The Sand Pebbles (B+ or 3/4 stars)
'The Sand Pebbles' (directed by Robert Wise, West Side Story) is set in 1926 China & tells a true political tale about the civil war btwn. the Nationalist followers of Chiang Kai-shek & the communists to unify the country from foreign influences. It also tells a personal tale about the crew aboard the USS "San Pablo", a gunboat on duty/patrolling the Yangtze River to protect U.S. interests. Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) is an apolitical machinist with 9 yrs. experience, who is the newest member of the USS San Pablo. This is Jake's 7th ship, as he regularly transfers because he makes enemies with his crewmates & just wants to be left alone with his engines. He had even planned on leaving the Navy. The crew on this small boat call themselves the 'sand pebbles'.
Loner Jake turns off many crewmembers with his free spirit & by treating the Chinese who work aboard the ship as equals. Jake even hires a worker in the engine room named Po-Han (Mako), whom he treats as an apprentice, not a servant. Jake also befriends a fellow sailor named Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), who falls in love with an English-educated Chinese girl, Maily (Marayat Andriane) who's been sold into enforced prostitution. Later, longing to marry her, Frenchy buys Maily's freedom & takes her as his common-law wife {you can take a stab at if this love affair ends well}.
When the civil war starts, the USS San Pablo is ordered to protect American civilians in the area but not to get involved in any fighting. Included among those rescued is Shirley Eckert (Candice Bergen), an attractive schoolteacher on a local mission whom Jake seems to love, but maybe not as much as his true love -- engines. Political tensions run high. Drama & fighting ensues. Catastrophic events occur; which, of course, leads to tragedy for Jake & the entire crew.
'The Sand Pebbles' is, 1st & foremost, an epic war drama entertainment. But on a deeper level, it also means to show how Americans shouldn't get involved in foreign affairs when we/they don't understand them or treat them as equals. In other words, why try to help the Asians is they're not asking for it. For his performance as our cool, tough anti-hero, Steve McQueen received his only Oscar nomination for Best Actor. McQueen's Jake is meant to reflect the way many Americans felt towards war/government - by having him distrust the Navy authorities so much. It's a worthy nomination for McQueen; thanks greatly to his magnetic screen persona. Richard Attenborough gives a heartbreaking performance as Frenchy. Newcomer Candice Bergen has a very comely presence. I liked her quiet chemistry with McQueen; even if their Hollywood romance subplot felt underdeveloped/unnecessary. Richard Crenna is also memorable as a misguided Captain.
From a technical standpoint, 'The Sand Pebbles' is impressive. The editing of various sequences is masterful. The cinematography, sets, & sound design (great battle sequences) is superb. All that said, I can't exalt this film as a masterpiece. The drama wavers btwn. being interesting & uninteresting; sometimes straining for greater historical anti-war significance. And when it strains & misses, it can be a bit painful. Also, at 179 minutes, the film has a few too many plodding moments & wears out its welcome by the expected, but not-so-cheery ending. But overall, this really is a well-intentioned, well-made film that should stir some emotions.
Loner Jake turns off many crewmembers with his free spirit & by treating the Chinese who work aboard the ship as equals. Jake even hires a worker in the engine room named Po-Han (Mako), whom he treats as an apprentice, not a servant. Jake also befriends a fellow sailor named Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), who falls in love with an English-educated Chinese girl, Maily (Marayat Andriane) who's been sold into enforced prostitution. Later, longing to marry her, Frenchy buys Maily's freedom & takes her as his common-law wife {you can take a stab at if this love affair ends well}.
When the civil war starts, the USS San Pablo is ordered to protect American civilians in the area but not to get involved in any fighting. Included among those rescued is Shirley Eckert (Candice Bergen), an attractive schoolteacher on a local mission whom Jake seems to love, but maybe not as much as his true love -- engines. Political tensions run high. Drama & fighting ensues. Catastrophic events occur; which, of course, leads to tragedy for Jake & the entire crew.
'The Sand Pebbles' is, 1st & foremost, an epic war drama entertainment. But on a deeper level, it also means to show how Americans shouldn't get involved in foreign affairs when we/they don't understand them or treat them as equals. In other words, why try to help the Asians is they're not asking for it. For his performance as our cool, tough anti-hero, Steve McQueen received his only Oscar nomination for Best Actor. McQueen's Jake is meant to reflect the way many Americans felt towards war/government - by having him distrust the Navy authorities so much. It's a worthy nomination for McQueen; thanks greatly to his magnetic screen persona. Richard Attenborough gives a heartbreaking performance as Frenchy. Newcomer Candice Bergen has a very comely presence. I liked her quiet chemistry with McQueen; even if their Hollywood romance subplot felt underdeveloped/unnecessary. Richard Crenna is also memorable as a misguided Captain.
From a technical standpoint, 'The Sand Pebbles' is impressive. The editing of various sequences is masterful. The cinematography, sets, & sound design (great battle sequences) is superb. All that said, I can't exalt this film as a masterpiece. The drama wavers btwn. being interesting & uninteresting; sometimes straining for greater historical anti-war significance. And when it strains & misses, it can be a bit painful. Also, at 179 minutes, the film has a few too many plodding moments & wears out its welcome by the expected, but not-so-cheery ending. But overall, this really is a well-intentioned, well-made film that should stir some emotions.