Bertahan Hidup Di Tengah Lautan Lepas !!! - Alur Cerita Film

In this film review, we dive into the real-life story of Norwegian sailors during World War II. The film, titled "Worseiler", depicts the brutal conditions and the struggle for survival that these sailors faced amidst a conflict they never sought. Let's delve into their journey.

The Beginning of the Journey

The film introduces us to the main character, Alfred Garnest, working at a port in Norway. It's the year 1939, seven months before Germany's occupation of Norway. Alfred, a sailor on a Norwegian trading ship, is queuing to collect his final paycheck. His friend and constant companion, Cecil, Alfred's wife, stands by his side. They have three children together: William, Meggy, and the baby, Olaf. Alfred seeks Cecil's approval to sail on a trading ship for 18 months to support their family's needs. While it weighs heavily on Cecil, they have no other option. Their youngest, Meggy, is devastated upon learning about Alfred's departure. Before leaving, Alfred comforts his family, knowing the difficulties ahead.

Facing the Brutal Reality

In 1940, in the Atlantic Ocean, with Germany beginning its invasion of Norway, seventy Norwegian trading ships have already been lost. Alfred witnesses the crew of a sinking ship swimming for help after a German attack. Despite their plea, the ship's captain refuses to stop due to the dangerous threat of torpedoes. Two crew members are left behind in open waters. Alfred saves one of them, Axel, and convinces him to work in the ship's kitchen. The captain informs Alfred and his crew that the Norwegian government has decided to put all trading ships under the control of the King, sailing for the Allies to aid in the war effort. Alfred and his friends are now bound to continue sailing to England, as returning to Norway would brand them as traitors.

The Tumultuous Journey Continues

In 1941, while in Liverpool, England, Alfred and his friends pay tribute to dozens of submarine crew members who lost their lives due to German torpedo attacks. They learn that Germany has deployed hundreds of submarines in Norway, even constructing a submarine bunker beneath the Holland School, where Alfred's children used to study. As England, being an ally of Norway, sends hundreds of fighter jets to combat the threat, their ship is attacked, resulting in the destruction of the aft section and casualties among the crew. Fortunately, Alfred and Six, another crew member, survive the attack.

In 1942, after their damaged ship finds refuge in Malta, they face another attack. Seeking shelter in an underground bunker on Axel's 16th birthday, they share the tremendous ups and downs they've experienced during the ongoing war. Meanwhile, Alfred's children, Meiji and William, attend school above a German submarine bunker. The ship's crew becomes increasingly concerned as they are sailing on a munitions carrier, putting their lives at greater risk. Amidst the chaos, two crew members plan to escape, but when they witness the return of Hana and Axel, Alfred cancels his own escape plans.

Rendezvous with Family

The film fast-forwards to 1944, in Bergen, Norway. Meiji is studying at a school situated directly above the German bunker. Alfred and his friends are busy cooking in the ship's kitchen. Cecil hears the alarm for an impending attack and remembers their two children still at school. She rushes amidst hundreds of British fighter planes, while Alfred warns his friends about the danger of German torpedoes. The ship is hit, resulting in the destruction of the aft section. William is found covered in debris, but Meiji still remains trapped in the ruins of the school. Despite other casualties, Meiji miraculously survives.

Alfred, nearly drowning, is saved by Tony and brought onto a board. They witness their ship, the Falkenger, sinking before their eyes. Determined, they row with all their might to save Axel, crying out for help as he drowns. The German warship approaches them, and the ship's commander inquires about their captain, unaware of Tony's death. A medical officer examines Axel and confirms that he cannot be saved. Alfred is devastated, feeling overwhelmingly guilty for what happened to Axel. After spending some time in a hospital, Alfred discovers that his wife and children were victims of the war. Grief-stricken, he leaves the hospital without notifying his friends.

Reunion and Closure

Years later, in 1972, an older Alfred celebrates his grandchild's birthday. Unexpectedly, Sig, a friend who had been missing for years, visits. Sig discloses that he had been in Asia all along and has now returned to Norway. While Sig was happy to see his old friends, Alfred resented the memories Sig's presence brought back, reopening his deep-seated trauma. Eventually, Sig decides to leave, recognizing the toll his return is taking on Alfred's mental health.

In conclusion, "Worseiler" sheds light on the incredible sacrifices and hardships endured by Norwegian sailors during World War II. With 30,000 Norwegians sailing for the Allies, many lost their lives, while others suffered injuries and trauma. The film serves as a reminder of the untold stories and the lasting impact of war on the individuals who lived through it.