The Sand Pebbles (1966)

Touches You

Better Late Then Never

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

THE SAND PEBBLES is one of those historical epics that were all the rage back in the 1960s. This one was directed by the great Robert Wise and features the equally great Steve McQueen in one of his less-remembered roles. He plays a sailor stationed on the Yangtze river who gets involved with a local uprising in the 1920s. The plot is fictional but there's a certain air of authenticity to the proceedings and a refreshing lack of the usual 'yellowface' make-up that mars such films. This doesn't have a huge cast, but there are nice turns from Richards Crenna and Attenborough, and a fine performance from a youthful Mako, no less, as McQueen's young buddy. The film suffers from an exceptionally slow first half, but it picks up to a surprisingly bleak climax that pays off in spades.

I had seen this film of war torn 1926 China in the theater when it first came out, and for that time period it was very different, if not shocking at times. Some would argue it is too long, and maybe some scenes are, but that helps to develop the characters very well.Looking at the film today, what really stands out for me today is that one could argue that Richard Crenna(Captain Collins) deserved an Oscar for best supporting actor, as his performance came close to upstaging Steve Mc Queen, who was of course outstanding.I bought the two disc special edition recently(highly recommended), and loaned the film to a couple of my friends and colleagues at the university where I work, and they both liked it. One, who has worked in China extensively believes it to be a fairly realistic looking film of the country and its people. My other friend, who had never heard of the film, watched it and thought it was good also.In other words, here is a film from almost half a century ago, that still captivates first time viewers with outstanding acting, direction, photography, and music. And yes, I bought the two disc music soundtrack also.The Sand Pebbles is an outstanding period film of historical fiction.

This film, is not about politics, global or otherwise. It's not even concerned with the plight of the Chinese in their indebted servitude at the turn of the 20th century. Nor does it make a good case for or against the expansionist policies (some say 'gun boat diplomacy') of the new emerging world power: the United States of America. By the way, and maybe out of pure happenstance romanticism does make some fanciful suggestions in the plot. However, its inclusion is not done in any meaningful 'chick flic' sort of way. Thank Wise for that!Yes, those themes do resonant in Robert Wise's 'Sand Pebbles'. On careful viewing one would detect, I'd think, that the aforementioned are merely sub-themes; those in aggregate have all been reduced to doleful subterfuge of a much larger, poignant message: adventurism. In today's modern lingo that equates to: 'Exceptionalism'. And yes, I'm talking the American Brand: The kind of action films that Hollywood studios produced back then. And by way of clever, and not so subtle scripts the swagger of the those heroes were all induced into our culture.And who better represents the iconic 'cowboy' so fully inculcated in the American psyche since General Custer's halcyon filled though fateful raid along the Apache trails in the hunt for Geronimo, other than Steve McQueen. Moreover, it seems that since time immemorial, dating back even before the birth of Sparta, there would emerge a character, with such bravado and with universal appeal that males from every creed, race and historical epoch would try to emulate; the one possible sole exception was: Alexander the Great. Maybe I overshot... However, even the world's first hallowed conqueror would doff his colorful, plume adorned helmet after having experienced just one McQueen performance on the silver screen. I'm certain of this, if...By all accounts, this film really is a dedication. Call it a celebration. At its core, the entire focused lens is on Steve McQueen. Well, as far as he can fill out the Jake Holman main character. McQueen, not only lends his lean flesh, and right from the opening scene the real man's actor flexes his muscles; and in the process he adorns the ordinary Navy midshipman with layer upon layer of all the right stuff.Glorious stuff that heroes are made of: grace, make that courage under pressure, the willingness to act out of conviction. His 'I do give a damn' idealism is always on display. Foremost, McQueen as Holman, and always without hesitation backs the under dog even if that dog's form comes as a lowly 'coolie'; and at the risk of being ostracized by one's own peer group.Throughout the film, McQueen's rendition of the Jake Holman 'loner' persona was a joy to behold. His on screen performance was Oscar worthy. He alone is the film's tour de force. Why he didn't win one remains an enigma? I'm sure other McQueen fans share my same sentiments though also in disappointment. Because, in cinema, there is no better male thespian when it comes to handling props. Done correctly, a good prop man can give any screen shot the particular esoteric emphasis the director seeks; even to steal the spotlight. Be it staring down the barrel of a carbine after sighting his target or with a sturdy spanner at the ready in his grease stained hands, while listening attentively to the diesel engine for valve lash or to detect a worn main bearing on the U.S.S. San Pablo's refitted crankshaft, no one actor, past or present, is more adroit at getting his point across; and without sayin a word.Now that's exclusively Steve McQueen territory. And over the years, even the decades, since the Sand Pebbles release in 1966, so many have tried. However, the usurpers all failed. And in misery they all missed their mark. I'm not surprised. I'll even go out on the limb: not one of the current crop even ranks as a contender. And none will ever attain the mantle of success that Steve McQueen enjoyed while playing the strong, silent types. Maybe that's cinematic justice...

Seaman engineer Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) transfers to gunboat USS San Pablo patrolling the Yangtze River in 1926 revolutionary China. From the start, it is culture shock. Much of the work on board is being done by Chinese coolies. There is a lot resentment in the Chinese population against these foreign militaries. Eventually the San Pablo finds themselves blockade by the Chinese Nationals. As the ship starts to deteriorates, so does the crew. Shirley Eckert (Candice Bergen) is a teacher at a mission.There is a lot going on here. At 182 minutes, it could have been a slow grind but the story flows quite well. There is a love story between a crewman and Chinese girl. Although it provide a key story element, it also saddles the movie with unnecessary melodrama. There is already enough drama. Steve McQueen is a powerful screen presence, and this probably wouldn't work as well with another actor.