Based on a true story, this is a gripping tale of how an Icelandic sailor survives a sinking. The director really has a firm idea of the values and lifestyles of the sailors on this boat. The psychology of survival is demonstrated in imaginative ways, those choices that must be made in milliseconds and made correctly. The flash back scenes of what happened in the seaside town are done imaginatively. The choice of grayish tones and the weather beaten look of the boats adds to the gravity of the story as well as the impersonal and cold scientific team that handles the enquiry. We are reminded of the simple, but dangerous lives that many people have to live. They do so with dignity.
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clarkj-565-16133617 August 2013
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The Review: Based on a true story, The Deep is a very simple, but incredibly moving film. There's nothing really out of the ordinary when it comes to Gulli. He's a chain smoking, hard working man, who lives a rather uneventful life with his friends. It's this seemingly tedious lifestyle that makes the tragic ship accident so much more powerful. When Gulli does his best to rescue his friends, and eventually is left in the ocean alone, it's his rather normal life that shows what a regular person can be capable of to survive.
Audiences don't just watch Gulli bobbing around in the ocean for the entire film, although it certainly creates some of the most tense scenes of the movie. When Gulli finally finds his way home, this is where the real challenges start to appear. Hailed as a hero for what Gulli views simply as trying to stay alive, he quickly becomes a science oddity. One scientist convinces Gulli to basically be studied in an attempt to find out how he survived. At first, Gulli almost seems excited to be considered different, but he quickly realizes that it's not important how he survived, only that he did and his friends didn't.
When Gulli finally returns to his home, the film becomes intensely emotional. While out in the ocean, Gulli made a number of promises, reasoning with God to give him just one more day. He begins to make good on those promises, and it's impossible to not become teary eyed. When Gulli visits the home of one of his friends who died on the boat, and consoles his wife and children, you'd be better off bringing some tissue with you to stop the waterworks. It's an amazing performance from Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Gulli, and a stunning film from director Baltasar Kormákur.
This will stay with you for sometime after viewing.
For More Check out www.thefilmpodcast.co.uk -
Even as a viewer and even though you might feel at times like it, I'm pretty sure you won't be able to quit. And while that is not nearly as impressive as what you'll see in the movie (and after the movie is over, even in the special features of your disc hopefully), the movie shows you what endurance is about.
While there are no clear answers to some questions, the movie has a strong will just as one main character also does. You might feel indifferent in the middle of it (like another reviewer wrote), but I'm pretty sure you won't be by the end of the movie. It's just impossible not to be impressed by what actually did happen. Very well played and very well shot indeed -
craig-hopton9 December 2015A clever portrayal of a true story about a fisherman who survives for several hours in the North Atlantic after his boat capsizes.
The makers of The Deep resisted the temptation to make this a simple hero- worship survival story. Instead it's much more nuanced.
Yes, there is a thrilling sequence showing the capsizing of the boat, the terror of being alone in the freezing ocean, and the hours of clamouring over rocks to safety. But this is bookended by an opening which portrays the far-from-perfect lives of the Icelanders and the bleak but spectacular land they live in, and by a really interesting ending which shows what happens to Gulli after his recovery.
This latter sequence is a tragic tale of the scientific interest in Gulli's survival, which results in him becoming a plaything of the science community and media. He even travels to London to participate in more experiments, all of which seemingly turn out to be of limited practical use.
Gulli is in danger of becoming seen as a curiosity, a freak of nature. But it's his own simple humanity that rescues him from this rat race. It's not exactly a happy ending, but there is a nice redemptive feel to his interaction with the family of one of the dead fishermen.
The Deep is a good movie that treats its subject with a good balance of awe and sensitivity. -
joshua-303-9277829 May 2013This is a fairly enjoyable, yet surprisingly brief story. It's more like an hour-long television drama than a proper film.
Not a whole lot happens. The story is very simple: the lead character is involved in a disaster at sea and must stay alive in icy Atlantic waters. Apparently it's a true story, and we get to meet the real hero at the end of the film.
There are certainly worse movies out there. My main gripe about this one is that there's just not a whole lot to it.
