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Documentary

Ghost Fleet (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Ghost Fleet (2019) movie poster

Ghost Fleet is a 2019 documentary directed by Jeffrey Waldron and Shannon Service, starring Patima Tungpuchayakul and Tun Lin. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $7,850 worldwide on a $1 million budget. Critics gave it 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10.

IMDb rating
7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
64%
worldwide gross
$7.9K
Echo Score
65
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Ghost Fleet (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Ghost Fleet About?

The premise of Ghost Fleet without spoilers.

In the remote Indonesian archipelago, a dedicated group of activists confronts the harsh reality of widespread enslavement in the fishing industry. Led by Thai abolitionist Patima Tungpuchayakul, they risk their lives to expose the exploitation and trafficking of thousands of fishermen. Facing illness, death threats, and systemic corruption, this courageous team fights for the freedom and justice of those lost at sea, hoping to inspire change and bring hope to their nation and beyond.

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Cast & crew

Ghost Fleet Cast

Patima Tungpuchayakul leads the cast, with Tun Lin. Directed by Jeffrey Waldron and Shannon Service.

Ratings

Ghost Fleet Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Ghost Fleet 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).

65 /100

Ghost Fleet Echo Score Breakdown

Ghost Fleet offers a competent but uneven examination of abusive practices in Thailand’s seafood industry. The film’s strengths in visual presentation and suspenseful sequences emerge in several scenes, yet its narrative depth and subject focus feel underdeveloped at times. While the documentary effectively raises awareness, it frequently skirts deeper contextual analysis and provides only modest emotional engagement. Despite strong moments of immersive storytelling, the piece ultimately settles into a mixed impression that underscores the importance of its topic but leaves room for greater exploration.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, Ghost Fleet displays a striking visual style with well-composed imagery that heightens its adventurous tone. Reviewers note its dynamic direction and immersive cinematography, especially in sequences depicting fishing crews. Critiques center on the editing, which sometimes sacrifices narrative focus for urgency. Overall, the film’s production design and camera work stand out, though the pacing of cuts occasionally detracts from cohesion.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    In terms of character and emotion, Ghost Fleet presents firsthand accounts that elicit empathy but lack full narrative development. The interview segments convey sincerity, though critics point out the film's limited attention to the subjects’ backgrounds and motivations. Emotional impact arises during personal reflections, yet the constrained contextual detail tempers the depth of its character portrayal. Ultimately, the film feels genuine but underdeveloped.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Ghost Fleet presents a focused advocacy narrative but exhibits irregular pacing. Reviewers acknowledge its commitment to exposing forced labor, yet they criticize the shallow treatment of contextual details and the abrupt transitions between topics. The film’s urgency sometimes undermines narrative coherence, leaving certain discussions underdeveloped. Overall, it sustains engagement through its cause but would benefit from a more cohesive and in-depth structure.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    For sensory experience, Ghost Fleet excels with immersive sound design and a vivid visual style that enhances its tense atmosphere. Critics highlight the documentary’s effective use of ambient audio and a measured score that underscores moments of peril. The cinematography’s sharp contrasts and dynamic framing contribute to its documentary thriller tone. Consequently, the film achieves a strong sensory impact that amplifies its thematic urgency and viewer engagement.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    In terms of rewatch factor, Ghost Fleet delivers limited appeal after its initial viewing. Audiences may revisit to reinforce its advocacy message, but the film’s narrow thematic focus and repetitive presentation reduce incentives for repeat viewings. Key moments remain informative, yet the scarcity of deeper narrative layers confines its lasting attraction. Ultimately, it fulfills its awareness objective but offers minimal long-term viewing value.

Box office

Ghost Fleet Box Office & Budget

Ghost Fleet grossed $7,850 worldwide on a $1 million budget.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$7.9K

US & Canada
$7.9K
Budget
$1M
Videos

Ghost Fleet Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Ghost Fleet.

Ghost Fleet Official Trailer
Cars

Cars in Ghost Fleet

19 cars on screen, including the 2010 BMW 5 F10 and the 2016 Audi A3 Saloon.

All 19 cars
  • 2010 BMW 5 F10 in Ghost Fleet 2010 BMW 5 F10 Main role
  • 2016 Audi A3 Saloon in Ghost Fleet 2016 Audi A3 Saloon Important role
  • 2008 Audi A4 B8 in Ghost Fleet 2008 Audi A4 B8 Important role
  • 2010 Audi Q7 in Ghost Fleet 2010 Audi Q7 Important role

Seen Ghost Fleet?

FAQ

Ghost Fleet FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Ghost Fleet, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Ghost Fleet?

Ghost Fleet runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Ghost Fleet released?

Ghost Fleet was released on June 7, 2019.

Who directed Ghost Fleet?

Ghost Fleet was directed by Jeffrey Waldron and Shannon Service.

Who is in the cast of Ghost Fleet?

Ghost Fleet stars Patima Tungpuchayakul and Tun Lin.

How much did Ghost Fleet make at the box office?

Ghost Fleet grossed $7,850 worldwide on a budget of $1 million.

How is Ghost Fleet rated?

Ghost Fleet has 7.5/10 on IMDb, 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 50% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Ghost Fleet have a post-credit scene?

No. Ghost Fleet has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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