Wind Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Will Parker, played by Matthew Modine, loses the Americas Cup, the worlds biggest sailing prize, to the Australians and decides to form his own syndicate to win it back.
| Matthew Modine | Will Parker |
| Jennifer Grey | Kate Bass |
| Cliff Robertson | Morgan Weld |
| Jack Thompson | Jack Neville |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Joe Heiser |
| Rebecca Miller | Abigail Weld |
| Ned Vaughn | Charley Moore |
| Peter Montgomery | T.V. Commentator |
| Elmer Ahlwardt | Sarge |
| Saylor Creswell | Butler |
| James Rebhorn | George |
| Michael Higgins | Artemus |
| Ron Colbin | Ted |
| Ken Kensei | Swami |
| Bill Buell | Danny |
| Carroll Ballard |
5.90 out of 10 (1008 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Obscure film about America's Cup Race
posted on 24 Mar 2008This film attracted me because of the plot involving the America's Cup race. I don't remember the film ever being shown in the cinema during the 1992 release period. I suppose that the film didn't succeed in first run or in video release either.Still, after viewing the film it has several good points. The photography is breathtakingly good in the racing scenes. I never grasped how difficult, dangerous, and physically demanding such racing actually is. Normal coverage of the racing is kept at such a distance to avoid influencing the race outcome that most all the intriguing details never reach the lay audience. The film was able to bore in to close range to allow us to see much of what the crew must accomplish to win a race. The physical demands are immense, the crew must be in superb physical and mental condition to have a competitive race entry.The score by Basil Poledoris is just superb. I got hooked on his music after watching 'Red Dawn'. I re-watched 'Wind' just to concentrate on the score. It is amazing how well his music enhances and complements the action on the screen. He can take a so-so portion of the film and turn it into a superb experience. The man is an authentic musical genius!The actors in the film are more of a mixed bag. Matthew Modine, portraying the character 'Will Parker', has this unbelievable blow-dry hair style that is ludicrous for a man in this film. It is obviously retouched after every scene to keep every strand in place. Those scenes where he wears a hat work for me, the rest comes across as farce. The plot has 'Will Parker' as such a wuss that he is willing to dump the woman he loves and follow life-threatening orders to keep his position in the crew of the ship defending the cup.Jennifer Grey has a more believable role as 'Kate Bass'. She is drawn to 'Will Parker' and willing to sacrifice her dreams to help him fulfill his greatest goals. Jennifer was very convincing in this role. She was tanned and obviously very athletic. She let her hair take its natural course on the boat. It was much more convincing than her pretty-boy love interest. 'Kate Bass' pours her heart and soul into the effort to defend the cup, only to run afoul of the 'old-boy network' and be ejected from the team.A smarter man than 'Will Parker' would have stood by his woman and left with her. Her input was vital for the crew and without her, their effort to defend the cup falls short. At least he figures out how to get back on track after moping around in depression for several months.Cliff Robertson phoned in his lines in this film. He obviously had little emotional involvement in providing a good performance. The other supporting actors contributed little to the film. The director obviously fell down in allowing such minimal performances to see the light of day.We get to see some background in the design of a competitive entry in the race. The film briefly touches on this process. In reality, massive computer power and extensive testing of scale models in water tanks are necessary for success. A tiny percentage decrease in drag can lead to a winning entry. Of course, such advances become harder and harder as designs become ever more refined over the years. The sails are one area where significant advances in performance are still possible. The film illustrates how aerodynamic principles can be applied to sail design.Finally, I noted that the crew assembled to sail the new boat were also superb artisans able to build the new design effortlessly. They could do metal work for the beams and ribs as well as lay up the carbon fiber for the hull. The paint scheme for the hull and sails was also first-rate artistically. In reality, skilled professionals and massive production facilities are needed to build a competitive entry. Perhaps I should refrain from such detailed analysis of the details and just enjoy the film.
