This is a film that excels in so many dimensions. It has superb acting, a wonderful screenplay, sublime photography and a truly splendid message. It is nothing short of excellent. Although Spencer Tracey deservedly won an Oscar for his performance as the Portuguese fisherman who rescues young Freddie Barthomelew from the sea, it seems unjust that the 12 year old lad himself wasn't awarded an Oscar for his part as well. Freddie was magnificent both as the spoilt son of a business tycoon and later as the humbled cabin boy of an old fishing boat. He steals the show with such subtlety that you never notice him doing it and by the end of the film he has stolen your heart as the son you really wish was yours.
Victor Fleming also deserved an Oscar for his direction. One is often moved to tears not through contrived tragedy or exaggerated emotion but simply through the portrayal of pure love that grows between the man and the boy as they struggle with the elements of life. Kipliing's book is given such focus and depth that even the screenplay might be thought of as Oscar worthy whilst the photography and art direction hold solid merit as well. Showing it recently to my son, he simply declared it to be the best film he had ever seen. What more need be said.
Victor Fleming also deserved an Oscar for his direction. One is often moved to tears not through contrived tragedy or exaggerated emotion but simply through the portrayal of pure love that grows between the man and the boy as they struggle with the elements of life. Kipliing's book is given such focus and depth that even the screenplay might be thought of as Oscar worthy whilst the photography and art direction hold solid merit as well. Showing it recently to my son, he simply declared it to be the best film he had ever seen. What more need be said.