AniInterview
Sorry, this movie sucks
TrueHello
Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.
Deanna
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
andrea-45
I have to thank CBC, actually, for making this movie. Before a visit to Halifax on the QE2, I had never heard of the Explosion (typical American - although, in fact, I'm Canadian-born). But even seeing the great memorial didn't really register the extent of the disaster until I saw the movie. Yes, characters were combined or fictionalized in some cases, but that is absolutely secondary to the portrayal of that horrific episode in Canadian history. The effects of the blast were particularly well done. I hope it plays again, as indeed it should every couple of years or so, to remind us all of both the losses and the bravery incurred that day.
Shelly-30
(This may contain spoilers.)'Shattered City' focuses on the fictional Collins family at the time of the Halifax Explosion, mainly the celebrated son, Patrick, who has just returned from the war. Before he can return to the front, the explosion occurs; and he must help his family survive.The acting and the effects were fantastic, along with the other minute production details, which is very characteristic of the CBC's productions. Yet, in parts, it tends to to drag a little; and we aren't given a sufficient back story for some of the characters. As well, it probably would've done better as a three-hour-long made-for-TV movie instead of a two-part miniseries. I'd also take into account the fact that this is the first movie centred around this important part of Canadian history; and, eventually, there may be more about it.Not too bad (I give this an 8); but it could've been improved upon.
Andréa
The Halifax Explosion was a turning point in Canadian history. It shook a young country, but left it stronger, if not more sober.The CBC's "Shattered City" uses fiction to tell the story of the Halifax Explosion. Some of the actors put in good performances, although many are stiff. My major grievance is with the use of fiction. The viewer is not able to discern truth from fantasy. In fact, at the film's conclusion, a short clip shows the actors explaining they had not ever learned anything about the Hfx Explosion. This may be true for many Canadians, as well as people in other countries. The story has little to teach us, because it fails to recognize the greatness of the real story.
clydesdale15
It was nice to see another good movie about the Maritimes. There were certain things that lacked or needed more explanation, but on the whole it was an enjoyable movie based on true events. Most people have never even heard of the Halifax explosion; so, this movie should provide some info. The actors did a good job portraying their characters. It was wonderful to see Zachary Bennett (Ernest) again, whom most would remember as Felix King in the "Road to Avonlea" series. Unfortunately his character only appears in the first part and we never hear of him after that. This is a good movie to sit back in the evening and enjoy.