Beautifully made if over-acted sailing epic
posted on 11 Oct 2007Under anyone else's direction, "Wind" would be mediocre at best. Caroll Ballard of "Never Cry Wolf" helmed this fictional tale of the race for the America's Cup, and it shows. The level of acting is mixed: Modine is wooden, but the supporting cast doesn't get the exposure it deserves, especially Skarsgard. The plot is somewhat sports-movie predictable, and the characters are, for the most part, poorly executed, though most blame for that probably belongs to the dreadfully scripted dialogue. The movie's real strength is in its stunningly beautiful cinematography, full of seemingly impossible camera angles, well-crafted scene composition, and wonderful use of color and shadows; in places, it is as visually appealing as "2001". Ballard's direction is superb, and Poleodorus' score matches the camera work in excellence. Non-sailors will enjoy this film, and will be able to follow the intricacies of high-level yacht racing. Sailors will drool over this glorification of sailing's beauty.
Horrible movie
posted on 01 Jun 2007This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The plot was formulaic, the dialogue silly, the acting worse, etc. In all honesty, the average Toxic Avenger flick is a better example of the cinematic craft than this ridiculous piece of garbage. Yes, I know, the cinematography *is* outstanding, but so what? The only way to actually watch this is to turn the sound off, put on some appropriate music, and fast-forward to the racing scenes. By all means, don't allow yourself to listen to any of the three leads deliver dialogue.... it could be injurious to your health.
For sailing enthusiasts.
posted on 04 Feb 2007Wind is a great look at the sport of competitive sailing and also contains a bit of insight into mechanical engineering and the process of design and development. Matthew Modine is Will Parker, a good sailor who is slightly overconfident about his skills. He joins the crew for the America Cup, but his actions help to lose the nation's undefeated title to their tough Australian rivals. This was more than just a loss of the cup to the new world champions, but it also ended his relationship with girlfriend Kate Bass (Jennifer Grey) and sent the boat captain into a bout of depression. But, Will Parker, with the next Cup race rolling around, Will Parker wants to reunite a team, and seeks the help of Kate and her new beau Joe (Stellan Skarsgård) to help him rebuild his confidence, his team, and a better boat. Will and his team challenge the Aussie's to defend their title for a second year. Indeed, as another viewer wrote, the movie is rather long. But, the subject of the movie is really something different, and the photography is just beautiful as you get the first-person perspective of competitive sailing, and it really gives an appreciation of what all goes into the sport, even the traditions. Modine's character is a little annoying because he sometimes obnoxiously boasts his masculinity to Kate as though trying to show up her new boyfriend, Joe. It's worth catching if you can find it around.
A Nice Idea....that Falls Short
posted on 07 Oct 2006A comedian made a joke about Wind back in 1992. He said he didn't have time to see the movie Wind....it blew away before he could see it.Wind has a small audience of fans. If you own a boat, you may be a fan of a movie about yachts, clipper ships, fishing, boat racing, etc. If you are a fan of Matthew Modine and / or Cliff Robertson, you may be a fan of movies that star them. Oh, if you live in the area where a movie was shot, this could influence you to want to watch the movie when it comes to the local cinema. Besides these reasons, Wind as very few people that will want to see this movie. Although the idea and the story has merit, it "blow away" with the wind. And is it just me, or does the opening of the film remind you of the opening of Grease when Olivia Newton John and John Travolta are talking on the coast of the beach? The scenes are different, but also the same. Oh well, if you like boats or you live near Newport, Rhode Island, Wind may be a nice film to watch.....once.
The quintessential yacht racing movie
posted on 06 Feb 2006As a long-time sailor and racer, I admit that most consider a sailboat race like watching the grass grow, but they've done a great job of producing exciting racing scenes, while having so few technical inaccuracies that the most avid of us keep rewinding to review and debate. Take good note of the early dinghy racing scenes. I don't believe they used any trick photography: things really can happen that fast.Of course, there's a larger set of stories, the classic love stories: between men and women, of sailing, of ideas, of ideals; the rough retelling of the Dennis Connor story (though I place Robertson/Weld as Connor, not Modine/Parker); an accurate representation of the "Old Boys'" network that *is* big-money yacht racing --I've met "Abigail Weld" many times; and the "absurdity" of a desert-based effort winning the Cup, a nod to the Melges' campaign.The photography is astounding, the character development (the reason for the film's length) good, and the music complimented everything admirably.That it's "about" sailing will turn many off, but those of us with a love of the sea and sailing hold this as a classic to be cherished.
