THE SAND PEBBLES is an adventurous war drama that, in a fascinating way, shows a confusion of an unstable society towards an external symbol of prejudice and an internal growth of nationalist revolution. The environment, which is a kind of collision of the culture and the traditions blended with poverty and ignorance, is fascinating. The photography is very impressive. The story shows an unbalanced relation between rebellious and responsible characters, which are exposed to impending, but shocking, events. It is based on the novel of the same name by Richard McKenna.
In 1926, as China teeters on the edge of political revolution in the midst of a civil war, the USS San Pablo, is ordered to patrol the Yangtze River to represent and protect American interests. The ship is nicknamed the "Sand Pebble" and its sailors "Sand Pebbles". The new crew member is Machinist's Mate 1st Class Jake Holman. Because he takes an interest in mechanical work, Holman involves himself directly in the operation and maintenance of the ship's engine. As a result, the chief engine room coolie, Chien, is insulted. Holman also earns the antipathy of most of his fellow sailors. He does become close friends with one seasoned, sensitive seaman, Frenchy. A stern but inexperienced commanding officer Captain Collins frequently drills his charges, unsure what else to do. Holman's methods and his empathy for the Chinese population leads to frequent clashes. When Frenchy dies from a disease, Holman has found himself, protecting Frenchy's pregnant wife, at the center of a political scandal...
This is the story of the anger, bitterness, reluctance and non-acceptance. The direction is excellent, the atmosphere is dark, while the plots are extremely turbulent. Well, there are present a kind of ironic attitudes, particularly in the case of political turmoil or, to say, in a case of rescue nationals who do not want to be saved. Of course, that irony can not be effective without a well-known inferiority, arrogance and hypocrisy. In such relations, we do not need a hero.
Steve McQueen as Jake Holman is somewhat desperate and closed character, who has no confidence in his superiors and a common mission. He is an engineer, who does his job very well, takes care of his only friend, and run away from love, so as not to hurt a lovely missionary.
Richard Crenna as Lieutenant Collins is a sharp and stubborn captain, who does not have enough self-confidence. Richard Attenborough as Frenchy Burgoyne is a sailor who tries to plant a life where the world is falling apart. Marayat Andriane as Maily is a touch of an exotic, who is associated with her cruel fate in an uncompromising society. Candice Bergen as Shirley Eckert is a beautiful missionary who gives love and kindness, and in return receives a war.
In 1926, as China teeters on the edge of political revolution in the midst of a civil war, the USS San Pablo, is ordered to patrol the Yangtze River to represent and protect American interests. The ship is nicknamed the "Sand Pebble" and its sailors "Sand Pebbles". The new crew member is Machinist's Mate 1st Class Jake Holman. Because he takes an interest in mechanical work, Holman involves himself directly in the operation and maintenance of the ship's engine. As a result, the chief engine room coolie, Chien, is insulted. Holman also earns the antipathy of most of his fellow sailors. He does become close friends with one seasoned, sensitive seaman, Frenchy. A stern but inexperienced commanding officer Captain Collins frequently drills his charges, unsure what else to do. Holman's methods and his empathy for the Chinese population leads to frequent clashes. When Frenchy dies from a disease, Holman has found himself, protecting Frenchy's pregnant wife, at the center of a political scandal...
This is the story of the anger, bitterness, reluctance and non-acceptance. The direction is excellent, the atmosphere is dark, while the plots are extremely turbulent. Well, there are present a kind of ironic attitudes, particularly in the case of political turmoil or, to say, in a case of rescue nationals who do not want to be saved. Of course, that irony can not be effective without a well-known inferiority, arrogance and hypocrisy. In such relations, we do not need a hero.
Steve McQueen as Jake Holman is somewhat desperate and closed character, who has no confidence in his superiors and a common mission. He is an engineer, who does his job very well, takes care of his only friend, and run away from love, so as not to hurt a lovely missionary.
Richard Crenna as Lieutenant Collins is a sharp and stubborn captain, who does not have enough self-confidence. Richard Attenborough as Frenchy Burgoyne is a sailor who tries to plant a life where the world is falling apart. Marayat Andriane as Maily is a touch of an exotic, who is associated with her cruel fate in an uncompromising society. Candice Bergen as Shirley Eckert is a beautiful missionary who gives love and kindness, and in return receives a war.