Sea Wolf (2009– ) User Reviews

Highly watchable adaptation

[twentystcenturychristian · 7/10 · 24 March 2013]

When I bought this in a charity shop for a couple of quid, I thought I wasn't risking much for something I suspected was going to be a low-budget, ham-acted flop. Actually, it is one of the better things I've watched this year. It's a two-part made for TV miniseries adaptation of Jack London's adventure novel of the same name. You may not have heard of the cast (apart from Tim Roth), though their faces will rings distant bells, but the acting was in a different league the dreadful school-play stuff that chokes turns the free film channels on TV. It is well produced, solidly directed with, for the most part, believable sets and stunts. Of particular note is Sebastian Koch's portrayal of the sadistic (or is he...?) Wolf Larsen. As an adventure drama it works and is worth watching.

The Ghost ship helmed by the cruel captain Wolf Larsen brings two shipwrecked aboard his doomed boat .

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 1 March 2013]

Fine television rendition about Jack London novel with enjoyable interpretations from protagonist quartet . Adapted for television in it's latest outing, from the original book written by the American journalist and author Jack London, including a good main cast and acceptable supporting roles . Jack London's adventure novel about a brutal captain named Wold Larsen , his rebellious crew and some unexpected passengers and a young man who is taken aboard a seal-hunting vessel . Captain Larsen commands a surly ship of seal hunters through sheer ruthlessness and ego , being pursued by his brother called Death Larsen who commands a ship named Macedonia . Bound for Japanese poaching grounds, 'Ghost' is captained by Wolf Larsen (Sebastian Koch), who is a man not to be crossed, as he is as strong and tyrannical as he is cunning and rescues snob theatre critic Weyden and pretty Maud from an escape . It is the unlucky fate of Humphrey Van Weyden , that he should find himself on board the 'Ghost' and under the service of the Sea Wolf, Larsen . As the film narrates about a cocky young named Van Weyden (Stephen Campbell Moore) and a beautiful girl (Neve Campbell) who are shipwrecked and picked up by a ship called ¨the Ghost¨ commanded by captain Larsen , a cruel but clever seaman reader of classic novels and prestigious authors . The shipwreck survivors , picked up by Larsen are forced into working aboard his ship , the aptly called Ghost . We follow Humphrey, as he enters the story and finds himself in service on board , after being rescued from . The passengers convert themselves in accidental sailors confronting wits and taking on brutal crewmen . The ruthless captain wants to test out his theories about survival of the fittest young . While Van Wyden is mistreated by sniveling cook named Cookie , but also falls for Maud and tries to rally the shipmates into resisting the megalomaniac captain .

Yet another rendition of London 's classic battle of wills story . The picture is a fine television adaptation of a famous novel by Jack London scripted by Nigel Williams . The Sea Wolf is an agreeable tale of life on the high seas, and in particular on board a sealing schooner named 'Ghost' . The film has an intelligent character study, reflecting on the various roles and stunningly playing the tale . Fine acting by all , thus , Sebastian Koch as the personification of malevolent ego , he is an obstinate and brutal captain , obsessed to track down his brother Tim Roth , both of whom are magnificent . Stephen Campbell Moore as his contender and with numerous wishes to escape is splendid . Neve Campbell is attractive and enticing . Special mention to support cast as Andrew Jackson , Tobias Schenke , among others . Filmed entirely on location in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada and in tank studios, sets and pervasive fog machines . The TV series was professionally directed by Mike Barber . Rating : 6,5 ; well worthwhile seeing. The flick will appeal to seafaring adventure genre enthusiastic .

Previously filmed several times as ¨Barracuda¨ and ¨Wolf Larsen¨ and as TV movie by Michael Anderson with Charles Bronson , Christopher Reeve and Catherine Mary Stewart. Furthermore an Italian version with Chuck Connors and Barbara Bach . The black and white classic version novel is the best and was directed by Michael Curtiz in 1941 with Edward G. Robinson (Larsen), Alexander Knox (Stephen Campbell's role), Ida Lupino (Neve Campbell's role) and John Garfield .

Jack London's The Sea Wolf....

[kwally-13962 · 7/10 · 10 April 2024]

....is a bit different from this series, but I actually didn't mind. This is still a very enjoyable film, in spite of the deviations from the source material, Much of this enjoyment comes from the sparring between brothers Wolf and Death Larsen, played by the the incredible Sebastian Koch and Tim Roth. Mr. Koch is probably the best Wolf Larsen I've ever seen, projecting the cruelty of a cat toying with a mouse into his interactions with his crew and an unexpected passenger; though the character is considerably toned down from London's sociopathic sea captain, he is still dangerously unpredictable and not someone you'd want to turn your back on! It's also a treat to see Julian Richings in the role of the cringing, cowardly cook, and Andrew Jackson as Johnson. The only cuckoo in the nest is Neve Campbell as Maude, and she is just so darn likeable it's hard to say anything negative about her performance. That isn't the problem, anyway-it's a matter of miscasting. Ms. Campbell really isn't the right type for a period drama; she has a very modern look, even in a corset, and looks as though she wandered into the wrong movie. But this doesn't take away from the fact that this is a ripping good yarn, and well worth a viewing.

The best Wolf.

[rvpartspro · 8/10 · 18 September 2018]

Sebastian Koch performs the best and most interesting Wolf of the versions I've seen. While not adhering strictly to the book, it is a very good adaptation in showing the characters qualities, strengths, and ..... you'll have to watch and judge for yourself. Thank you Mr. Koch.

More Like Sea Slug

[SeaPilot · 3/10 · 14 June 2018]

As a follower of old sea stories this creation should live with Davy Jones. Story was there to a degree, cast was acceptable but the production of this series should be buried at sea. If this story was submitted to a high school english teacher if would produce a D-.

Faithful, excellent adaptation

[jdcoates · 8/10 · 26 October 2023]

This is an excellent, and faithful adaptation of the book by Jack London. Be warned. If you love, CGI, and endless action and fight scenes, this is not the move for you. The movie itself is beautifully shot, no CGI screens, all shot on the watet. The cinematography is one of the stars of this movie. It makes me long for a time when movies were shot on location, versus CGI. As mentioned, it's a faithful adaptation of the book. The movie focus on two characters, Captain Wolf and Humphrey. Through the journey, we see the best and worst of humanity as the cruel and sadistic Captain Wolf is countered by the humanity of Humphrey. Do yourself a favor and watch this.

Are people missing something...........?

[cedaredge · 4/10 · 9 December 2013]

Never saw the original. In fact there are a few versions of this story. I will make the effort to at least watch the Edward G. Robinson version after watching this mess. I can NOT fault the actors....AT ALL. The director completely 'lost it' on the 2nd episode. I'm not going to give anything away but so many red flags came up that it really brought down the whole production. The story is good but the director took it in some direction that escapes logic. Halmi Jr. fell quite a distance from his polished Dad. Still, it is interesting to watch and try to make any sense of why no one stepped in and righted this misguided work of the wonderful Jack London.

Excellent Mini Series of Two Part

[kwihui · 8/10 · 16 May 2022]

My goodness this is an intense film which captured my attention from start to its end.

I think that all men should watch it, masculine type of movie, full of intensely woven deep issues. Two brothers are like the Cain and Abel of the Bible tale. Their father's results. Horrible and cruel and meanest psychotic man.

I do recommend this film, it is very well done. The great actors too, less Naomi Cambel. She is never believable in any of the films she's been in! Poor choice for this film.