South Pacific
Seen it?1958 | 157 min | Music, Romance, War
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar, though it had a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Atonement or Corpse Bride, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 37 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 37 min.
- Made in 1958: an older pace and style.
Can a girl from Little Rock find happiness with a mature French planter she got to know one enchanted evening away from the military hospital where she is a nurse? Or should she just wash that man out of her hair? Bloody Mary is the philosopher of the island and it's hard to believe she could be the mother of Liat who has captured the heart of Lt. Joseph Cable USMC. While waiting for action in the war in the South Pacific, sailors and nurses put on a musical comedy show. The war gets closer and the saga of Nellie Forbush and Emile de Becque becomes serious drama.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Sound. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$37 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 163K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Joshua Logan
- Rossano BrazziEmile De Becque
- Mitzi GaynorEnsign Nellie Forbush, USN
- John KerrLt. Joseph Cable, USMC
- Ray WalstonLuther Billis
- Juanita HallBloody Mary
- France NuyenLiat
- Russ BrownCapt. J.M. Brackett, USN
- Jack MullaneyThe Professor
- Ken ClarkStewpot
- Floyd SimmonsCommander Harbison, USN