Shipwrecked

Shipwrecked

Year: 1990

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Norwegian

Director: Nils Gaup

AdventureFamily

A young Norwegian boy in 1850s England goes to work as a cabin boy and discovers some of his shipmates are actually pirates.

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Timeline & Setting – Shipwrecked (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Shipwrecked (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1850s

Set in the mid-19th century, an era of wooden ships, naval patrols, and colonial trade routes. The period emphasizes strict maritime discipline, harsh punishments, and the perilous life of sailors. Technology and weaponry reflect the age of sail, with improvised defenses and manual seamanship shaping the crew’s fate.

Location

Norway, London, Sydney, tropical island

The story shifts between Norway and the sea, with stops in London and Sydney as the voyage unfolds. Much of the drama takes place aboard a sailing ship, then on a remote tropical island where Haakon must survive. The island and coastal towns provide the contrast between home and the perilous, lawless world at sea.

🌊 Seafaring 🗺️ Travel 🇳🇴 Norwegian voyage 🏝️ Island setting

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – Shipwrecked (1990)

Meet the key characters of Shipwrecked (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Haakon Haakonsen — Stian Smestad

A young Norwegian boy who becomes the ship’s cabin boy after his father’s injury. He grows from unsure and overwhelmed to resourceful and brave, learning seamanship and survival through hard experience. Along the way, he earns the respect of his shipmates and builds steadfast bonds with Jens and Mary.

🧒 Protagonist ⚓️ Seafarer-in-training 🤝 Loyal friend

Jens — Trond Peter Stamsø Munch

A trusted older friend of Haakon’s family who acts as a sea daddy, teaching him the ropes and looking out for him as the voyage progresses. He provides mentorship, protection, and moral support, forming a surrogate brotherhood with Haakon. His loyalty is tested when the ship faces danger and betrayal.

🧭 Mentor 🤝 Loyal ally 🌊 Sailor

Mary — Louisa Milwood-Haigh

A stowaway who becomes a love interest and a key companion for Haakon. She shares in the peril and hope of the crew, ultimately helping the group navigate the dangers of pirates and escape the brig. Her presence on the island adds emotional depth to the voyage.

❤️ Love interest 🧭 Companion 🏝️ Island ally

Lt. John Merrick / Howell

A ruthless pirate posing as a naval officer after murdering the real Howell. He manipulates the crew by exploiting fear and authority, smuggling guns on board and plotting to seize treasure. He is cunning, dangerous, and central to the ship’s unraveling before the storm and ensuing conflicts.

🗡️ Antagonist 🧠 Mastermind 🏴‍☠️ Pirate impostor

Captain

The respected ship captain who is poisoned by Howell’s first mate, setting off a chain of mutiny and confusion. His death marks a turning point in the voyage as Howell assumes command and the crew faces grave peril.

⚓️ Authority figure 🗡️ Victim of betrayal

Berg — Knut Walle

A survivor of the wreck who survived the sinking and later joins the rescue effort. He and Steine are old friends of Jens who endure loss and captivity before reuniting with Haakon.

🌊 Survivor 🤝 Allied ally

Steine — Harald Brenna

Another of Jens’ friends who survives the sinking and becomes part of the rescued crew. His loyalty to the group helps bolster their chances during the pirate confrontation.

🌊 Survivor 🧭 Loyal ally

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – Shipwrecked (1990)

Explore the central themes of Shipwrecked (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚓️ Adventure

The voyage and shipboard life propel the narrative forward as Haakon learns to navigate dangers at sea. Survival instincts, quick thinking, and improvised tactics drive him through storms, mutinous crews, and pirate threats. The tropical island becomes both a testing ground and a frontier for his growing independence.

🗝️ Identity

The masquerade of Lt. Howell as the pirate Merrick creates a web of deception that haunts the crew. Haakon must discern truth from illusion while navigating loyalties and hidden motives aboard the ship. The lure of stolen identity drives key confrontations and consequences.

🤝 Loyalty

Friendship and duty bind Haakon to Jens and Mary as they face betrayal and danger together. Jens serves as a protective elder brother, teaching seamanship and risking himself for Haakon. The shared struggle to reclaim the ship and protect their companions reinforces the power of trust and camaraderie.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:32

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Shipwrecked Summary

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Shipwrecked Timeline

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Shipwrecked Timeline

More About Shipwrecked

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