I think some of the best films these days are coming out of Scandinavia (I consider Iceland Nordic). "The Hunt" and "Headhunters" were very good, and I look forward to watching more of them. -
maccas-5636710 March 2020An amazing tale of survival with a strong performance by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson in the main role of Gulli.
This ties for the coldest a film has ever made me feel - along with Norway's The 12th Man. The whole ordeal is made the more harrowing by the true story angle.
It features some incredible cinematography. The Icelandic landscapes and scenery were breathtaking. The ocean shots really magnified the sense of loneliness and sheer odds against Gulli.
The scientific angle in the latter half of the film was interesting, though broke some of the momentum. In this sense, it felt like two films rolled into one. I liked how things came a bit full circle in the last few scenes though.
A solid (while not amazing) Icelandic film that I recommend to those into survival stories. -
halldors7827 October 2013fine movie and its about something that actually happened although its probably not exactly the same. but to the reviewer that doesn't know anything about fishermen or life in small town in iceland, they are hung over because they were coming from a dance the night before and this is just how it was here and changed only few years ago, those didn't have much life outside of work so they drank a little more but at least they went and met other people in a bar instead of today where most people just drink at home. and the guy never said he was a hero, but he did safe himself and swim to shore in very difficult situation where most people had died, and he hasn't had a great life after this. but the movie shows how life was in iceland in those years and is very realistic doing that. but there are always some people that think they know better then others or how things happened. even people giving movies bad reviews because people are smoking or some stupid things like that, and movies can be good even if you don't like the drinking or whatever is happening in them. just watch it and try what you would have done.
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If you asked me half way through this film what I thought of it, I would of probably been indifferent and gave it 6 or so stars yet by the time it had finished I was utterly captivated.
They played it just right! I absolutely adore how we saw both the run up to the event, the actual event then the aftermath. It made it so much more real to the audience.
The real life clips, which they show during the credits at the end, also made a huge impact on the audiences at the showings I saw. The actor who plays Gulli could of easily been related to the actual Gulli.
Speaking of the actor who plays Gulli, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, simply gave a performance of a life time. I believed every word that came out of his mouth and even in the times of silence were his acting was all physical, I couldn't take my eyes of him.
This film really does stay with you and I have not stopped thinking it over since I saw it over a week ago. Really quite superb. -
vikpk20 November 2016This is must see movie. It is so refreshing to watch a non-Hollywood production that is honest, well-filmed and memorable.
The movie is based on true events.
I liked the cinematography, learning e little bit about the life in a small island nation, and having the story unfold.
The plot is not super-intense but showing the lives of the sailors before they go on the fishing trip makes the drama very realistic.
A real story, of real people, well told.
You will enjoy this film.
No Hollywood. That's good. -
kdaAZ3 June 2013I've never seen a movie like this. On the one hand, it is not hard to watch and I don't feel that I wasted my time. But I was completely incapable of identifying with any of the characters or feeling sorrow or empathy for them. The film makes no secret of their dependence on alcohol. So we see six pretty much continually drunk men set out to sea on poorly maintained vessel which, it they would set the bottles down for a while, could be readily brought into shape fit for the trip.
If, you are surprised that the engine actually starts when you get ready to leave the dock, while alternatively drinking and puking into a bucket the entire time, you may want to rethink your priorities. So you cannot even get the winch to turn off when you want? Maybe it is time to set the booze bottles down and quit deferring maintenance. Picture this. You are swimming in freezing ice cold ocean water and your mate tells you there is no point in diving to your now sinking boat in an attempt to free the life raft because the chains are rusted shut? Do you think it might be past time to put the bottle aside for a while and at least stay sober long enough to get the most basic life saving gear working?
So Iceland decides he is a National Hero? Folks. he is a drunk. A drunk with the lives of his crew on his hands. He survived because of a unique physiological anomaly. Nothing heroic here. No miracles here. -
jhsteel30 November 2015This film has the air of a docu-drama, and I believe it sticks closely to real events. The drama is gripping though - it's an amazing story of survival and the gruelling ordeal which the fisherman Gulli went through in the North Atlantic. Amazingly, it was almost light-hearted and there is no lack of humour although it was a tragic story as well.
