A High Wind in Jamaica
A High Wind in Jamaica

Movie spotlight

A High Wind in Jamaica

1965
Movie
103 min
English

In 1870, a Jamaican colonial family sends its children to Britain for proper schooling, but their ship is taken over by pirates, who become fond of the kids.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes40%
Google Users70%
Director: Alexander McKendrickGenres: Adventure, Drama, Family

Plot Summary

In the mid-19th century Caribbean, a group of British children are orphaned when their missionary parents are killed by a hurricane. They are subsequently taken aboard a pirate ship, where their innocence clashes with the brutal reality of the pirates' lives and their own burgeoning survival instincts.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its visual style and performances, particularly Anthony Quinn's, while others found its narrative disjointed and its handling of sensitive themes problematic. Audience reception was also divided.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its striking cinematography and Anthony Quinn's compelling performance as the pirate captain.

  • Criticized for its uneven pacing and a narrative that struggled to balance the innocence of children with the harsh realities of piracy.

  • Some found the film's exploration of morality and corruption thought-provoking, while others felt it was too sensationalized.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest appreciation for the film's unique premise and visual appeal, with many finding Anthony Quinn's role captivating. However, some viewers found the story to be somewhat disturbing and difficult to fully engage with.

Fun Fact

The film was controversial upon its release for its portrayal of children in a potentially compromising situation with pirates, leading to some censorship and debate about its suitability for family viewing.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_A pirate ship in the Caribbean takes on some kids_** In the mid-1800s, several children are transported from Jamaica to England when a pirate ship inadvertently apprehends them. “A High Wind in Jamaica” (1965) is a cinematic vers...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Poor old Anthony Quinn ("Chavez") is going about his harmless pirating when he alights on a ship carrying some British children en route to their schooling in Britain. Immediately the onboard dynamic changes. The captain starts to feel a bi...

John Chard

John Chard

High on a Gallows Tree My Love. A High Wind in Jamaica is directed by Alexander Mackendrick and adapted to screenplay jointly by Stanley Mann, Ronald Harwood & Denis Cannan, from the Richard Hughes novel of the same name. It stars Anthon...