Watch Les Marins perdus

Les Marins perdus is a French drama film released in 2003 and directed by Claire Devers. The movie is set in the Mediterranean sea and tells the story of a small cargo ship, the "Marigalante," and its crew, composed of men from different countries and backgrounds. Bernard Giraudeau plays the captain of the boat, Pierre, a man in his fifties who is tired and disillusioned by his job, and who has lost faith in himself and his crew. Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic is the chief engineer, Milan, who is obsessed with fixing the boat's engine, and Sergio Peris-Mencheta plays the young and enthusiastic sailor, Manuel.

The movie starts with the Marigalante arriving at a small port in Tunisia, where it is supposed to pick up a load of stolen cars and transport them to Marseille. The atmosphere on the boat is tense, and the crew is clearly unhappy about their cargo, which they consider to be illegal and dangerous.

As the Marigalante sets sail, the tension among the crew increases, and it becomes clear that the boat is not in good condition. The engine starts to fail, and the crew has to make several stops to repair it, which causes delays and puts them at risk of being caught by the authorities.

During the journey, the film explores the personalities of the crew members, their aspirations, their fears, and their relationships. Pierre, the captain, is haunted by memories of a past accident that led to the death of his former crew, and he struggles to cope with his guilt and his feelings of inadequacy.

Milan, the chief engineer, is determined to fix the boat's engine, even if it means putting himself in danger. He is a skilled mechanic but a loner who remains distant from the rest of the crew. Manuel, the young sailor, is optimistic and eager to learn, but he also has a dark secret that he keeps hidden from the others, and which threatens to endanger the mission.

As the journey progresses, the crew faces several challenges, including a storm, a fire on board, and encounters with other ships, each of which tests their courage, their loyalty, and their ability to work together.

Les Marins perdus is a slow-paced, character-driven film that offers a realistic and gritty portrayal of life on a cargo ship. The movie is shot mostly in natural light, and it features stunning landscapes and seascapes that add to the film's ambiance.

The acting is superb, with Giraudeau, Manojlovic, and Peris-Mencheta delivering nuanced and convincing performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. The dialogue is sparse but effective, and the movie relies heavily on visual storytelling, using close-ups, quick cuts, and subtle gestures to convey the emotions and motivations of the characters.

Overall, Les Marins perdus is a poignant and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the world of men who work at sea, and their struggles to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The movie is both a meditation on life, death, and redemption, and a tribute to the human spirit and the power of hope. Whether you are a fan of dramas or interested in maritime life, Les Marins perdus is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.