Movies-TV

A good kid's adventure story

When his sailor-father is injured and unable to go to sea again, 14-year old Haakon takes his place. Hunky sailor Jens goes with him to act as protector, mentor, and big brother (and incidentally provides enough beefcake to keep the adults watching). After some Treasure Island-style adventuring, they encounter scrappy stowaway Mary, whose bond with Haakon remains strictly in the platonic sisterly affection camp -- no prepubescent romances here! The three of them are shipwrecked on a South Seas island (with a gorilla, for some reason). They encounter a native tribe (friendly, of course), buried treasure, and pirates before they return to Norway, one big happy family.

The action is good, the buddy-bonding touching, and it is refreshing these days to see a child in the movies who gets to be a child, rather than a leering 30-year old in a prepubescent body.

Excellent for family viewing

From first seeing this film in 1991 (I was 9), it became an instant classic for me and my childhood.
It became my "sick day" movie. Whenever my sister or I took a sick day from school, we would have to watch Shipwrecked. It probably drove my mother nuts.

The kids will enjoy it, and adults won't get bored, either. I watched it recently for the first time in years, and I still found it pretty interesting.
It's not a blockbuster, it's not supposed to be. But it's a classy family film nonetheless, which might be hard to find in Disney these days.

Some pluses: the scenery is excellent (shot in three international locations), the music is superb, and the plot will keep you interested.
I strongly recommend it.

An Uneven Film--MAGNIFICENT MUSIC!

"Shipwrecked" is a rather difficult film to review, as evinced by the many differing opinions on this somewhat obscure film. Like practically any other reviewer, I do have my biases. I'd like to start off, however, by saying that if you have any predilection for Robert Louis Stevenson this film is required viewing!
Shipwrecked is a kind of Nordic "Treasure Island" as envisioned by author O.V. Falck-Ytter. Although I have been unable to locate the book upon which the film is based, I can say the story certainly has enough twists to keep the viewer entertained.
The acting, although somewhat excessively sentimental, effectively communicates the romance and adventure that this sort of story demands (Gabriel Byrnes is particularly successful as the sadistic captain).
Despite the success of the story and cinematography, however, the real triumph is the entrancing and effervescent orchestral score, composed by the multi-talented Patrick Doyle. "Shipwrecked" is a masterpiece of stylistic invention. Its melodies and orchestrations are perfectly suited to the swashbuckling storyline. From the opening notes the audience can be in no doubt as to the subject of this film. Aside from the wonderful opening motive and subsequent theme the score also boasts one of the most memorable scherzos in recent cinema, highlighting the drama of a sinking scene that puts James Cameron and James Horner to shame.
Watch it, if only for the music. Kudos to Patrick Doyle for an utterly mesmerizing musical feat!

Shipwrecked is a classic

I rented this movie many many years ago when my son(now 14) was into pirates, etc. This was always a favorite of my 3 children. It took us a long time to remember the actual name because the youngest child called it "the boy who fell in the hole movie" but during the holidays we were looking through old family videos and this movie was talked about over and over. They all have fond memories of the 100s of times we watched it. Yes overall it's not of the highest quality but we always enjoyed it.

Lots of fun, for what it is.

Disney's "Shipwrecked" is not profound, and it's doubtful that it will make you reconsider the way you are living your life, but it is a fun, touching story about a boy who discovers quite a lot about himself as a result of a series of very unfortunate events that befall his family.

I've loved this film since my first viewing. It's sweet, funny in parts, and a bit of a tearjerker for some. The acting isn't the best, and the costumes aren't the greatest, and you can probably see the zipper on the gorilla costume if looking closely enough; but if you're willing to overlook the flaws, this is a really enjoyable family film.

Plus, Gabriel Byrne in leather boots + an early Patrick Doyle soundtrack.

Pick it up at the rental store. Your kids might like it.

Who thought of such a STUPID movie???????

CHEESE ALERT!!! If you like cheese you'd enjoy this movie.
This was the ..., cheesiest, actionless movie ever made. If I could give it NO stars, I would.
...[plot spoiler]...
This film was so bloodless that it was ridiculous. Not even the pirates got so much as a bloody lip. ...[plot spoiler]... Nobody in this film was touched. How stupid and BORING can it get??
Well, folks, I BEG you never to see this dumb movie. Don't waste an hour or two of your good time. Watch a good movie ... It's for the good of the world.

Burn it.

...This is possibly the worst film we've ever seen. The characters are cheesy, and the events are unbelievable. Unfortunately, none of the characters died. They were such terrible actors that we hoped they would. The nonviolence massage was well sent in this movie, but sometimes it became a little absurd. The last scene should have had the boy at least panting a little. However, the boy (swimming for his life) was being chased by pirates in a boat with guns, and made it to the boat safely. Too bad, he was insufferable. the dialogue was boring and so corny that my pet chicken was trying to eat the TV screen.
One memorable scene showed the sailors preparing to whip the boy. A very sudden storm intervened however, and saved his back. The entire movie was filled with close calls, as if a god was making sure that even the pirates were only marooned.
The topper on the cake was the girl. She was a terrible actress, and her part in the movie was unnecessary. She caused problems for the characters, and probably permanent brain damage in us.
Nothing was realistic. Between the vegetarian "cannibals", the person in the gorilla suit, and the island which spits out food, clothing, shelter, treasure, and information like magic, the movie was ruined. Put it out of its misery. Don't torture
yourselves by even looking at the cover. Burn it.

