The Poseidon Project (2013) User Reviews

Historically Interesting and Important

[cjlacava-791-938837 · 9/10 · 14 September 2013]

The Poseidon Project is a unique and interesting adventure that kept me guessing and rooting for the project's success. I found the documentary's subject matter distinctive and important. I especially enjoyed Schwankert's drive and intense interest in finding the truth and bringing it to complete strangers. Stranger who just happen to intersect with the story's history and legacy.

I am not a diver, but I have lived and worked in both China and England. I am also a genealogy and family history research aficionado. I can only imagine what it must have been like for the people in this documentary learning so much about the Poseidon's fate – literally out of nowhere. I can imagine that for generations to come, those related to this story by blood or deed will treasure this film and give thanks to all those who made it.

Schwankert's thoughts on the importance of family and naval history, philosophy of life above and below the water, and his western view from inside China were all exceptional. It is truly amazing what grew out of a simple Internet search and what one man's research uncovered.

I hope this is not the end of the project.

Fascinating documentary about a little-known piece of history

[susan-799-998029 · 10/10 · 23 September 2013]

In 1931, a Chinese steamship and the British submarine HMS Poseidon collided off the coast of northern China. It was a turbulent time in the region and just months before Japan invaded Manchuria.

The Poseidon was hailed as the best of its kind, not unlike the Titanic. A new documentary, The Poseidon Project, so brilliantly uncovers the story behind this tragic wreck.

As the Poseidon sank (it took four minutes), about half of its crew swam to safety. The others were trapped inside. Three hours later, six men surfaced–alive–from the site of the wreck. It was the first time people had escaped a submarine using scuba equipment.

Fast-forward 70 years. Scuba expert and writer Steven Schwankert learned of this shipwreck and sets out to dive it. But when he investigated further, he realized he had more on his hands than an underwater excursion.

Schwankert first lived in China in the mid-1980s and a decade or so later returned for good. Fluent in Mandarin and in the workings of mainland China, he understood what a huge undertaking this project would be. Yet he carried on and followed every lead, both in China and in the UK.

One of the most fascinating parts of the film was how he connected with family of the survivors and victims of the wreck: sons and daughters, but also grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Schwankert arranged for a reunion with these family members in China so they could visit the site of the collision and try to locate the former graveyard where some of the Poseidon crew was buried.

The story also took an unexpected turn during the Cultural Revolution, which put a wrench in Schwankert's investigation of these later events.

This is an excellent film for history buffs, Sinophiles, maritime aficionados, and people who enjoy true crime stories (although this doesn't really center around a crime, it has the same aura as a true crime film).

A wonderful film

[steven-779-767941 · 10/10 · 30 August 2013]

I'm a bit biased because this film is essentially about me. However, it brings this story of a lost submarine and it's secret history to life in a way I could not have imagined. I am grateful to Arthur Jones, Luther Jones and Luo Tong for creating a visual dimension to my book, and as such, for giving it a whole other life and audience.

For the viewer, this is a China story, a shipwreck story, and a story about the courage of men and what they will do when faced with the worst possible choices. You will not be disappointed and you won't want 74 minutes of your life back. See it at upcoming festivals in autumn 2013, and hopefully on a television channel near you shortly.