Taylor is an amazing character, and he and John capture the true nature of PTSD in American veterans in a powerful way. The shots from Patagonia were absolutely breathtaking, and the overall beauty captured throughout the voyage conveyed the restorative effects of the journey.
14 Reviews
Heart felt story in an engrossing documentary
etcbeatty25 May 2022
This is a great story. A story to bring awareness to military suicides and the difficulties veterans encounter adjusting to a civilian lifestyle. My company sponsored a Zoom call with Taylor and Stephen... which happened to be the day after Taylor's child was born. One of the questioned asked of him was why PTSD was so prevalent in non-combat personnel. Once he described the pace of operations that he faced as a rescue swimmer and the low success rates of missions I understood how that stress is not left with the Navy when you go home. And as a 20 year Navy guy myself, I found it crazy that the military is not doing more for those leaving the service. If nothing else, all military members need to see this movie.
why
howboutthisone_huh22 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Why would you go into the military if you can't live as a civilian. I know it's not popular or pc to criticize veterans but all I saw in this documentary was someone complaining as in, I was special, now they discarded me and I'm broken and unless we get help, we're going to commit suicide. That's a fairly immature attitude and it doesn't matter if you're in the military or not because you have more serious issues that need to be addressed. Issues that would come up if you went in the military or not. Nobody forces you to become a rescue swimmer and if, for whatever reason, you have to stop why do you need special care. You weren't guaranteed a lifetime path; nobody is. I don't believe this has anything to do with vets or their issues but more about politicking and eliciting support on an issue that most people address mostly on emotion. Just because you were a veteran doesn't mean you should have lifetime special care. What if you work say delivering healthcare in dangerous 3rd world countries. Doesn't make you a military veteran. If you stop doing that work, are you subject to ptsd and possible severe depression, sure. Doesn't make you special though. Doesn't mean I care if you sail to cape horn or not. That's your personal adventure which I care very little about and ironically people who do that who are not in the military can come out of with ptsd. Consider donald crowhurst. I have more sympathy for someone like that. Not a veteran but driven to try sailing solo around the world. Was it because he was on a cause for veterans that we should all support, no. It's interesting that the main character in this says at the end that he bought an apt with his gi bill. Military veterans in the US are substantially compensated compared to the people that they are at war with. The discrepancy is absurd and is it really worth it because after afghaistan, the longest war in US history, the country is turned over to the people we were at war with as if nothing really changed. If we concentrated on not wasting lives and how much war was costing in many aspects maybe we would save even more lives. I could support that, not some opportunist waving the flag for his own causes.
An edge of the sea(t) adventure to understand the challenges for Veterans transitioning back
senor_cos12 November 2021
This is why you turn on a documentary.... Compelling story and characters, beautiful frames, a great narrative arc full of twists and turns you don't see coming that can only occur in real life... And to learn much more about the human condition..
This is a beautiful portrayal of a person leading the way and reconciling their pain and confusion, to transition back to the civilian community after serving in the Navy, and grappling with PTSD and sense of purpose. There's so much that is gently informed to you as the viewer, as you ride along with this amazing open seas adventure
This is a great exploration for anyone and could be suitable even as a family night around the TV. Highly recommend and hope this film inspires so many people to consider how to support the military to civilian transition.
This is a great exploration for anyone and could be suitable even as a family night around the TV. Highly recommend and hope this film inspires so many people to consider how to support the military to civilian transition.
Too much of an American tale
gorian_902 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It's about an important and very real problem, and I don't mean in any way dimish that, but the documentary itself is just so incredibly American. For my taste, it's just to dramatized - to the point of becoming kind of tacky. The obvious "twists", the cello playing in the background, the "love for 'murica and my bro's serving in our beloved armed forces", the raising of the American flag in honor of "their extended family", the attempt to portrait it as a heros' journey (complete with reference to The Odyssey)... I'm sorry, but it just makes me not taking it seriously.
Also the fact that the opening obviously is designed to make you think the main guy died during the trip, later revealing he in fact not only lives ("surprise"), but made the whole thing into a business venture... it's just not for me.
Also the fact that the opening obviously is designed to make you think the main guy died during the trip, later revealing he in fact not only lives ("surprise"), but made the whole thing into a business venture... it's just not for me.
Terrific film
vlgregg19 February 2022
This is the best documentary I've seen in years. It'll give you a whole new level of respect and awe for our brothers and sisters in the military. The adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the footage is absolutely spectacular. This isn't a typical documentary film.