I was wondering in advance whether this would be a frightening film, but it wasn't. Every person portrayed appeared real and it was easy to identify with them. The story of Gulli's miraculous survival, followed by the reaction of the media and scientists kept my interest.
I'm a scientist and so I was fascinated by the implications of the physiology of this man and how he adapted to extreme exposure to cold temperatures. I presume that other people who find sub-zero temperatures easy to deal with may also have adaptations, and science needs to find out more. No one can know how they will react until they are in a life or death situation. Gulli's matter-of-fact response was incredible.
The other thing which impressed me was the authenticity of the settings, the scenery of the sea and the Icelandic islands. It was beautifully shot. Authentic news footage of the eruption of the volcano on the Westman Islands was included, and new scenes with the actors blended seamlessly with that. I have been to Iceland and watched films about that eruption, so I recognised this. I've also walked on a lava field on Iceland, but I was fortunate to be wearing walking boots. I can't imagine walking on that surface barefoot for hours.
I was captivated by this film and I recommend it - very inspiring and informative on so many levels. -
Leofwine_draca6 December 2015THE DEEP isn't an amazing film but it is a heartfelt and compelling one that tells an amazing true story. It's also one of those outdoor 'wilderness' type films that explores man's survival against the elements, and it has the novelty of being an Icelandic film too.
The story takes place in 1984 and tells of a group of fishermen being flung into the freezing Atlantic when their fishing boat sinks. One of the men decides to swim for land and the film tells his difficult tale with death and danger dogging his every stroke. The narrative involvement is slim, but the film offers fascinating visuals that truly get across the sublime nature of the frozen north.
Olafur Darri Olafsson (BEOWULF & GRENDEL) is excellent in the leading role and gives a truly naturalistic performance. The latter part of the film almost moves into X-Files territory but retains the realism throughout. Director Baltasar Kormakur seems to spend his time either making movies in his own country or popping over to Hollywood for the likes of 2 GUNS and CONTRABAND, but this is definitely the most interesting - and oddly enchanting - film I've seen from him. -
akir-5342623 November 2016The Deep. Based on true story of Icelandic man, named Gulli, who fights his way back on the land from freezing water after the accident where trawler flips over and all other crew members get killed.
After over 6 hours in the freezing water and couple hours of walking, the man survives.
It's an interesting story and the film does not end when the man survives. It tells the story after the accident and about the life that the Gulli is gonna experience after the tragic event.
Yeah, the story is well executed and quite intriguing (yeah, it's based on real story after all), but everything else is so-so made. Personally I didn't like the style of filming and any of the characters. Actually, you do not know anything about them. Proper introduction would be good, even so they all die quite quickly in the film. The acting itself is weird.. Especially the main character..
The movie itself could be better if it was written and directed LITTLE differently than the real events. I mean enjoyment is quite missing and it does not feel like a movie. It's more like a document.
Well, if you like these kind of movies which are made purely with real life events, you could like this. This does not offer you as much as a movie. I prefer Perfect Storm movie than this... It's kind of similar story but.. It's just executed and written better.
(Ps. Sorry about my English..) -
l_rawjalaurence6 December 2015Not to be confused with the Peter Benchley-inspired Hollywood film of the same name, THE DEEP is one of those tales which through a combination of brilliant photography and taut structure is guaranteed to attract critical plaudits.
Shot in a series of grays and blues, appropriate to its locations, Bergsteinn Björgúlfsson's cinematography conjures up a world where human beings are quite literally at the mercy of the elements: despite their sophisticated devices for communicating or for carrying out their daily responsibilities, they have no answer to the power of the sea. We realize from this film that humankind is no more than a pawn in a greater elemental game.
Having said that, I am still unsure as to whether the film has anything more to say. At heart it's a masculine-focused tale of comradeship, in a profession where people have few friends, due to the precariousness of their work. They never know if and whether they will return; and if they do, there is no guarantee of future work. Buffeted by the sea and by the pressures of making a living, the fishermen inhabit their own world; they try to keep memories of their home lives through letters - or even taking a dog with them - but these mementos are insignificant in comparison to the rigors of their profession.
