Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sardonic
- eccentric
- tense
- classic action night
- maritime thriller marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed it as competently made but formulaic and emotionally thin, with occasional pulp-adventure entertainment undermined by prolonged conferences and limited action.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The terrorists seize a North Sea drilling rig and production platform, making the oil installation both hostage site and tactical obstacle.
Rufus Excalibur ffolkes is a wealthy, misogynistic eccentric whose idiosyncrasies accompany his leadership of the rescue team.
The government deliberates and coordinates with ffolkes before a relatively concentrated military operation against the rig hijackers.
Roger Moore, Anthony Perkins, James Mason, and an internationally oriented supporting cast anchor a broadly accessible British production.
Films like North Sea Hijack, and why
The Sea Wolves
shared high-seas adventure setting, hostage crisis, military intervention, and brisk action plotting
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
shared maritime action, terrorist threat, ransom stakes, and ensemble counter-operation
The Wild Geese
shared 1970s-era action-adventure tone, eccentric lead figure, and commercial thriller construction
Under Siege
shared offshore hostage scenario, specialized rescue team, and contained action-thriller tension
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrew V. McLaglen
- Release Date
- 1980-02-18
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (122)
Cast
- Roger Moore
- Anthony Perkins
- James Mason
- David Hedison
- Michael Parks
- Jack Watson
- David Wood
- Jeremy Clyde
- George Baker
- Faith Brook
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is North Sea Hijack about?
- A flamboyant British eccentric leads a handpicked strike team against terrorists holding a North Sea oil rig for ransom.
- What is North Sea Hijack like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of North Sea Hijack as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is North Sea Hijack violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in North Sea Hijack as mild.
- What did critics think of North Sea Hijack?
- Critics broadly viewed it as competently made but formulaic and emotionally thin, with occasional pulp-adventure entertainment undermined by prolonged conferences and limited action.
- Which films are like North Sea Hijack?
- Films with a similar feel include The Sea Wolves, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Wild Geese, and Under Siege.
- How long is North Sea Hijack?
- North Sea Hijack runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch North Sea Hijack?
- In United States, North Sea Hijack is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
