Morituri

Morituri is a spellbinding black-and-white noirish war drama that graced the silver screen in 1965. Brought to the audience by visionary director Bernhard Wicki, the film casts legendary Hollywood stars Marlon Brando, Yul Brynner, and Janet Margolin in pivotal roles. The movie elegantly showcases a poignant blend of history, suspense and war.

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous era of World War II, the movie probes into the bone-chilling realities of the battles waged in both the sea and the personal lives of the people. The narrative promises to take the viewer on an enthralling journey filled with boundless possibilities of the human spirit, the darkness of war, and the ensuing struggle for peace.

Marlon Brando, one of the titans of American cinema, brings his unique style of method acting and charisma to the role of Robert Crain, a German deserter from war, living in exile in India. His life takes a sudden turn when he is blackmailed by British Intelligence into sabotaging a German merchant ship, which is surreptitiously transporting a valuable cargo of rubber to Nazi-occupied France.

Upon hearing about the planned sabotage, the ship's Capitan Mueller, artfully played by Yul Brynner, takes all possible countermeasure to prevent the ship's capture or destruction. The intricate power-play between Crain and Mueller bounces the narrative of the movie back and forth, creating an overall gripping narrative. The turbulent sea journey encapsulates the nuanced nuances of human bravery, betrayal and deceptiveness.

Against this complex atmosphere of war and conspiracy, we also meet Esther, a beautiful and deeply troubled concentration camp survivor portrayed by Janet Margolin. Her tragic past and ensuing struggles are depicted with utmost sensitivity, serving as a stark contrast and reminder of the horrific tolls of war and conflict on humanity.

The movie is a visual poetry, stylized by its cinematographer, Conrad L. Hall, an artist of international stature who is lauded for his unique handling of contrast and shadow, thus intensifying the atmosphere of suspense and dread that permeates the film. His work symbiotically blends with the aesthetic rhythm created by Wicki, grounding the performances of these acting powerhouses.

As is typical with war dramas, morality isn't painted in simple black or white but is immersed in profound shades of grey. It explores the ethics of duty, delves into the therein of fear and desperation, and poses questions around just how far one will go since one's survival is at stake.

Brando's brooding strength emanates through his portrayal of a man trapped and swept up by the brutality of war, delivering depth and realism. Brynner's stoic poise and regal aura lend an exquisite aura of mystery and intrigue to his character. Janet Margolin, in her portrayal of a tormented survivor, adds a touch of humanity and grace to this intense narrative, making it a worthy watch.

The striking atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, heightens the mounting tension between the characters and the suspense of their actions. Being one of his early works, the film's score manages to capture the essence of the turbulent sea and the simmering tension aboard the ship.

All in all, Morituri, though intense and dark, professes a cinematic finesse that is rare to be found. It is a testament to artistic brilliance and solid performances. The film is not just a simple war story; instead, it speaks volumes about the human spirit, resilience, and the lengths to which one would go to survive.

While the screenplay sometimes delves into complex ethical dilemmas, Wicki’s adept storytelling never loses focus on the personal narratives of the characters it aims to tell. The result is a suspenseful voyage - a turbulent journey through both the treacherous depths of the sea and the human psyche.

Indeed, Morituri is a classic gem that demands the viewer's undivided attention, not only for its intriguing plot but also for its cinematic and aesthetic appeal. It's an exemplar of the power cinema possesses to depict human spirit, choices and survival in extraordinary circumstances. This movie is a must-watch for lovers of richly complex war dramas and a palpable testament to the legacy of its foundational actors Brando, Brynner, and Margolin.