Engineer Jake Holman arrives aboard the gunboat U.S.S. San Pablo, assigned to patrol a tributary of the Yangtze in the middle of exploited and revolution-torn 1926 China. His iconoclasm and cynical nature soon clash with the "rice-bowl" system which runs the ship and the uneasy symbiosis between Chinese and foreigner on the river. Hostility towards the gunboat's presence reaches a climax when the boat must crash through a river-boom and rescue missionaries upriver at China Li... (Full plot summary below)
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Engineer Jake Holman arrives aboard the gunboat U.S.S. San Pablo, assigned to patrol a tributary of the Yangtze in the middle of exploited and revolution-torn 1926 China. His iconoclasm and cynical nature soon clash with the "rice-bowl" system which runs the ship and the uneasy symbiosis between Chinese and foreigner on the river. Hostility towards the gunboat's presence reaches a climax when the boat must crash through a river-boom and rescue missionaries upriver at China Light Mission.
Leave your thoughts about The Sand Pebbles.
| Video-Reviewmaster.comSteve CrumUnderrated Robert Wise classic starring McQueen in his finest acting role. |
| Ozus' World Movie ReviewsDennis SchwartzThe drama wavers between being compelling and reaching too far for greater historical significance, that it loses its bearings. |
| EmanuelLevy.ComEmanuel LevySteve McQueen gives a dominant performance in Robert Wise's ambitious but flawed period drama, which offers interesting parallels to the US involvment in Vietnam. |
| User ReviewBrian PI was home. What happened? What the hell happened? Geez, now I'm gonna have to add Steve McQueen to my favorite actor list. Amazing how you can never seem to run out of movies to review here because you keep remembering yet another one you've seen. If you've not seen this movie, it's a definite must for all McQueen fans. Mako gives the performance of his career in this one as well. You see a movie like this and, if you really are one of those cynical types, you have confirmation, at least until the movie shifts out of your consciousness, that good guys always do finish last. The emptiness you feel when good-hearted Jake Holman gives up everything, all for what was a hopeless cause to begin with . . . Man, what the hell did happen? Perhaps a veiled comment not just on Vietnam, but a bold comment about the heartbreaking futility of all wars. Ah yes, really, you must see this in order to celebrate McQueen when he rises to a demonstration of his best abilities. I'll stick my neck out and say this is the most well-rounded performance of his entire career. Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen, and Richard Attenborough all provide strong support, too, but Mako truly is amazing. You will never forget his last scene in this movie. |
| User ReviewKim HUnder-looked and under-appreciated....truly a great film |
| User ReviewKnox MAlthough clocking in at 3 hours, The Sand Pebbles never has a dull or boring moment. A journey through emotions. |
| User ReviewEric HThis movie simply has it all; a great cast, superb direction, a very true to life and exciting story, and some of the best action sequences in the history of film (for both military combat and personal brawls). I also think that this movie brought out the best performances in almost the entire cast including Steve McQueen, Richard Creena, Richard Attenborough, and Mako. This film delivers excitement, emotion, an accurate history lesson, and great acting. I can not imagine anyone watching this movie and disliking it. I give this movie 5 stars in every way and I hope that The Sand Pebbles is never forgotten. |
| User ReviewLee MThe movie starts with a two minute blank screen overture then starts. This is a film that takes its time and gives depth to the characters which is a treat. The photography is staggering and a master class in its art form. The actors also give a master class in acting and thus make this movie a classic before the eyes and ears. Nibbles: Moon cake. |
| User ReviewHatsuhito SThis movie goes from ok, to good, to great, to ohmyfuckinggod. Truly a movie that does justice to the word "epic"; it builds upon itself so well. I love Steve McQueen. He was, is, and ever shall be, one of my heroes, and this film solidifies that statement. So glad he got the Oscar nom for it, but apparently Paul Scofield was better in A Man For All Seasons. The story may start out a little slow, but just give it time, it really develops well. This is the director of The Sound Of Music, so you know he has talent. So yea, not much else to say...great old flick! |
| User ReviewSatish Ba lot of people think the great escape is mcqueens best - not true! this is his best by far!!! |
