The Finest Hours Parent Guide

In The Finest Hours we relive what is widely regarded as the most historic sea rescue in US Coast Guard history. It’s February 1952 and a raging storm is battering the New England coast. The SS Pendleton, a wartime-built oil tanker, is caught in the buffeting waves and eventually splits in half from the tremendous force. The crew on the bow section perishes when the front half of the ship quickly sinks. However 33 men are still afloat in the stern. Through the creative thinking of the ship’s chief engineer, Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck), the crew manages to buy themselves precious time in the hope that help will arrive.

Fortunately for those aboard the sinking ship, a rescue effort is underway. Unfortunately for both them and the four men of the Coast Guard who have accepted the assignment, it is more of a suicide mission than a real plan. Led by Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), the tiny crew sets out in a motorized lifeboat to try and find the wreck. Facing face forty-foot waves, high winds, icy water and blinding conditions, it’s apparent to all involved that they are more likely headed toward their own destruction.

Despite his fellow seamen urging him to return to port, Coxswain Webber doggedly braves the elements and somehow manages to find the Pendleton. Even more amazingly, he maneuvers the small craft next to the massive tanker and successfully pulls off all but one of the men. Meanwhile, back on shore, his fiancée Miriam (Holliday Grainger), along with the local townsfolk who have witnessed far too many of these weather emergencies, keep faithful watch for the return of the sailors.

This disaster flick depicts characters in very perilous situations and includes some sad and disturbing moments. A crewman loses his life while trying to save others. Many more are hurt after being tossed about by the sea. However, the movie may still be a great pick for older children and teens because it is a fine example of the virtue of sacrifice and the importance of holding to obligations no matter how tough the circumstances. Profanities are infrequent and alcohol use is only briefly portrayed.

The Finest Hours also offers adventure and history. Although some of the details have been altered for dramatization purposes, the core story is true. These dutiful members of the Coast Guard were recognized for their heroic actions then, and their tale serves as a powerful reminder now of the real life risks first responders make to protect and save others.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.