Awful movie. Great sailing photography.
posted on 20 Dec 2005How can you make a great movie about sailing and then shoot half of the film in the desert? The short answer is you can't. If you love sailing and love watching sailboats this movie offers you all the sights and sounds of racing however marred by the occasional bit of inane prattling dialog. If you prefer your movies to not have a patronizing plot you've come to the wrong place. Maybe I just hate when Hollywood gets their hands on an action film but has to add in backstory that includes a bad love story. Thinking they need a love story to get the female audience to see it. It's a formula that seems to suck all the life out of the script and distill it down to pretty photography and vapid characters. Mathew Modine turns in a decent performance despite the garbage they have him saying. Jennifer Grey on the other hand plays it like she's still Baby stuck in that corner. She really should have approached her character as if she was playing Ferris Beullers sister. Clift Robertson turns in a performance so dull and un-inspiring one would hope the Academy would take back that Oscar for "Charly" as a warning for future actors to not phone it in. My advice is to watch it for the sailing with one finger on the FF button for every other scene.
A real sleeper, have enjoyed it 3 times over 3 years
posted on 17 Nov 2005I highly recommend this movie. It is a love story that brings in action and is very inspiring. Both Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey are believable in their parts, and you want them to succeed together. I rent this movie every year, and I enjoy it each time I see it.
Uplifting come from behind drama.
posted on 24 May 2005This is an amazingly well crafted film, which captures the excitement, danger, and intelligence involved in racing big sailboats, while being a warmly human, sad romance. I have found it to be the most uplifting film I think that I have ever seen, without being cheesy, forced, or artificial. I was lucky enough to see live footage taken from on the boats during the America's Cup races held off of Melbourne following Australia winning the Cup, and this movie recreates the immediacy of those broadcasts. Wonderful editing, rich sound, and skillful boat handling combine to dispel the sense of disbelief entirely.The characters are developed well, and have depth and substance, which adds to the power of the film to engage. One does not need to know anything about sailing to get swept up in this film, but those who do will appreciate the accuracy with which the film was made.
to yacht or not to yacht
posted on 16 Dec 2003One thing is for certain - you will either hate this film, especially if you can't stand the sea, boats and wind, or, if you like any of these, especially if you like _all_ of them, you will love it. Admittedly it has a simple, proven plot, gives short shrift to the history of the America's Cup and features a rather non-describt cast - but the film does have superior and imaginative cinematography, impeccable editing and a marvelous soundtrack, as well as a slow, but steady build-up of drama. To my knowledge there is no other film that even comes as close as this movie to capture the feeling, tension and athmosphere of offshore competitive racing. It deals with an unconventional, off-beat setting and theme - go, see/rent/buy it if you can stand that.............
Force of wind
posted on 16 Nov 2003In Spain this movie was titled "La fuerza del viento" (Force of wind), and I prefer. Impressive quote was the one between Parker and his skipper's daughter; he explains her how to win, how to find the oneself's wind in life. Later, he speaks about Geronimo, the red skin man that fought until the end in the defense of his own ideals. In the America's Cup Challenge aboard Geronimo, Parker will win beside his old girl friend, winning her again.
A Sailor's Classic
posted on 13 Feb 2003The film student in me appreciates this movie, the sailor in me loves it. A classic among the sailing community, it is beautifully shot, and tells a convincing fable about the costs of blind ambition and the value of redemption. The maincharacter, Will Parker, is loosely based on Dennis Connor and his performance at the 1983 and 1987 America's Cups. One of the few movies about sailboatracing, does turn heavy-handed at some points, but overall is an appreciable, tightly made film with high production values. I would recommend it.
