Moby Dick. Sperm Whales and Orca's toothed whales are pretty smart. The sperm whale has the largest brain on the planet. Steel hulled harpoon ships wiped out the really large males even to this day with most all whaling banned the giant males have not been sighted.If you like this kind of movie you will like it.

I just finished watching the movie. Being an "afar" ocean lover, I can't help but watch movies that involve large bodies of water. However, not all sea faring movies are worth a watch. When I saw the trailer for this movie I was naturally wary of spending money at the movies so I waited for it show up to rent on . I'm highly disappointed that I didn't see in it in the movies. Excellent drama, action, visuals, and honestly I would love to hear the movie in surround sound if possible. I believe this movie deserves a watch and I can't but help thank Ron Howard for an excellent flick that made me feel satisfied at the end of the movie.

In a word, this film is EPIC. Having read "Moby Dick" twice in my lifetime now, and being somewhat a student of history, I confess to having had no idea of the backstory concerning Melville's inspiration for his novel. Enlightening indeed. Ron Howard continues to prove he is one of the greatest directors of our time. Truly worth watching, and then watching again.

After having read the book, which is so interesting and really a work of art, I feel like the movie is lacking something. By itself it's a good movie, but it leaves you unclear as to the real and serious desperate situation the Essex was in and why Melville had approached this last living whaler. It's a great story and prompted me to visit Nantucket last fall. I highly recommend reading the book. The movie could be edited to provide a little more information.