There is a lot of choice when it comes to great movies on BBC iPlayer, but some viewers believe they have found the best one. Captain Phillips, starring Tom Hanks, has been hailed as “by far the best film” on the streaming platform. The 2013 biographical action-thriller is based on the true story of the hijacking of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates in 2009.
The film tells the story of Captain Richard Phillips, an American merchant mariner who was taken hostage along with his crew. It is based on Phillips’ 2010 book A Captain’s Duty, co-written with Stephan Talty, and was directed by Paul Greengrass. It holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93% and an 89% audience rating.
Critics have called it “smart, powerfully acted, and incredibly intense” and a “showcase for yet another brilliant performance” from Hanks.
One viewer said: “This is by far the best film currently available on BBC iPlayer in the UK. Go and watch it while you can.”
Another wrote: “Tom Hanks only goes to prove again in the film that he is the best actor of all time. He plays such a variety of roles and shines as Captain Phillips.”
Other reviews describe it as “one of the most intense movies I’ve seen” and praise the direction, cinematography and performances.
One person said it had them “on the edge of my seat the entire time”, while another called it “exceptionally good” with “great pacing and palpable tension from the get go”.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $218 million worldwide against a budget of $55 million.
It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Barkhad Abdi, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
It also received multiple Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, with Abdi winning Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTAs.
Many consider it one of Hanks’ standout roles. One viewer called it “one of Tom Hanks’ best performances and one of my top 10 movies of all time. Action packed, emotional, and tense. A must see.”
The film’s portrayal of events has been disputed by some crew members, though director Paul Greengrass has defended its accuracy, saying the ship, crew and cargo all made it safely to port without injury or loss of life.
Captain Phillips is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer in the UK.