In its downbeat way, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson's central characterization is certainly memorable, but we end up feeling sorry that he and his fellow fishermen have to put their lives so regularly on the line just to make ends meet. -
gibsonslashv7 October 2019A nice film based on real events. The real footage in the end is really something.
Though the real guy survived from the freezing sea, if he smokes like that... -
(2012) The Deep/ Djúpið (In Icelandic with English subtitles) DRAMA
What appears to look like a routine fishing movie turns into a lot more. Viewers should watch this without knowing anything about it, for the reason I am jotting a review is so that I can remember that I had seen it. People should stop reading reviews now, because it's another movie about circumstances. Once viewers know what it's about then you do not need to see it anymore. Co-produced, co-written and directed by Baltasar Kormákur, which as I had said at the opening, as we see the daily routine of a large guy, Gulli (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) who drinks and smokes with his friends at the bar the night earlier before hoping onto fishing vessel, he coincidentally meets the new cook, Raggi (Walter Grímsson). And after the following morning, we then see Gulli meeting the rest of his fishing crew of skipper, Jón (Stefán Hallur Stefánsson), Hannes (Björn Thors) and Palli (Joi Johannsson). One of the dangerous things about fishing is when the gill net catches a snag from the rocks, the reason why it's safer catching fish on deeper waters. On the first snag, the skipper was able to shake the net off loose, but as soon as it catches the second snag the fishing vessel tips over, killing everyone on board except for Gulli. As he manages to swim through cold temperatures to the nearest town, and call for help. Wanting the coast guards to recover the bodies. It is also a movie about survival which after the one hour mark scientists are conducting experiments on him, attempting to figure out how an overweight man who smokes and drinks is able to endure it. And the answer was that it may have something to do with his massive weight, and what his diet used to be, which some have concluded it could be the seal meat he used to consume. It is remarkable because it is based on an actual person viewers were able to see what Gulli actually looked like during the end credits, as he is being questioned about how he is able to survive on below freezing waters. -
waitsfortherain16 December 2015From time to time a film comes up that should be seen by anyone interested in a particular aspect of film-making. There have been films that bordered on the banal but anyone interested in or involved with camera work couldn't afford missing. Same with the use of music. Or the art direction. Even casting directors could learn a couple of things from watching certain films.
"The Deep doesn't border on the banal. It's an honest, cleverly made film with good chances of satisfying a wide range of viewers. But one aspect of this somewhat unexpected film makes it a must: the amazing performance of Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, an American-born actor who has lived and worked most of his life in Iceland where, as we learn from his IMDb page, he is considered a major force of that country's theater.
As Gulli, the fisherman who surprises everybody by being the only survivor of a shipwreck under conditions in which no human being could possibly live to tell the story, this truly extraordinary actor comes up with a flawless performance. For anyone involved with acting, especially film acting, his work is an inspiration. I've been an actor all my life. But I could never understand, when it happens, how and when pettiness creeps into the actor's work. How come even great actors sometimes seem to have been possessed by what is ultimately dishonesty, the indiscriminate use of cheap tricks, gimmicks meant to create the illusion of an intensely emotional performance. Some actors are perfectly conscious of doing it. Most are not. It's impossible to detect the moment when it begins.
Watching Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Gulli, the survivor in "The Deep" is like attending a Master Class given by a truly great actor. There would be plenty of opportunities to use gimmicks and cheap tricks. But there isn't one single moment when he does it. His performance is one hundred per cent true. It's as honest and natural as the awesome performances great directors of the Italian realism managed to get from non- actors like the lead in "The Bicycle Thief."
SPOILERS AHEAD. STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT THEM.
For anyone interested in great acting, two scenes in the film are like solid gold. Watching them is watching the work of a perfect actor. In the hospital, when asked how he found the energy to swim six kilometers in the cold sea, he says that all along he kept talking to the seagulls. We know it's true because we saw it early on. But his recollection of it is very moving, because it's done simply and with tremendous truthfulness.
