Search - Britannic on DVD

Charming despite its shortcomings

Darren Harrison | Washington D.C. | 07/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Riding on the wave of Titanic-fever that followed the release of the hugely popular James Cameron movie TITANIC this production focuses on the lesser-known but equally ill fated sister ship of the famous liner - the Britannic.

Ostensibly posing as a hospital ship in World War I transporting medical supplies across the Mediterranean, the Britannic is actually carrying a large cache of weapons, a clear violation of the rules of war that threatens both the safety of genuine hospital ships but also gives justification for this ships destruction by German agents.

Suspecting this to be the case Germany has planted a top German agent on board as a chaplain, who with the aid of Irish insurgents already on board as members of the crew. Not to be outdone however, British Intelligence somehow (it is never fully explained how) have caught wind of the German plot ands planted a female agent on board (despite having just graduated from spy school - she was apparently the only British agent available for the operation). No matter that the British agent is impossibly beautiful (as played by the stunning Amanda Ryan) and therefore unlikely to blend into the background (surely an essential characteristic for an agent) but her character is not only a survivor of the original Titanic sinking, but also the one passenger who falls in love with the German agent - oh the irony.

Nevertheless one charge that can never be leveled at "Britannic" is (despite its laughable claim to tell the 'untold story' of the liner), it is certainly never boring or lacking in thrills. Its special effects may look more fitting for a high production value video game, and some of the veteran actors on the cast list guilty of incredible overacting, but this is all part of the charm of this movie. Taken for what it is, you cannot help but enjoy the movie and with a cast that includes Jacqueline Bisset and the ever amazing John Rhys-Davies, it's all good hokum fun.

Leave the history books on the bookshelf and sit back for the escapist drama which is 2000's BRITANNIC"

Action and Suspense

WriterBoy | Southern California | 09/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Inspired by the 1998 "Titanic", this is the story of the mysterious sinking of Titanic's Sister Ship Britannic. Starring Amanda Ryan, and featuring John Rhys-Davies (Salah in the Indiana Jones films), the cast is surprisingly good in the way only mid-level British actors can be, turning in workmanlike performances that nearly make you forget this is not a big-budget blockbuster. If you liked Titanic, then see this movie."

Historically inaccurate, but still great fun

Josh | Indiana | 09/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have spent literally hundreds of hours researching the Britannic for a book that I'm working on, and as soon as I heard that they were making a film about her I was instantly curious. I turned on the television to see it one night without expecting very much, mainly because nobody has any idea what really sank the ship in the first place. However I was bowled over by the great story, character development and interesting take on what may have happened to her. As far as I'm concerned this movie is as good as it could have been considering the historical evidence, and the possiblity of a German spy on board was indeed an interesting touch. Although for the record, the famed torpedo incident didn't take place, and neither did the gunfight on board. My only real complaint is the casting of John Ryes-Davis as Captain Bartlett. Although a great actor, he does not resemble the real Captain Bartlett in any way. Still, a great view!"

Not Titanic, but not bad at all

Ian | USA | 03/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you thought Titanic had too much romance and wanted lots of gunfights, then Britanic is what you are looking for. Mixing a blend of Titanic with Western like gunfights and Indiana Jonesesqe escapes, Britanic comes off as one of the best TV Movies I've seen in years. The plot centers around a maid who works for a familly sailing on the HMS Britanic. After a flashback sequence involving the Titanic, we learn that she survived the Titanic. How this relates to the film dosent really matter, but is obviously nessicary. Later some deep, dark, secrets are revealed, but saying them would ruin the suprise (Although we know what one charachter is 3 minutes after we meet him). The highlights for me were definitly the gunfights and the exciting "Escape the sinking ship" sequence. Definitly worth a look.The Good:
Lots of action, likable charachters, Good CGIThe bad:
Obvious copy of TitanicAnd the Ugly:
Nothing really"