Great sailing movie
posted on 14 Jan 2003It's as far as i know the only movie about regatta sailing, which makes it automatically the best available. I love it, the sailing sequences make you feel as if you're on board yourself. The film does a good attempt to make you experience the excitement felt on the water. To illustrate: i was totally sucked into the regatta sequence and caught myself shouting directions and boo-ing people at a certain point. All other story-filling and plot is not that bad, it gives the movie an acceptable background and a good excuse to show the excitement and hard work which makes "the art of sailing" so great. The best reason to go and watch it? obvious, the sailing, so for non-sailors it's probably less interesting but still nice. I loved it the first time i saw it in 1995 in a regatta weekend, and i still love it after seeing it again today. (funny note: I think there is functional nudity implemented in the movie; half-naked cheering Australian women at the introduction of Geronimo @ the cup, just before the crew's tribal dance).
A Beautiful And Engrossing Movie
posted on 30 Dec 2002This is one of the movies I never tire of seeing again. Beautiful sailing scenes, but you don't have to know anything about sailing to appreciate it. The cast did an earnest and excellent job. It must have been a labor of love to make. Don't miss it.
Cinematography was superb! Action and beauty...
posted on 15 Jul 2002When's it coming on DVD? I want widescreen and surround sound to really enjoy this movie at its best. You don't have to be a sailing enthusiast to get caught up in the passion of sailing and The America's Cup. Every time I watch this film I am reminded of the splendor of time spent on the water.
Exhilarating, Holds Viewer Attention
posted on 18 Jun 2002Matthew Modine as Will Parker and Jennifer Grey as Kate Bass do a great job in this movie. Jennifer is tan, athletic, and a beautiful tomboy sailor. Matthew Modine appears to fit right in with the ivy-league "good old boys", but in the end chooses his teammates more wisely! "WIND" has some interesting characters and the interactions between characters is interesting. The movie holds the viewer's attention until the end. The scenery is beautiful, the ocean scenes breathtaking and the film quality and colors are rich. The wind catching the sails and hitting Will's and Kate's faces makes the viewer feel like he or she is right there beside them. "WIND" is a "feel good" movie, that makes the viewer feel like a winner when the credits run!
A private meaning
posted on 05 Dec 2001It's a real great movie about sailing and what a man does for a dream. The dream to win the "Cup" for the price to lose his true love. And a film about sporting fairness and team spirit mixed with great and exiting pictures bringing a fantastic atmosphere to you.
Visually Beautiful
posted on 20 Jul 2001Cinematographay, superb editing, and a first class sound track make this film. The light in Australia and Newport, aerial shots, even computer graphics (in news scenes), long framing shots, camera movement, medium and close shots on board the boats, and excellent narrative editing thrill the eye and our love of story.Contrast between the ocean and the desert where designer and builders construct the American challenger boat bring a delightful balance to the iconography.Preppie clothing and elegant on land settings let us pretend ourselves into a special and exclusive world. With all this, the actors play their hand in the melodrama with just the right pitch. I enjoyed the movie. Well worth watching again.
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Wonderfully filmed, beautifully scored.
posted on 16 Dec 2008When I first saw this film a few years ago I was totally amazed, what happened to it upon release? Granted, here in the UK I do not know if it ever got a cinema run, but until it appeared on one of the satellite channels I'd never even heard of it. What a waste!The film does a excellent job of dramatizing a sport that on first appearances to the layman will probably appear boring. A fine balance has to be drawn between exposition and drama, and I believe Wind achieves this admirably. This supported by the many friends who have seen this film upon my recommendation, most with no interest in sailing at all.The two leads are fine, the Aussie skipper is good fun as a typical Aussie! The only bad call is the Abigall Weld character - rapidly becomes annoying and unrealistic.Where the film scores even better is the superb camera work during the racing sequences, in particular the aerial shots - quite breathtaking. No review would be complete without mentioning the films score - quite simply some of the most uplifting and beautiful music I have ever heard.Wonderful film, highly recommended.