Then there's the scene in which he visits the family of his colleague, one of the first to die, sits on the floor and talks to his two boys. One of them says their mother told them their father was with God. They want to know from him if it's true. The way he handles such a difficult challenge is a great moment in film acting.
"The Deep" is a good film. But even if it didn't have so many qualities, the dignity, the unyielding commitment of its leading actor to his art would make it unforgettable. -
guardian-0305229 May 2021I caught this by chance and it was in subtitles So I persisted and I found it realistic and enduring to the end .
I'm sorry for the families who lost loved ones in this but I'm sure they'd be just as satisfied to see this one seamate survive.
Such a strong funny guy he was . The type you'd want on your side in the face of trouble. -
ronarimes28 February 2018This film is based on a real life drama where an Icelandic fishing vessel sinks and 5 crew are drowned. The 6th member of the crew survives hours in bitterly cold sea and swims miles to an island where he is rescued. The acting is brilliant and a realistic portrayal of the fisherman's ordeal. I also liked the before and after build up of the main character's lifestyle and the setting of Icelandic folk living in basic and difficult conditions but sharing a camaradie and kinship. Scientists were baffled as to how this apparently unfit man survived the extreme conditions and he became something of a celebrity and underwent investigative tests in America and UK. In the end he returned to his old ways of life but I think as a wiser and better man. He was a simple hardworking regular guy who survived extreme conditions through metabolism but also his dogged determination. I found it particularly moving to see footage of the real life person.
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mbazhome7 September 2020Great director, really enjoyed his movie Everest and his tv series Trapped. I'm a fan! This is a true story I never heard of and I didn't know anything about before seeing this film. I usually find true stories aren't interesting in movie form but this one has a great plot and fantastic acting by Olafur Olafsson who's always terrific. 10/10 for me
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digitald-431 May 2013This is an outstanding film. If you enjoyed "into the wild".. you're gonna like this one. It's not a long film yet clearly packs a punch. Powerful, succinct, insightful. I enjoyed how it makes a mockery of science and religion - not so subtle there. For me, the cog or center of this film happens when gulli is visited by a priest and they have a little chat.. but it isn't until later on we realize (I realized rather) that gulli is everything the priest is not and should be - a human being. That is, a human in the state of being, complete with flaws and all. As Gulli allows himself to "be" this puts him in a position to allow others to be. Put otherwise, we don't see gulli proselytizing or spewing out external beliefs and philosophies on others the way that, say, all priests of all cults and religions must do, if they know what's good for them.
So its the juxtaposition (gotta love them big words) of these two characters (gulli and the priest)that really drives home two very clear messages. 1) that there are people out there who are still awake.. still alive.. and that's a good thing. 2) We live in a society where according to its own definition of what constitutes mental sanity (namely the DMV-IV) society itself is utterly insane. Truly. When you considering the wildly disproportionate distribution of wealth in society.. what other conclusion is possible? Let me give you a hint.. there is no other conclusion. Considering any billionaire (we wont mention narcs or athletes) will make more money in the time it takes to use the commode than the rest of us clucks will make in several lifetimes.. in my book cause for alarm. And as if that were not enough to blow your freakin' brains out with a hand grenade... men and women are "STILL" to this day going to nightclubs as a way to meet each other.. truly astonishing!
Getting back to gulli, from a transactional analysis (psychological) standpoint, I guess you could say gulli somehow managed to shut down his inner parent and is humming or cruising thru life as an adult child. Where the child has taken over the adult and which in my book may be the only way to remain sane in an insane society. Assuming gulli were a real person how could you not be preoccupied about his future. Reasoning: in an insane society the sane cannot but be considered insane. In a society ruled by lunatics and indentured slaves.. those who are autonomous or who even attempt autonomy must be considered dangerous and feared. As gulli's inner parent might put it.. "its a fine mess you gotten us into this time gulli"
And so, my response to this movie is "read you loud and clear" or "got it! thanks for the reminder". Finally, though this film does make fun of science.. it is important to remember that the scientific method (if applied properly) contains mankind's only hope to achieve anything resembling sanity or even a future.. but that's just me I guess. And while I can appreciate that others might get a radically different take on this film.. I wonder what the fat wallet boys would make of it and while you're at it.. how bout lending me a mil or two.
