Search - Baltic Storm on DVD

Poignant and relevant exploration of a real life tragedy

Alex | Los Angeles | 02/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1994, the passenger ferry "Estonia" sank in the waters off the North Sea on a journey from Tallin, Estonia to Stockholm, Sweden. The disaster was quickly ruled to be the result of natural causes. However, a German journalist spent the next ten years investigating the tragedy, and came up with evidence that the ship was carrying arms and contraband from the remains of the former USSR to be sold on the black market in Stockholm. The movie chronicles this reporter's quest for the truth. Greta Scacchi brings heart and guts to her performance as the journalist, and Jurgen Prochnow delivers a poignant portrayal of a survivor of the tragedy united with the reporter as they search for answers. Donald Sutherland plays a mysterious figure who perhaps has all the answers. The film is tense, emotional, beautifully shot -- a gripping political thriller.

"

Sad tragic tale of greatest maritime cover up

blondeguy10 | South Africa | 11/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sad tragic case of the MV Estonia a ferry which sank under very mysterious circumstances in September 1994 with a huge loss of life; 852 people from 17 countries died and only 140 odd survived. Baltic Storm is an attempt to bring to the World's attention some of the lies, misconceptions and cover ups involved in the story. Greta Scachi character is based upon German journalist Jutta Raabe who did her own investigation into the sinking. Anyone expecting a traditional 'disaster type' movie may be dissapointed, in fact the sinking and scenes on the Estonia are all too brief - perhaps out of respect for the families of the victims. Its a thought provoking movie and while some scenes do tend to get a bit corny (the split screen techniques) Its a pity this movie did not receive a wider distribution as perhaps it would have brought more attention to the tragedy. As a companion piece read Drew Wilsons excellent Book 'The Hole' and look at some of the many websites on the tragedy and cover up. A good thought provoking tale."

Fact-based political thriller

S. Miller | 02/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Reuben Leder's film reminds me of the fact-based political thrillers of Costa-Gavras--films such as "Z" or "Missing." Ordinary people become entangled in the dangerous intrigues of competing intelligence services. Juergen Prochnow and Greta Scacchi are excellent, and Donald Sutherland is his usual brilliant self. The great human tragedy at the center of this movie is real, and Leder keeps the tension before, during, and after the event at a high level. I heartily recommend this film."

Suspenseful Movie Sees All Angles

Helen | Los Angeles CA | 05/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The thing I most appreciated about Baltic Storm was that the film enabled me to see this tragedy from several different perspectives. From the perspective of the survivors, the community, and the perpetrators. This film shows the dangers of blind patriotism, and some people in our adminstration would do well to see it. The acting is intense and the pace is relentless. Highly recommended."