Oh no, another military (sort of) based mentor-student movie....that were my thoughts at first. Then I watched it on recommendation of a good friend and movie buff. She was right...like many times. First I have to pull my hat off to every member of any coast guard unit on this planet (Mountain rescue and other similar groups too, of course). Finally your efforts were recognized and honoured with a realistic and noble movie. Yes, realistic. I know a bit about how German coast guard gets trained and works, and it is harder than military basic training. The director, set designers, cameramen, FX crews and all other worked hard to show the problems the rescue swimmers and aviation crews have to deal with on a daily basis. Though I would have liked to see other branches of the coastguard as well (rescue boats, s&r onshore etc.) i understand that the movie had to concentrate on the main characters.
Now we come to the actors, well. If you read my other comments you realize that I am becoming a Costner supporter after a long time hating him (mostly because I was fed up with hearing about "Dances with wolves" all the time). This guy again delivers a strong, credible performance of a low-profile hero. He, as in most of his roles, is really down to earth and just like your next door neighbour. Having the ungrateful part to act opposite him is Ashton Kutcher....Ashton Kutcher? Isn't that the guy who moderated the series "Punk'd"? Whose greatest media success was marrying Demi Moore? Yes, and he acts superbly here. It may be not rewarded with an Oscar, but I believe some of his scenes (the one where Costner confronts him with his past f.e.) are stronger than many Oscar nominated or rewarded actors. Both female roles could have been cut, especially Sela Ward's role. Though it is nice to give the main characters a background, both roles are shallow and not very deep.
Summary: You may have seen this mentor type movies all over and over, but name me a movie today with a fresh idea. At least it is not a really bad remake of a classic like Flight of the Phoenix or the Poseidon movie. I liked this movie a lot. Only points I have to criticize are the female roles and some (only a few) very cheesy lines. All in all, the movie is worth to have the Coast guard logo in it.
Now we come to the actors, well. If you read my other comments you realize that I am becoming a Costner supporter after a long time hating him (mostly because I was fed up with hearing about "Dances with wolves" all the time). This guy again delivers a strong, credible performance of a low-profile hero. He, as in most of his roles, is really down to earth and just like your next door neighbour. Having the ungrateful part to act opposite him is Ashton Kutcher....Ashton Kutcher? Isn't that the guy who moderated the series "Punk'd"? Whose greatest media success was marrying Demi Moore? Yes, and he acts superbly here. It may be not rewarded with an Oscar, but I believe some of his scenes (the one where Costner confronts him with his past f.e.) are stronger than many Oscar nominated or rewarded actors. Both female roles could have been cut, especially Sela Ward's role. Though it is nice to give the main characters a background, both roles are shallow and not very deep.
Summary: You may have seen this mentor type movies all over and over, but name me a movie today with a fresh idea. At least it is not a really bad remake of a classic like Flight of the Phoenix or the Poseidon movie. I liked this movie a lot. Only points I have to criticize are the female roles and some (only a few) very cheesy lines. All in all, the movie is worth to have the Coast guard logo in it.