Here's my proposal for a sequel to 'the deep': Gulli finds oil off the coast of Iceland and becomes a billionaire. He knocks up a prostitute and has a son. Gulli sues the prostitute for custody and wins - just like in real life. One day Gulli's son goes to Gulli (who by now is saturated with greed and corruption)and says...
Son: hey dad.. I wanna be just like you.. filthy stinking rich. I want to exploit my slaves (I mean employees) and pay them minimum wage and watch them swelter. I like watching them squirm dad.. is that wrong? it sure does feel wrong. Heck.. the other day I asked one of my bodyguards to take off his clothes and he did.. I wonder what else he'll do for money? Gulli: they'll do anything son.. you know that. Son: "hey dad.. do you think I can have my own congressman for Christmas? I'll settle for a district court judge.. you got truck loads of those. Henry at school's got one and I got to have one too.. Gulli: you're only 5 years old son.. think you can handle it? Son: If Henry I can Gulli: OK son, sure.. ill talk to the lawyers Son: gee thanks dad.. when I turn 18 can I have my own US president. I promise I won't tell anyone Gulli: Its OK son.. no one will believe you anyway... and besides we make the law and feed the media and you know what that means. Son: yes Dad Gulli: That's right.. you're learning. Are you sure you want a US president son? they're kind've cheap these days.. and we do have a reputation. How about your own pharmaceutical company? Son: Nah.. that's boring Gulli: You sure about that? Hey Son.. how about we make a movie about race cars? we'll call it fast and furious. It'll keep the latinos happy Son: oh really .. can we dad? I like Lincoln kills zombies? I tried and couldn't think of anything more ridiculous.. I know the minion will love it Gulli: you're a genius son.. even I couldn't have thought that one up. Son: thanks dad Gulli: now go play with your anti-matter gun Son: Can I try it out on my bodyguards? Gulli: sure son.. they wont mind. Son: Hey bodyguards.. come and get it (laughter) Gulli: whats our motto son? Son: keep 'em nice and stupid. (laughter) son runs off down the hall chasing the bodyguards.- coming soon to a theater near you -
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morrison-dylan-fan6 July 2017Catching up on the great Canadian Nordic Noir-inspired series Cardinal,I took a look to see what BBC 4 were replacing it with. Recently seeing the better than expected (partly) based on a true story lost at sea flick In the Heart of the Sea,I was intrigued to find BBC 4 airing a lost at sea Nordic "ripped from the headlines" movie,which led to me going back into the sea.
The plot-
The Westman Islands 1984:
Waving goodbye to his family, Guðlaugur Friðþórsson goes and joins the rest of the crew so they can set off to sea. Going out deep into the oceans,the crew put the fishing nets out. Unexpectedly,causing the ship to sink. Getting his head above water, Friðþórsson witnesses the death of each fellow crew member. Looking across the waves.the only land Friðþórsson can see is a five hour swim away.
View on the film:
Lost at sea with Friðþórsson,co-writer/(with Jón Atli Jónasson) director Baltasar Kormákur makes pushes the viewer into the depths of the oceans,via thunderous waves lashing the camera and an icy score sharply being used to crack the shivering temperature against the rocks and the high winds. Looking at Kormákur's life on shore, Kormákur contrasts the clarity at sea with raw shot on VHS "flashbacks" which gives them a fading memory atmosphere.
Spending most of the film with Friðþórsson on his own,the screenplay by Jónasson & Kormákur impressively surfs a wave of tension from the memory of each fallen member bring the isolation home to Friðþórsson. Along with the failed sea adventure,the writers diving into Friðþórsson's family life heightens the emotion of each stroke Friðþórsson makes to survive. Before going to the US and becoming an Icelandic sex icon (!) Ólafur Darri Ólafsson gives an excellent performance as Friðþórsson,thanks to Ólafsson unleashing his roar for survival with a firm grip on the humble roots at home,as Friðþórsson finds himself lost at sea.