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Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

  • 1995
  • 1h 32m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
547
YOUR RATING
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (1995)
Drama

The film tells the story of a strange friendship between an adult, already on the return of his path of life, and a Chinese girl who just begins her path. Nikos is the radio operator of a me... Read allThe film tells the story of a strange friendship between an adult, already on the return of his path of life, and a Chinese girl who just begins her path. Nikos is the radio operator of a merchant ship and has just arrived in Hong-Kong. He is tired and wants to forget his problem... Read allThe film tells the story of a strange friendship between an adult, already on the return of his path of life, and a Chinese girl who just begins her path. Nikos is the radio operator of a merchant ship and has just arrived in Hong-Kong. He is tired and wants to forget his problems by smoking opium. Innocence and hope turns to him in the person of Li, a Chinese girl wh... Read all

  • Director
    • Marion Hänsel
  • Writers
    • Nikos Kavvadias
    • Marion Hänsel
    • Louis Grospierre
  • Stars
    • Stephen Rea
    • Ling Chu
    • Adrian Brine
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    547
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Marion Hänsel
    • Writers
      • Nikos Kavvadias
      • Marion Hänsel
      • Louis Grospierre
    • Stars
      • Stephen Rea
      • Ling Chu
      • Adrian Brine
    • 5User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations total

    Photos7

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    Top cast30

    Edit
    Stephen Rea
    Stephen Rea
    • Nikos
    Ling Chu
    • Li - a little Chinese girl
    Adrian Brine
    Adrian Brine
    • Captain
    Maka Kotto
    Maka Kotto
    • The African sailor
    Mischa Aznavour
    • The young sailor
    Koon-Lan Law
    Koon-Lan Law
    • Li's mother
    Jane Birkin
    Jane Birkin
    • Nikos' former love
    • (voice)
    Chan Chan Man
    • Baby
    Chow Jo
    • Li's grandfather
    Wong Wong
    • Li's grandmother
    Fow Tse
    • Li's stepfather
    Cheung Chi Ho
    • A sailor
    Chong Ching
    • A sailor
    Lim
    • A sailor
    Peter Heylen
    • A sailor
    Manuel Dong Hua
    • A sailor
    Lee Loy Kei
    • The salesman
    Tong Shu Wing
    • The first customs officer
    • Director
      • Marion Hänsel
    • Writers
      • Nikos Kavvadias
      • Marion Hänsel
      • Louis Grospierre
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews5

    7.3547
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    10

    Featured reviews

    10mandy-1

    Brilliant! Disturbing! Does What Film Does Best

    This one takes you into another realm as only a really good movie can--from the dark, disturbing opening to the a-little-too-fairy-tale end. Stephen Rhea, the straight guy in "The Crying Game) at his best. This is one of my all-time favorites. One of the most thought provoking and emotionally involving films I've seen.
    pa6-5000

    Haunting

    As dark as this film starts off, it becomes more and more beautiful up to an ending that suggests hope and a new beginning. The change of setting also goes in line with this development. The film begins on a derelict old ship with only a few lonely sailors on board and finishes in the colourful backdrop of Hongkong and Nikos sailing home.

    Stephen Rea's portrayal of Nikos is very intense. The Chinese girl who plays Li has a dignity and maturity that is very touching. There is not much talking in this film, but that serves even better to create the haunting atmosphere it has. The music, reminiscent of Philip Glass' compositions, adds to this effect.

    This is a movie that will be on my mind for a long time.
    Björn-5

    Wonderful drama

    I saw this film in 1997 and have hunted for it since. It´s one of the best I´ve ever seen - at the same time very moving, sad, ugly and beautiful. Stephen Rea is one of my favourite actors and perfect for this role, I think. This film touches you. It makes you think. Extra points for the end, which is lovely and surprising, like a haiku poem. It makes you leave the film with a glad feeling.
    10Zé-2

    Great

    A nice meeting between two different worlds and different cultures, and ages. I've got the sensation that we should keep our eyes and minds open to see many beautiful things that the world gives us every moment free and we do not see

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Film debut of Ling Chu. As of 2013, this is her only performance.
    • Quotes

      Nikos: The sea don't cradles me anymore and when I landed, the ground is still moving under my feet.

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    FAQ1

    • Does anyone know if this film is available on DVD and where I can get it? Thanks.

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • 1995 (Belgium)
    • Countries of origin
      • Belgium
      • France
      • United Kingdom
    • Languages
      • Dutch
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Mellan djävulen & det djupa blå havet
    • Filming locations
      • Brussels, Brussels-Capital, Belgium
    • Production companies
      • BRTN Fictie
      • Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
      • Eurimages
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 32 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR

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