Last Updated on March 6, 2021 by Corinne Schmitt
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Finest Hours for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Real-Life Heroes
I admit that I have a mild obsession with superheroes (hence the “Wondermom” mascot), but I’m an absolute fanatic for real-life heroes who do remarkable things with absolutely no super powers, just strong will and the desire to help others. That’s one of the things that attracted me to my husband, a U.S. Marine, who had already made a lifelong commitment to serve others when I met him.
Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) are often acknowledged and recognized for their service to their country. Unfortunately, we often overlook the other individuals who demonstrate bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice just as readily. That’s why I loved the movie The Finest Hours (available on Blu-ray™, Digital HD, & Disney Movies Anywhere May 24).
The Finest Hours is based on the true story of a heroic Coast Guard rescue that took place in 1952. During a massive winter storm, a large oil tanker was literally ripped in half and several sailors were trapped inside the stern hoping against all odds that someone would venture out in the storm to save them before the stern sunk into the depths of the ocean. Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (played by Chris Pine) headed out in a small boat with three other Coast Guardsmen to weather the freezing temperatures and massive waves to rescue 32 sailors.

Action Film With Emotional Depth
I know, it sounds like a lot of other action-thrillers. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll find plenty of what you love in The Finest Hours. But here’s the good news for moviegoers who get dragged to action films begrudgingly by a friend or family member – Unlike most action-thrillers, this movie has emotional depth. So, while your husband has his eyes glued to the 60-foot wave about to swallow up a boat, you can be pondering about how Miriam is going to cope with her conflicting feelings of despair, anger, and gratitude.

Military Wives Can Relate To This Movie
As a military spouse, I was pulled in by the stories going on back on shore. While I am so proud of my husband’s sense of duty and his commitment to serve, I have definitely struggled with my own selfish desires to have him home with his family in a safe environment.

I’ve also had moments of resentment when I’ve had to face the reality that because of his job, his life has less value than others. Given the choice between saving his own life and saving someone else, I know he’ll make the choice that will make me both proud and heartbroken. It’s a sacrifice that so many amazing men and women are willing to make for our country and that thought always stuns me.

Like the family members in the movie, I’ve definitely waited anxiously for news that my husband had survived an operation where communication was cut off for days at a time.
Before I go on, please know I’m not trying to convey a woe-is-me for our stressful military life. There are so many wonderful aspects of this life (travel, friendships, the kindness and generosity of strangers who support the military). The benefits far outweigh the stressors.
The Finest Hours Has Romance And Pulse-Pounding Action
I only mention those stressful aspects of our life to explain why The Finest Hours evoked such an emotional response from me. Between the action scenes and the emotional effect of the story, I felt like I had just finished a workout at the end of the movie (elevated heart rate, slightly exhausted yet stimulated, huge sense of relief). Seriously, you get everything from romance:

to pulse-pounding, realistic (e.g. a natural storm vs. an alien invasion) action:

Not to mention the courage, loyalty, and grace under pressure displayed by so many of the characters in the story.

Based On An Actual Coast Guard Rescue
The fact that the movie is based on the true story of an actual Coast Guard rescue made the action even more dramatic. Warning: If, like me, you want to look up the historical accounts of the real story to learn more, be aware you will come across spoilers if you read about the event. If suspense is an important entertainment element to you, save your research for after the movie. And for those of you who really want to dig in to the true story, you’ll love the bonus documentary “Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story” in which you’ll get to visit Chatham and hear from witnesses about their experience and memories of the most heroic Coast Guard rescue in history.


