steveo122 I followed McQueen from "The Blob" 1958 to the end. I even met him when I worked at the little airport where he set up for the last couple years of his life, but that's not the point. I won't pick one but I will pick my two favorites of his: "Bullitt" and this, although on a different day "The Reivers" 1969, could take the lead. Quite often, probably always, the transition of a novel to screen is a matter of reduction. Quite often it feels like it even if you haven't read the novel. This, happily, is yet another film, a period adventure, that feels like a truly epic novel, which makes a very satisfying viewing. If you like McQueen, period adventure set in out of the ordinary periods and/or plausible historical fiction: you will like this. Excellent production and outstanding performances by all with extra points given to Mako, Attenborough, Crenna and Oakland. Candice Bergen is in it. I can't really blame her for the rowboat scene; it takes two to fumble.

elvircorhodzic 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.

zetes I wasn't really looking forward to this, as I'm not a huge fan of military/war movies, not to mention it's three hours long. Thankfully, though, it's quite good, almost great. I think it could have moved a bit faster at times, but it's a compelling story with several exceptional set pieces and fine acting all around. Steve McQueen stars as a gunboat engineer assigned to a small ship, the USS San Pablo, sailing the Yangtze River in 1926. Revolution brews in China, but the handful of Westerners in the country don't have much to do with it. That doesn't last for long, as the communist factions gain more traction and the San Pablo becomes a scapegoat of some of the factions, who try to get the Americans to commit an act of war so their own civil war can fully blossom. The San Pablo has to play the situation very carefully. The movie is quite tense. It's not very action packed, but it does build to a fantastic battle sequence which has instantly become one of my all time favorites. McQueen was rarely better, and received his sole Oscar nomination for the role. Just as good in supporting roles are Mako (who was Oscar nominated, as well), Richard Attenborough (who was not but did win a Golden Globe) and Richard Crenna as the Captain. Candice Bergen, only 19 or 20 at the time, also co-stars as McQueen's love interest. She doesn't get a lot to do, but she's fine.

r-dunnet Steve McQueen was rightly nominated for an Oscar, for his sterling performance in this movie. For Richard Crenna, this has to have been his finest hour. A beautifully crafted tale of American involvement in China during, I think , the Boxer rebellion. The film reunited Steve McQueen and Richard Attenborough, of Great Escape fame. However, it must be said that the character of Frenchy, who Richard Attenborough plays, is a disappointment in this production, as he is totally out of place in his portrayal of a lovesick member of the crew. The film moves at an extraordinary pace throughout, with the occasional calm respite. Totally believable from start to finish, with engineering set- pieces spot on. The Sand Pebbles remains one reason why people still visit the cinema.