Parents' Guide to

The Finest Hours

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Death-defying rescue comes alive in intense drama.

Movie PG-13 2016 117 minutes
The Finest Hours Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Tracy B.
Tracy B. Adult
October 2, 2016
age 8+

Disagree with asssessment

The star ratings are wrong for this movie. First off. Violence rating..... There is no man vs man violence. No explicit man v man violence nor any implied. A storm is hardly what we want to protect kids from. There are no guns or knives or even anyone fighting. What we do see is a shipwreck but its not a Titanic level shipwreck. They do show some men falling. Some are thrown around. Another breaks his arm after a fall. No blood. No impaling. I personally think football is more violent than what you witness in this movie. In fact, the movie Frozen was more violent and frightening. I think the lesson here is very powerful and the ratings here do not do it justice. The lesson here is to never quit and real heroism. Its a true story about putting your life on the line to save others and believing in yourself and not worrying about what other think. It doesn't involve fighting or war or conflict with others. Just man vs nature and man vs himself. If there is anything to worry about would be the romance but even there, this is a beauty and the beast level love story. No implied sex at all. There is no swearing beyond what any kid would hear their parents say when they get excited. words like hell or damn.... understandable given the circumstances. We are careful what our kids watch and so are they. They do not like scary movies or bloody movies. Even if its a show about doctors. We think they "self-censor" very well. They watched this movie and they found the drama to be tense but not overly so. These are the same kids that still do not like to watch Jumanji due to its "scariness". The hardest part for them to watch in this movie was when a likable character dies at the end. But at age 8, they need to realize people die. I highly recommend this movie for anyone over the age of 8.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Chris W.
Chris W. Adult
October 12, 2017
age 15+

True Heroism

The Finest hours provides a true-life drama set in 1950's New England. The efforts of a small Coast Guard crew to save those aboard a sinking cargo ship is inspiring. A group of us men watched it and cheered during the movie. A refreshing movie that focuses on the virtues of selflessness and bravery.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on real-life events, THE FINEST HOURS chronicles what's considered the greatest small-boat rescue in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard. In the winter of 1952, a massive storm rocks New England, ripping two oil tankers in half near Cape Cod. On the splintered half of the Pendleton, Ray Sybert (Casey Affeck) and other crew members toil ceaselessly to keep their half of the ship afloat as they wait for rescue. Meanwhile, Coast Guardsman Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) is on a boat with three others racing to save the Pendleton crew, but it's not clear whether they'll make it across a sandbar safely and reach the men before it's too late.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (8):

This plays like a throwback film at first, portraying without irony or insight the sexism of its day; but once it hits the water, the scenes of peril and suspense manage to rescue it. Some of The Finest Hours' plot developments can be spotted entire oceans away, but a strong cast and great special effects -- which, like the memorable visuals of The Perfect Storm, reveal the monstrous power of the sea -- pull it from the brink of disaster.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how movies like The Finest Hours depict intense historical events. Is it easier or harder to watch disturbing scenes knowing they really happened? How much scary stuff can kids handle?

  • What's the appeal of movies based on real-life events? How important is historical accuracy in a movie like this? Why might filmmakers decide to change some facts? How can you find out more about what really happened?

  • How do the characters demonstrate courage and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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