Is The Roaring Forties Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1982)

📖 The Core Premise

The Roaring Forties returns to the screen in 1982, bringing a fresh narrative to the Adventure genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Julien is an electronics professional who is down on his luck when he decides to enter an international sailboat race. He is led astray from his original good intentions by a low-life press agent who convinces him it would be well worth his while to win the race by illegal maneuvering. As he sets off, flashbacks tell how he came to be on the sailboat; later he has long monologues -- several of them, and in-between he occasionally battles to stay afloat on an uncooperative sea."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Roaring Forties, Jacques Perrin delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Adventure. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Roaring Forties worth your time? If you appreciate Adventure films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Roaring Forties is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 132 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.