Watch Krakatoa: East of Java

Krakatoa: East of Java is a 1968 drama disaster film directed by Bernard Kowalski and starred by Maximilian Schell, Diane Baker and Brian Keith. The film is based on the true story of the famous volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, which caused one of the deadliest disasters in history. The movie follows the story of Captain Chris Hanson, played by Keith, a fearless sailor who leads an expedition in search of a valuable cargo from a sunken ship near the island of Krakatoa. Alongside Hanson, the expedition includes his loyal crew, a wealthy industrialist named Connerly, played by Rossano Brazzi, the beautiful but feisty Laura Travis, played by Baker, and the expert diver Giovanni, played by J.D. Cannon.

The team faces multiple challenges during their quest, including rival treasure hunters and treacherous weather. At the same time, a series of earthquakes and volcanic activity begin to increase, leading to a catastrophe that no one could have predicted.

The film takes full advantage of the superb location photography of the exotic Indonesian island, which is beautifully captured by cinematographer Manuel Berenguer. The costumes, music score, and production design are all top-notch and transport the viewer back in time to the 19th century.

The acting is equally impressive, with Keith delivering a commanding performance as the tough and determined Captain who is willing to risk everything for the sake of his expedition. Schell, who plays a rival treasure hunter, provides a strong contrast to Keith's character, portraying a man who values money over human life. Baker and Cannon also give noteworthy performances, contributing to the film's emotional depth and all-around excellence.

One of the major strengths of the movie is its portrayal of the historical events leading to the eruption of Krakatoa. The film provides a well-researched and comprehensive account of the scientific factors behind the disaster while also addressing issues such as colonialism and capitalism, which played a role in the tragedy's aftermath.

Krakatoa: East of Java was released during a time when disaster films were becoming increasingly popular, making it a reflection of its era. However, the film stands out from other movies of its genre, thanks to its exceptional cast, stunning visuals and attention to historical detail.

Despite its title, the movie erroneously places Krakatoa west of Java. This minor error did not diminish the film's impact on audiences upon its release, and it continues to be recognized as a classic example of disaster cinema.

In conclusion, Krakatoa: East of Java is a beautifully made film that successfully captures the scope and intensity of its true story. The film is a testament to the creative talent behind it and highlights the importance of historical accuracy in artistic works. As such, it remains an enduring work of cinematic art in its own right.

Krakatoa: East of Java is a 1968 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.