Rewatching it in 2025, its aged well. Such a good overall movie.

I went into this movie expecting cheap thrills. It surprised me with more. Its not perfect, the suspension of disbelief is predictably challenged, but it is very good.

Exploring cinematic depths heretofore unseen, James Cameron guides The Abyss into pure excitement and wonder.

I saw this at the theatrical release in Australia. As an openwater diver and instructor (at the time), the movie spoke to me and I loved the effects.. Just a delight and at the time a 10/10 for me!!

Very bad honestly. It would have worked much better as a sci-fi horror movie. Wasted potential for a plot.

I’m so glad I got to see this on the big screen!

One of the most magnificent and unique science fiction movies I’ve ever known. The special effects was magnificent compared most other science fiction films that were released back in the 1980s. I’ve even liked the personality of most of the characters throughout the film. I would most highly recommend watching the director’s cut version of this film, even though it’s almost three hours long.

A tad slow pacing but a good story and visually stunning .

After the success of sci-fi blockbusters 'The Terminator' and 'Aliens,' writer/director brought us 'The Abyss' in 1989, which was marketed both on its special effects and - to a lesser degree - 'aliens underwater.' However, most people took this as meaning that there would be hordes of xenomorph-like creatures picking off hapless divers. Yes, there are aliens contained within the movie, but, no, they're not the kind that want to burst out of your chest. And, sadly, a lot of people felt let down by the film and it didn't quite live up to its two predecessors. In the near future a mobile underwater drilling rig is hired by the military to rescue a crashed American nuclear submarine. A small team of Navy Seals joins the rig's crew and they dive down to see what happened to the sub. This was the - very - basic plot of the film and, if you told someone there were aliens in the movie, you'd kind of expect this to be the point where they make their entrance. Again, not the case - 'The Abyss' is so much more. I should point out that I own - and are therefore always referring to - the 'special edition' of the film. It's longer and contains vastly more information regarding the plot of what's (really) happening. The fact that so much was cut out in the original cinema cut was another reason it didn't really gel well with audiences. It's a long film and if you choose to sit down and really watch it (i.e. no fiddling with your mobile phone!) you'll get some of the most breathtaking underwater scenes ever filmed (certainly at the time). The special effects were cutting edge, utilising miniatures for the rigs and combining them with some of the best ever (again, for the time) computer-generated technology bring audiences of the day believable sights that they'd never seen before. And, on top of a fantastic looking motion picture, you get a decent 'human interest' story to hold it all together. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio play the leads - a pair of estranged rig workers who get caught up in all this. You could almost call this a bit of a 'love story' as it's about the two of them reestablishing a connection with each other in the fact of not only the weather raging above them, but also the unknown 'threat' of what lurks at the bottom of the ocean and an increasingly psychotic Navy Seal, perfectly played by (James Cameron favourite) Michiel Biehn. If you're looking for some sort of sci-fi 'blast-a-thon' full of action and fight scenes, then you're probably better sticking with 'Aliens.' However, if you're in the mood for something a little slower-paced and deeper, but at the same time brilliantly acted and spectacular to look at, then definitely try to get into the special edition of 'The Abyss.'

It was my first time watching this movie, and this is a highly underrated, but a really good movie. The vfx still holds up somewhat today, which is pretty impressive for a very early cgi usage. And the story was easy to follow, but was executed pretty well.

A masterpiece, both the movie itself as well as the sheer will of James Cameron to film so many of the scenes underwater, which really adds to the immersion (pun intended). A film like this will never be made again. A shame that several actors (Ed Harris, MEM) got put in danger and/or pushed way too far in the process. Story-wise it's also very enjoyable, with some very tense moments and great action.

Fantastic movie, with fantastic sets, special effects and a great story.

The Abyss is a true work of art, as dangerous it was to film this movie it definitely pays off with its stunning visuals and effects and great cinematography. This film is a visual masterpiece that often gets over shadowed by Cameron’s other works such as the Terminator, Aliens and Titanic. This film can be alittle hit or miss at times but the story is pretty good better than what people give it credit for. 8.5/10 in my opinion great film by James Cameron a true underdog.

Unpopular but I really did not like this movie at all it’s not terrible but it’s boring like 75% of the time and also what was the deal with that living wave like thing. But overall that’s just my opinion 1.5/5 stars or 4/10

Film PODOL, te jelas kehed

James Cameron's best film imo. A work of art that was very difficult to make, but it was worth it. The performances, set design, storyline and special effects are beyond amazing. This is top of the line film at the highest level of all time. Perfection!!

It was really promising and the acting is honestly amazing . But I did not like where the plot is going. Kind of reminded me of Alien but it in the end, I was disappointed.

(Spoilers!) 1989's the Abyss is a hidden gem in the world of 80's sci-fi thrillers, filled with a solid cast of actors, beautiful cinematography, and a skilled director. Most known for his movie Aliens, the Terminator, eventually Avatar, James Cameron brings the depths of the ocean alive with the predominant use of practical effects and minimal use of CGI. The film is immersive because the actors are physically there, wearing real scuba suits, using real submersibles, and most importantly, surrounded by thousands of gallons of real water, and it all shows in the final product. The struggle the characters often face is authentic, causing the viewer to experience the claustrophobic yet thrilling perspectives. The ledge which the underwater station precariously sits on is particularly ominous, causing Bud's descent to be genuinely terrifying. James Cameron choice to use predominantly practical effects led to an extremely challenging yet immersive product. The determination and hard work of the cast is revealed not only in the film itself, but also in all of the hardships that occurred during production. The filming process was not safe, but due to the strive for perfection and authenticity by the director, the cast had to fight for this narrative to be told. Water tanks busted, diving suits malfunctioned, people almost drowned (including the director), and filming was long and grueling for the actors. However, even though physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing, the cast continually gave their best performance resulting in very believable characters. The desperate struggle for survival makes all characters feel human, and not immune to fear and indestructible, further adding to the authenticity. While this movie is worth watching, it is not perfect and struggles in a couple key areas, the greatest of which is in the conclusion. The climactic sacrifice Bud makes at the end of the film is undercut by his rescue at the hands of the aliens. The narrative assumes completely pure motives of the alien creatures, giving them an unexplained drive for humanity's wellbeing. Even after the humans (mainly Lt. Coffey) show hostility towards the aliens, they still have a childlike innocence which leads them to risk certain discovery and possible destruction to protect this species. Another issue with the aliens is how easily they reveal themselves at the end. The revelation of their existence begs the question: why did they wait until now to reveal themselves? If exploding due to rapid ascension in the water is no concern and if their understanding of humanity is generally positive, then what motivates them to stay hidden? The presence and advancement of the aliens adds to the overall mystery and wonder of the film; however, they lack the proper behaviors in order for them to remain intrigued by the end of the film. Though we are told that they are incredibly intelligent creatures who survive at the bottom of the ocean, they prove simplistic in their actions and lacking in their motivation, but this does not destroy the integrity of the film. Overall, the film proves to be a thoughtfully crafted and well executed piece of cinema and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys sci-fi thrillers.

I finally saw this film after a long time of ‘I should see that some day'. Some of the effects are dated, but overall this film holds up much better than I thought it would. You can see many of the things that would later make Aliens so successful. But I like that unlike that movie, this one stands entirely on it's own without any other film to live up to, except maybe Poseidon Adventure. On the whole, the film isn't particularly stand out, other than just being a really well done example of an 80s adventure film with very few of the hangups that those films tend to have when viewed with modern eyes. If you're looking for a classic adventure film, I think this one is pretty great.

Really good movie until the end when it starts to get out of control really fast.