POWERFUL Documentary
bagley-9562321 March 2022
Hell or High Seas is a moving documentary about veteran Taylor, his experience with PTSD, and his (and his crew's) journey sailing around Cape Horn. It is a moving film, one that obviously took a lot of time, energy, and courage to make! I am also in awe of Taylor and the crew and their ability to figure it all out (engine maintenance, the sailing logistics, etc.). And the best part of this film is the message it sends to others struggling with PTSD - you are not alone, and there is hope! Thank you, Taylor and crew, for sharing this story so that others do not have to suffer in silence.
A Must Sea!
kconly23 November 2021
It's easy to explain how this documentary pulls you into the story and the majestic visuals from beginning to end. But you may not believe me, and I would rather you experience it for yourself. Watch and listen how a small boat with a small crew travels across the equator with the power of the wind, and a purpose that comes from deep within. I was fortunate enough to see a showing in Philadelphia with the story tellers themselves. Needless to say, the film is truly spectacular but hearing them speak afterwards made the evening even more powerful. I can't wait to see it again! And as someone that volunteers with Veterans, I want to especially recommend this to anyone going through tough times, or making the transition back to civilian life. Here is a story you must SEA to believe!!
Must Watch! Compelling story with needed info for all!
barbieFisch12 November 2021
Adventure, action, heart and soul! This documentary has it all! You'll enjoy the action of the sailing but be moved by the story of Taylor and other Vets as they talk about the struggle of returning to civilian life! I cannot say enough! Edge of your seat moment, tears and laughs! It has it all! Excellent cinematography as well! Watch it now!
Heartwarming and important
edharelik17 November 2021
You don't know what you don't know
erichorn-5916222 November 2021
What an inspirational film! I did not serve for our country. Watching this documentary gives so much respect to those that did. Our top officials need to watch this and learn how to better serve the men and women who served for us.
AMERICAN PRIDE
barob-5197317 July 2023
I am so very proud to be an American because of men like Taylor Grieger, Stephen O'Shea and John (couldn't remember his last name ... very sorry for that). These brave men served our country and laid their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. Men and women who serve their country are the true heroes. None of the stars on the big screen who play Iron Man and Spider man will testify themselves they only play heroes. My father served 30 years in the Army. He was a Ranger in Vietnam, and as a Colonel in the Special Forces during Desert Storm. Unfortunately I was born with a medical condition that prevented me from serving, although I tried on two different occasions to do join. I wanted so desperately to follow in my father's footsteps, but it was not meant to be. I thank God for my dad and the brave men and women like Taylor, Stephen and John for what they did during their service, and just as importantly after they got out. PTSD is no joke. I highly, highly implore you to take the time to watch this documentary because we owe our service members (and civilian service members like the police, fire department and EMS) our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the risk and time sacrificed in the name of democracy and the American way of life. Thank you.
Everyone needs to see! The message of this film needs to be grasped by all Americans!
plmcneely-208-23055330 July 2023
Sitting back after this movie makes me mad that the US does not deprogram soldiers after they have programmed their brain to be killing machines when they need to be.
Watching this documentary makes one see how easy it would be to have an end of service time. There should be heavy investigation into the multitude of service personnel that could be saved by helping to reprogram brains from the needed service life.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a real thing and "We the people". Need to help the personnel that are sent out to protect "our interest" in the line of duty.
I thank all those that participated in this documentary!
Watching this documentary makes one see how easy it would be to have an end of service time. There should be heavy investigation into the multitude of service personnel that could be saved by helping to reprogram brains from the needed service life.
Post traumatic stress disorder is a real thing and "We the people". Need to help the personnel that are sent out to protect "our interest" in the line of duty.
I thank all those that participated in this documentary!
Beautiful story of survival
rasgoodwyn3 July 2023
This is a beautiful story about friendship, our military veterans, mental health, perseverance, and ultimately survival. If it wasn't a true story, it would almost seem too scripted to be real. It has heart-pounding danger, laughter, and tears. It was also beautiful to follow up and see how Taylor has used the film to spread his message and serve veterans with further adventures after the film with Skeleton Crew Adventures. Looks like he's about to embark on another epic expedition taking a team of veterans on an around the world race. This film for me was a fascinating introduction to the origin story of what looks like an amazing organization committed to helping vets struggling with PTSD. Bravo, Capt. Greiger.
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