not as good as all the hype

Lack of good storyline.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

"Baltic Storm" dramatizes and brings to the fore the 'why's and wherefores' behind a little known tragedy -- the sinking of the ferryboat 'Estonia' on the Baltic Sea in 1994, a disaster in which 852 people lost their lives. The framing device -- a reporter's search for the truth, along with a survivor father's search for his missing son, presumed drowned -- allows the viewer to understand the geo-political implications that transcends what appears to be a natural tragedy. As Scacchi and Prochnow (both never better) investigate, the answers they glean only bring up more questions which continue to resonate way beyond the particulars of this tragedy. The gloomy light of the Baltic Sea in winter enhances the tension and poignancy of the story. Well acted, (especially the turn by Donald Sutherland as a mysterious 'facilitator'), as well as written and directed, the film is quite moving. Ultimately, it should be judged on its cinematic merits -- not on personalities or differences in the conclusions the film suggests. To view it any other way, only disrespects the memories of the victims.

The sinking of the ferry Estonia in the Baltic Sea in 1994 was traumatic for the whole of Scandinavia: over 800 dead but through their relations and connections with friends so so many more suffered emotionally. The official report was never satisfying, especially the failure of security system for the bows and the suspicions of a cover-up from events unexplained and the decision not to bring Estonia up from the seabed. The film Baltic Sea is a serious valid alternative to the report. Secret service relations between Sweden and Estonia, with miserable consequences, are now well known, so is also the smuggling of WMD from the former USSR to the West, and the US and NATO's roles in trying to contain it, and so is also Sweden's "secret" ties with Nato and the US military. The acting out of these forces is very gripping, probably more so for non-Scandinavians who are less emotionally involved.

The Baltic Storm is a very controversial story which I think have a lot of truth in it. It's about the big catastrophe in 1994 when the ship Estonia sank between Estonia and Sweden. Over 800 people died and only around 100 where saved.The survivors told about explosions and the proof also told that something wasn't right in the official story about what had happen.This movie is about that and it's quite interesting, but you should not expect any movie like Titanic. This is a movie which have been done to tell the alternative truth with a low budget.I recommend this movie to all you out there which don't buy all the crap politicians and other high people tells us.

International political intrigue at its very best! BALTIC STORM is a very well directed movie that lives up to it's title. The storyline is inherently interesting and the plotlines masterfully woven in a way that keep you guessing throughout. The acting is very strong, especially from Donald Sutherland. If you're a fan of Costa-Gavras or just in thrillers in general, definitely check this one out!