Member review

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is a steam-punk film made in the 1950s. I enjoyed it, but at times I had no idea whatsoever what to make of it. The epic drama had unexpected comic scenes and musical elements... but this made it a layered, enjoyable movie.

This movie is based on an incredible book by amazing author, Jules Verne of which I have read an abridged version. The casting was brilliant (especially Captain Nemo, who was brought to life by James Mason) and considering the age of this movie, the cinematography was impressive and special effects good and yet I feel as if 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (movie) let me down with a different ending to the classic novel; but it was still a great film.

The movie opens as word is spreading about a mysterious sea creature that is attacking boats. Professor Aronnax and his assistant, Conseil, try to investigate, boarding a boat to discover more and meeting harpoonist Ned (Kirk Douglas); but are thrown overboard as an attempt to harpoon this “monster” fails. But they soon discover, along with Ned, that this is no monster... it is a man-made, high-tech submarine! They meet Captain Nemo, a brave man with a dark past, encounter from cannibals and battle a sea creature that is more real than fantasy but still the stuff of nightmares. A complex relationship forms between Professor Aronnax and Nemo; but Ned wants to escape, Conseil will follow and they will attempt to take the Professor along too. But can, or will they leave this incredible machine and its captain, a true man of the sea?

Considering this was made in the 1950s (without CGI, scenes and explosions had to be “real”) it was a dramatic, retro, mystery film, but compared to the technology we now have, it looked pretty fake. The “giant squid” scene was frightening at first, but then it became so fake it was funny. The punches were fake too. But, on the other hand, it was an intriguing film with pretty good angles and underwater filming.

Generally families will like this, but I would rate it 8+ sort of age as there are some violent scenes. My favourite character would have to be brave, shady Captain Nemo. James Mason made him intriguing and vivid I am going to watch more of his movies.

My advice would be give this movie a try as long as you don't have a phobia of giant rubbery-looking sea creatures!