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Review

Though its story line is never really elevated above a "Dead Poets Society Go Boating" scenario, White Squall nevertheless manages to sustain interest thanks to some exceptional action scenes and the always reliable Bridges. Set during the early 1960s, the story centers on a group of high school teens summering on a "floating prep school" headed by Captain Jeff. The first half of the film essentially examines the varying relationships between the kids (some troubled, some naïve, etc.) in very familiar fashion. However, the film's second half changes course when the titular storm, a sudden and violent torrent of water, engulfs and capsizes the ship and the crew members are left to fend for their lives. Director Scott handles the storm sequences with great assurance, but he's not as fortunate in creating totally believable dramatics between the young protagonists.