Could have been a classic

I understand this film was based on a book called Hakon Hakonsen (and that was the movie's original title). I never read the book, so I cannot comment on how good it is or if the film measures up.
This film both delights and disappoints. The scenery is beautiful, the music is good, the production values appear to be high, and Stian Smestad is a stunning Nordic beauty. It is a shame he did not appear in more movies.
Shipwrecked could have been a classic family film but it is flawed by too much cheesiness in the plot. Apparently, the producers knew they were making a "kid's movie" and felt that excused them from making a truly high quality film that all ages could enjoy, and that is a shame. There is a lot of potential here, just unrealized.

Rent It, Don't Own It

Shipwercked is corny, yet mysteruously entertaining. I was a child of five when I first saw the movie. I enjoyed it then, and it hasn't lost its magic. It seems with all the new technology the old movies get shoved aside, however this one shouldn't be.
This movie tells the tale of a young man who goes to sea and is shipwrecked.(kind of obvious by the title) Through his adventures he meets a gorilla, cuthroat pirates, and a girl! He finds traesure after being shipwrecked and must protect it from the prirates, keep himself alive, and get back home too. It really is a great story, although the special efects are a little behind the times. I would recomend this movie to people who are in the mood for an older film, with humor, good story, and great acting.

Lose the Gorilla

The first hour of this film was pretty good. The ship scenes were very beautiful, and the plot seemed pretty believable-- eleven year old goes to sea to work as a ship's boy to raise the money to save his family's farm. So far so good--until he is shipwrecked on a desert island. It was then that I couldn't believe my eyes. The fakest looking gorilla comes out of a cave?! Then theres scenes with the silliest looking natives dancing around, and stupid slapstick scenes. Its like they were making it up as they went along. Totally on the level of Gilligan's Island. Avoid this, unless you're under 5.

Oh wow. What a waste of money

I consider myself lucky. I never bought this movie. I watched this movie on the disney channel very late at night-early morning. Even though these movies are usually funny and interesting late at night, this one wasn't. It was so cheesy, mice were watching it. So many holes in the plot, it might as well of been blessed by the pope himself. (get it? Holy...) Under one roof, there were 7 different accents at one time. They were on a farm, THAT GREW NOTHING. IN NORWAY! What do people grow in norway? If they grow boredom, come to my living room. There's a lot of it there. And the whole dancing on the beach scene with a sword? COME ON! So in conclusion, don't see this movie unless you have the IQ of broccoli, or you're a kid. Same thing. P.S. SWING SWING P.S.S. the kid looks like Julie Andrews

A fun adventure

"Shipwrecked" is a pretty good movie. A young boy sets on a journey to become a sailor. He makes the team, but everything changes when the captain dies and some British Navy sailors take over. The boy finds a female stowaway and everything changes from that point on. Eventually, a storm rises at sea and the boy ends up on an uninhabited island. He soon finds some treasure and finds out that the British Navy sailor in charge is a pirate. Therefore, he must find a way off the island and find his friends before it's too late.

"Shipwrecked" is a cool movie. At times it has some suspense and it'll keep you interested throughout the whole movie. If you like adventure movies, I'd recommend getting "Shipwrecked."

Great for Family Viewing

I remember this film as being entertaining to all the family (even my husband who generally distains family films). Great morals and character building plot. PLEASE REQUEST A RE-RELEASE.

a fun adventure film

I first saw "Shipwrecked" when I was about 7 years old on vacation in Disney World with my family. Ever since then, it has been an absolute favorite movie of mine. The effects are good, the gorilla (although not ENTIRELY realistic) is a wonderful character and looking at Stain Smestad and Gabriel Byrne is not exactly a chore. ALSO, the soundtrack is BEAUTIFUL. I hope to get it on CD one day. If you get a chance, rent the movie. You won't regret it.

whatever happened to stian smestad?

this is a thoroughly enjoyable action/adventure flick brought to special heights by the presence of young lead stian smestad: arguably the most beautiful boy ever to appear on film. if you're into pirate movies, swashbucklers, &c. you will not be disappointed. and if you're into poulle, you'll never do better.

GET THIS FILM BACK IN CIRCULATION!

...shipwrecked...

Me and my sister have seen this film a "few too many" times. We have even come up with nicknames for the backround characters (ex: Guy On The Log for the man who makes a strange face while crossing the fallen tree) Our number one favorite characters are Captain (Gabriel Byrne) and Ooga (the giant silver-back gorilla who makes all of 3 appearances throughout the movie) We both love this movie and fully recommend it for people of all ages. You haven't seen it enough unless you've watched it all in slow motion. Too bad it isn't here...

Treasure for young and old

Very entertaining, well made, good plot,and would like to purchase if ever available.

My #1 Adventure Movie of all time!!!!

This is definitely my #1 adventure movie of all time!!! I enjoy watching it periodically ever since i first saw it in 1991. It is so interesting since there is a hurricane involved in it, as well as survival on a desert island. I will always rank it high on my list!!

this movie was alright

it was sorta stupid but kind of interesting i thought it was boring but it did have its good parts in the movie overall its alright

Great Story!

Shipwrecked is a terrific story of a young Norwegian boy who goes to sea to help his struggling family and has a great adventure. Perfect for family viewing.