MOVIE REVIEW
Juggernaut (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Thriller, Action
Year Released: 1974, 2024 Eureka Entertainment Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Richard Lester
Writer(s): Richard Alan Simmons, Alan Plater
Cast: Richard Harris, Omar Sharif, David Hemmings, Anthony Hopkins, Shirley Knight, Ian Holm, Clifton James, Roy Kinnear, Caroline Mortimer, Mark Burns, John Stride
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: JUGGERNAUT, directed by Richard Lester and written by Richard Alan Simmons and Alan Plater, stands out with its unique approach. Departing from the explosive norms of 1970s disaster movies, this film sidesteps the expected dramatic catastrophes to focus more intimately on psychological tension and human emotions under duress. 

The plot evolves on the SS Britannic cruising the cold North Atlantic. The vessel becomes the target of a menacing threat when the mysterious Juggernaut announces that there are bombs aboard. Demanding a ransom, this antagonist sets a narrative that interlaces high-stakes governmental maneuverings with the intricate personal dramas among the ship's passengers and crew. 

Richard Harris's character, Anthony Fallon, is central to the storyline. His role as a bomb disposal expert is defined by charisma and precision. His efforts to neutralize the threat are juxtaposed with those of Omar Sharif's Captain Alex Brunel, who struggles to maintain leadership and calm amid looming chaos. Their portrayals add depth to the unfolding drama, focusing on subtle leadership and expertise rather than overt heroics.

Lester’s penchant for detail is a hallmark of this film. He captures the tension with a lens that prefers the quiet intensity of a tightening screw or a nervous bead of sweat to flashy pyrotechnics. This restrained filmmaking style enhances the film’s authenticity and suspense, making viewers feel the ticking clock with palpable urgency.

While the imminent danger of the explosives provides a unique story, JUGGERNAUT invests significant screen time in exploring its characters' depths. The film features performances from an ensemble cast, including Anthony Hopkins, whose characters all respond differently to the crisis, showcasing a spectrum of human resilience and vulnerability. The ship’s social director, played by Roy Kinnear, tries to lift spirits with dance and distraction, highlighting the human capacity to find light in dark times.

Lester seems more committed to exploring his characters' emotional arcs than crafting a blockbuster climax, which results in a more reflective and contemplative viewing experience. This somehow manages to work in this film; it’s not the crazy disaster film we expect, but it’s a journey into the unexpected. This choice has allowed it to endure as a noteworthy work, appreciated for its innovative approach and depth to the disaster genre.

JUGGERNAUT is Richard Lester’s cinematic intersection of style and substance. It offers thrills and a profound exploration of human strengths and frailties. The film provides a rewarding experience for those who prefer their drama packed with real human emotion rather than explosive action, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition (2000 Copies)
Limited edition O-card slipcase
1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary with British cinema expert Melanie Williams and James Leggott
All Hands on Deck – Brand new interview with film historian Neil Sinyard, author of The Films of Richard Lester
Down with the Ship – Brand new interview with film historian Sheldon Hall on Juggernaut and the disaster film
Trailer
Limited edition collector’s booklet featuring new writing on Juggernaut by British film scholar Laura Mayne

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT]

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