White Squall

Based on a true story, this visually stunning Ridley Scott film (is there any other kind?) blows a gust of fresh salt air into an overworked theme. As spoiled rich boys become real men while training on the open seas, they also learn about life’s tragic possibilities, thanks to one of the most fearsome storms ever whipped up on film. Of course, this ”white squall” loses some of its sweep on a TV set. So, for that matter, do the sunnier scenes, with their far horizons and shimmering ocean. But as a coming-of-age adventure, White Squall is uncommonly tough and intelligent, guided by Jeff Bridges’ terse performance as a seasoned skipper who will face his own sternest challenge. His character — and also the movie’s — comes across on any size screen. A-